The “Embarkation of St. Paula Romana at Ostia” is a classical oil painting created by Claude Lorrain around 1638. The artwork measures 145 x 211 cm and is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. This religious painting belongs to the classicism art movement.
In the painting, Claude Lorrain depicts a serene harbor scene bathed in a warm, golden light that is characteristic of his work. The foreground shows a bustling port with various figures engaged in activities typical of a departure. People can be seen loading small boats, conversing, gesturing, and bidding farewells, creating a lively narrative. The central figure, St. Paula Romana, is likely depicted amidst the crowd, although the painting focuses more on the overall atmosphere than on individual character identification.
The artist uses intricate details to render the boats, the architecture of the classical buildings, and the distant ships. Perspective lines draw the viewer’s gaze toward the horizon, where the calm sea meets the sky. The architecture, including the commanding columns and edifices, adds a sense of grandeur and timeless beauty to the composition. The foliage on the right side adds a natural element to the scene, while the overall light and color palette evoke a sense of calmness and the sublime, which is typical of Lorrain’s landscapes and classical compositions.
