Nicolas Poussin's The Landscape With A Calm

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The Landscape with a Calm(figure B) by Nicolas Poussin from 1650-51 incorporates a realistic appearance through its gentle brushstrokes similar to natures simplicity in the oil on canvas artwork. Poussin’s objective is to depict the relationship of nature and man such as a transcendentalist; who accepts the ideas not as a religious belief but as a way of understanding life relationships. Although The Getty states that Poussin painted the Landscape with a Calm for “one of the most important patron, the merchant Jean Pointel.” His target was meant to illustrate literature but instead painted man and nature which was his definition of spirituality. The image is realistic due to its minor amount of emphasize on detail. It is perceived through …show more content…

The trees to the far left of the image capture ones attention as they contrast against the bright vivid colors of the background.The trees are meant to direct your eyes towards the palace and mountain. But also serve the purpose of framing the buildings and background. Similar to the trees the shepherd who is placed in the center of the image contrasts against the greens with red clothing. Poussin integrates his concept of nature and man by contrasting them. Continuing with the description of man who has a dog resting along his side symbolizing loyalty and the idea of “man’s best friend”. The artist then depicts the beauty of nature through the lake which acts as a mirror and reflects its surroundings. The detail placed into the lake allows one to conceptualize what importance nature had during this time period. Man connects to nature as illustrated through living in a region where all resources are available. In addition, the action of caring for the animals and establishing themselves without disturbing their surrounds by industrializing or by overusing their resources. However, Poussin illustrates a large surrounding to

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