Marine with the Trojans Burning their Boats 1642

Claude Lorrain's *Marine with the Trojans Burning their Boats* (1642) depicts a scene from Virgil's Aeneid, in which the Trojan hero Aeneas, after seven years at sea, orders his fleet to be destroyed to prevent his men from abandoning their quest to found a new city in Italy. The painting, a prime example of Claude Lorrain's distinctive style, uses soft light and atmospheric perspective to evoke a sense of serenity and melancholy. It is also notable for its detailed depiction of ships and maritime details, which reflect Lorrain's meticulous observation of the natural world. The painting was likely commissioned by a wealthy patron who appreciated Lorrain's mastery of landscape painting and his ability to convey historical narratives through visual means.