The Adoration of the Magi
Nicolas Poussin17th century (original dated 1633)
Dulwich Picture Gallery
London, United Kingdom
"This is a 17th century copy of Poussin's Adoration of the Magi in the Gemäldegalerie, Dresden, signed and dated 1633.
Its spatial construction, as well as the arrangement of the figures, is inspired by Raphael's fresco of the same subject in the Vatican Logge and shows the influence of Annibale Carracci and Domenichino. This marked an important turn in Poussin's style: a step away from the earlier influence of Titian and the sensuous colouring of the Venetian school, to shift towards a more classical treatment of light, a clearer definition of volumes and a monumental poise in the gestures of the characters."
- Title: The Adoration of the Magi
- Creator Lifespan: 1594 - 1665
- Date: 17th century (original dated 1633)
- Physical Dimensions: w1410 x h1292 cm
- Type: Painting
- Medium: Oil
- Work Nationality: French
- Support: Canvas
- Provenance: Sir E. Walpole, bef. 1784; London, Christie's, Sir J. Reynolds sale, 17 Mar. 1795, lot 98. Bt Lawrence (?bt in); London, Phillips, Reynolds sale, 9 May 1798, lot 47. Bt Bourgeois for £283.10; London, Noel Desenfans and/or Sir Francis Bourgeois, 1804-1807: 1804 Insurance List, no. 49; London, Sir Francis Bourgeois, 1807-1811; Bourgeois Bequest, 1811
- Further Information: Nicholas Poussin (1594-1665) was born and trained in France. He travelled to Rome in 1624, where he remained for the rest of his life. His early mythologies were based on a study of Titian, but he was increasingly influenced by the example of Raphael and antique sculpture and evolved a measured, intellectual style which was to have a seminal influence on the future of French painting. The Adoration of the Magi is set not in a manger, but rather in the midst of ancient ruins. Pouissin and his followers would have come across such classical structures in seventeenth century Italy, and such a work would have appealed to the growing market for Italianate scenes.
- After: Poussin, Nicolas
- Acquisition Method: Bourgeois, Sir Peter Francis (Bequest, 1811)
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