Poussin, Nicolas

(1594-1665)

   painter

   Nicolas Poussin, who was the founder and greatest practitioner of 17th-century French classical painting, was born in Villers, near Les Andelys, normandy. He studied painting in Paris and probably also Rouen, then in Rome (1624). His early works reflect the influence of Caravaggio and the Mannerists (Mort de Germanicus, Martyre de Ger-manicus, St. Peter's, Rome, 1628). Poussin gained important patrons and in 1631 became a member of the Academy of St. Luke. Returning to France, he was commissioned by Cardinal richelieu to paint Quatre Bacchanales and Triomphe de Neptune, gaining also wealthy patrons and strengthening his ties to the Royal Academy. Works done in this period include L'Enlèvement des Sabines, L'Inspiration du poète, Écho et Narcisse, Orphée et Eurydice, L'Empire de Flore, Les Bergères d'Arcadie, and a series, Quatre Saisons, considered the purest embodiment of French classicism. His works are characterized by calm, structured composition, the use of cool colors and clear lighting, and feelings of solemnity. Poussin believed that art should appeal to the mind rather than the eye, and should present noble themes devoid of triviality and sensuality. These principles became the basis of the French academic style of the 17th century, and his work symbolizes the virtues of order, logic, and clarity. Poussin has influenced the course of French art until the present day. until the 20th century, he remained the dominant inspiration for such classically oriented artists as jacques-louis david, jean-auguste INGRES,and PAUL CÉZANNE.