DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.49607#0045
9
NICCOLO POUSSIN. Nat. 1594. Ob. 1665.
THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS.
Of this celebrated series there exist two sets, both at present gracing
collections in this country. The first series was painted by Niccolo for
the Commendatore Pozzo, an early patron of the artist, and descended to
the Marquis Boccapaduli at Rome, from whose Gallery the seven
pictures were removed to the possession of the Duke of Rutland.
The pictures which are here given, in point of composition and size,
differ considerably from the former series, and was painted at the ex-
press desire of Poussin’s particular friend M.de Chantelon : the Extreme
Unction, although the last in order, was the first painted; on being
sent from Rome to Paris it excited great admiration. The picture of
Baptism was criticised by the malevolent as a feeble composition;
Poussin ably defended the style he had adopted in treating the subject,
and in writing to his friends, assured them that persecution, so far from
discouraging, had a contrary tendency, and rather served as a stimulus
to new exertion. The entire series became part of the Orleans Collec-
tion, from whence it was purchased by his Grace the Duke of Bridge-
water. N.B. All the pictures are on canvass.
No. 12. BAPTISM.
This sacrament is represented by St. John baptizing Christ in the
river Jordan. Upon the brink of the river stands the Baptist, in a
dignified, yet respectful, posture, pouring water on the head of our
Lord, who is devoutly kneeling; his entire action fully expresses that
meek doctrine, “Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.’’ A
group of young men, situated at the right corner of the picture, with
D
NICCOLO POUSSIN. Nat. 1594. Ob. 1665.
THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS.
Of this celebrated series there exist two sets, both at present gracing
collections in this country. The first series was painted by Niccolo for
the Commendatore Pozzo, an early patron of the artist, and descended to
the Marquis Boccapaduli at Rome, from whose Gallery the seven
pictures were removed to the possession of the Duke of Rutland.
The pictures which are here given, in point of composition and size,
differ considerably from the former series, and was painted at the ex-
press desire of Poussin’s particular friend M.de Chantelon : the Extreme
Unction, although the last in order, was the first painted; on being
sent from Rome to Paris it excited great admiration. The picture of
Baptism was criticised by the malevolent as a feeble composition;
Poussin ably defended the style he had adopted in treating the subject,
and in writing to his friends, assured them that persecution, so far from
discouraging, had a contrary tendency, and rather served as a stimulus
to new exertion. The entire series became part of the Orleans Collec-
tion, from whence it was purchased by his Grace the Duke of Bridge-
water. N.B. All the pictures are on canvass.
No. 12. BAPTISM.
This sacrament is represented by St. John baptizing Christ in the
river Jordan. Upon the brink of the river stands the Baptist, in a
dignified, yet respectful, posture, pouring water on the head of our
Lord, who is devoutly kneeling; his entire action fully expresses that
meek doctrine, “Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.’’ A
group of young men, situated at the right corner of the picture, with
D