Mercure, Hersé et Aglaure
Nicolas Poussin·1625
Historical Context
Mercury, Herse and Aglauros from around 1625 at the Beaux-Arts de Paris depicts the Ovidian myth where Mercury falls in love with Herse while her jealous sister is turned to stone. Poussin's early mythological narratives demonstrate his deep engagement with classical literary sources. Working in Rome from 1624 onwards, Poussin served a cultivated international clientele of French and Italian patrons who prized his learned, disciplined approach to classical antiquity and religious narrative. H...
Technical Analysis
The mythological figures are arranged in a narrative composition with classical clarity. Poussin's handling of the contrasting characters demonstrates his developing narrative skill.
