Liber Veritatis

work by Claude Lorrain

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June 30, 2026

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The Liber Veritatis, meaning "Book of Truth," is a significant work by the French artist Claude Lorrain. Created between 1635 and 1636, this volume contains 195 drawings that are careful copies of Lorrain's own paintings. Each drawing includes notes about the patron or destination of the artwork, and later entries even note the date of completion.

Initially compiled as a safeguard against the forgery of his paintings, the Liber Veritatis evolved into a cherished possession for Lorrain and a valuable record of his artistic development and clientele. It also served as a source of inspiration for new compositions. The book is a testament to Lorrain's meticulous approach to his art and his desire to document his prolific career.1

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Claude Lorrain
Life and works
In 1635–36 he began the Liber Veritatis (“Book of Truth”; in the British Museum, London), a remarkable volume containing 195 drawings carefully copied by Claude after his own paintings, with particulars noted on the backs of the drawings indicating the patron for whom, or the place for which, the picture…
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In 1635–36 he began the Liber Veritatis (“Book of Truth”; in the British Museum, London), a remarkable volume containing 195 drawings carefully copied by Claude after his own paintings, with particulars noted on the backs of the drawings indicating the patron for whom, or the place for which, the picture…
Read More