In the Light of Poussin: The Classical Landscape Tradition

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art
January 08, 2008 to April 13, 2008
By Evonne Fitzgerald

In what is a small but extraordinary showing of 16th and 17th century landscape paintings, the Metropolitan has again compiled an exhibit that boggles the mind in its beauty and power. “In the Light of Poussin” is an exquisite exhibition, drawn from the Metropolitans own store-house collection of 16th and 17th century landscape paintings. This lovely exhibit has the magical ability to both charm and inspire. It would have been a shame to allow such masterpieces to sit wastefully in some old dusty warehouse, unseen and unappreciated for years; thankfully, this is not to be their fate. These lovely pieces are by contemporaries of Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665), the 17th century artist who is best known as the creator of the classical tradition in French painting. He was also a master of landscape painting; therefore, it is understandable that he had many followers both in his own time and well into the 20th century, Pablo Picasso being among his numerous admirers.

From February 12 through May 11, 2008, “Poussin and Nature: Arcadian Visions” will join this exhibit to create a sweeping presentation of the best in 17th century landscape paintings; these are two separate exhibits to be sure, but nevertheless it will be worth your while to view both exhibits. Together, they present a wonderfully inspirational view into 17th century landscape art.

Nicolas Poussin was born in Les Andelys, where he was fortunate enough to have been schooled in both Latin and the classics. This gave him the ability to find employment as a History Painter, which requires an artist to use religion, mythological, historical, literary, and allegorical motifs to express narratives. Poussin, who found himself in a world graced by the legacy of Greek and Roman art and yet emerged in the colorful and dramatic spirit of Baroque art, decided to liberate himself from all and chose to paint a vision within a frame which was totally a homage to the natural world. Nature, its purity, and its simplicity was what attracted Poussin, and hence by this spiral, he emerged as a brilliant and inspirational landscape painter. This is a wonderful opportunity for students of the arts to experience Nicolas Poussin’s fabulous landscapes. His masterpieces, with their radiating colors and textures expressing a remarkable representation of the natural world, are an opportunity not to be missed.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82 Street, 212 570-3828

Ref: The Encyclopedia of Art 2008