Nicolas Poussin

Biography

Nicolas Poussin was born in 1594 in Les Andelys, Kingdom of France. He was a painter, draftsman, and art theorist, recognized as one of the founders and prominent representatives of classical painting. In 1624, Poussin moved to Rome, where he gained the patronage of Cardinal Francesco Barberini, which supported the development of his artistic work. His art encompassed various genres, including genre painting, religious, mythological, and historical painting, as well as allegories, landscapes, and portraits. Thanks to the support of King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, Poussin was awarded the title of first painter to the French court. In 1640, the artist relocated to Paris; however, he struggled to adapt to court life and encountered conflicts with leading French artists. By 1642, he returned to Italy and lived in Rome until his death in 1665, continuing to work on commissions for the French royal court and collectors. Among his notable works are "Et in Arcadia ego," "The Seven Sacraments," "The Battle of the Israelites with the Amorites," "The Lamentation over the Dead Christ," "The Four Seasons," and "The Inspiration of the Poet." Poussin also engaged in graphic arts and architectural drawing. He died and was buried in Rome.