Landscape with the nymph Egeria and Numa 1669

Claude Lorrain's *Landscape with the nymph Egeria and Numa*, painted in 1669, is a quintessential example of his *ideal landscape* style. The painting depicts a serene and idyllic scene with a winding river, lush foliage, and classical ruins. It features the Roman king Numa Pompilius and the nymph Egeria, referencing a story from Roman mythology in which the nymph is Numa's advisor and guide. Lorrain masterfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and atmosphere, capturing the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. The inclusion of classical ruins in the landscape, particularly the temple, adds a sense of historical grandeur and intellectualism.