The Assumption of the Virgin
Nicolas Poussin·c. 1630/1632
Historical Context
Poussin's Assumption of the Virgin from around 1630-32 dates from his early Roman period and shows him engaging with one of the supreme subjects of Catholic devotional painting — the bodily ascent of the Virgin into heaven. Poussin's early treatment of this subject reflects his absorption of the Roman Baroque tradition while resisting its theatrical excess, his figures disposed with a classical order and restraint that distinguished his approach from Lanfranco's swirling ceilings and Bernini's dynamic sculptures. The Assumption would become increasingly rare in his later production as he moved toward secular and Old Testament subjects, making this early treatment of Marian devotion significant for understanding his development.
Technical Analysis
Poussin's oil on canvas shows his early Roman style with warmer, more vibrant color than his later works, dramatic figure movement, and a dynamic circular composition that creates a powerful sense of ascension.
Provenance
Probably the painting recorded in the posthumous 1638 inventory of Vincenzo Giustiniani [1564-1637], Rome,[1] who may have commissioned it, and probably the painting still recorded in the Palazzo Giustiniani in 1688. Conte Niccolò Soderini [d. 1779], Rome, by 1750; sold by 20 September 1764 for 500 crowns through (James Byres, Rome) to Brownlow Cecil, 9th earl of Exeter [1725-1793],[2] Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire; by inheritance to his nephew, Henry Cecil, 10th earl and 1st marquess of Exeter [1754-1804], Burghley House; by inheritance to his son, Brownlow Cecil, 2nd marquess of Exeter [1795-1867], Burghley House; by inheritance to his son, William Alleyne Cecil, 3rd marquess of Exeter [1825-1895], Burghley House; by inheritance his son, Brownlow Henry George Cecil, 4th marquess of Exeter [1849-1898], Burghley House; by inheritance to his son, William Thomas Brownlow Cecil, 5th marquess of Exeter [1876-1956], Burghley House; by inheritance to his son, David George Brownlow Cecil, 6th marquess of Exeter [1905-1981], Burghley House; sold 1962 to (Wildenstein & Co., Inc., Paris, New York, and London); sold 1963 to NGA. [1] Silvia Danesi Squarzina, _La collezione Giustiniani_, 3 vols., Torino: 2003: 1:297, fig. 114. [2] Timothy Standring, "Poussin et le Cardinal Massimi...," in Alain Mérot, ed., _Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665): Actes du colloque organisée au musée du Louvre, 19-21 oct., 1994_, 2 vols., Paris, 1996: 1:385 n. First noted by Brinsley Ford, "James Byres: Principal Antiquarian for the English Visitors to Rome," _Apollo_ 99 (1974): 451.
