Why did Claude Lorrain include biblical, mythological, and pastoral figures in his landscapes?

Claude Lorrain, a master of ideal landscape painting, included biblical, mythological, and pastoral figures to align his work with the Classical concepts that governed the beauty and harmony of his compositions.1

Rather than merely depicting nature, Claude sought to present a view more beautiful than reality itself, often drawing inspiration from the Roman Campagna—a landscape deeply associated with the remains of antiquity. By incorporating figures in Classical or biblical dress, he imbued his scenes with narrative depth and historical resonance. While his early works often featured contemporary shepherds, his later, more monumental compositions frequently utilized subjects from sacred history or Classical mythology to define the mood and structure of the landscape. These figures were essential to his artistic vision, serving to elevate the poetic and sublime qualities of his work.1