The Holy Family with Infant John the Baptists Nicolas Poussin, French 1594-1655 SN 361, Oil on Canvas by Robert Anderson. Artist: Nicolas Poussin, who was active primarily in Rome, is regarded not only as the greatest French painter of the 17th century but also as the mainspring of the Classical tradition in French painting. He was influenced by Titian's work until about 1633 when he moved to a more austere classicism which recalls Raphael and Giulio Romano. He became preoccupied with the depiction of emotion by the gestures, pose and facial expression of his figures. On an otherwise brief unhappy visit to Paris (1640-42) he came into contact with the intellectual bourgeoisie who became patrons for the rest of his life. Over the next decade he painted for these patrons the works which are considered the purest examples of the Classical spirit. In this Poussin believed that painting must present noble and serious human situations in an orderly manner with appeal to the mind and not the eye. Trivial sensuous allures such as glowing colors were not acceptable. Poussin had a practice of preparing his compositions with the aid of a shadow box or a model stage filled with wax figures. By rearranging the figures and lighting he was able to produce drawings notable for their controlled but emotionally effective choreography.

Notable works included The Seven Sacraments, with contrasts of light and dark ; Dance to the Music of Time, in which Music, Poetry, and Dance were brought together in a painting ; Landscape with Diogenes which gives an expression of mood in which the harmony of nature and the virtue of man are explored. Landscapes are presented as if they were architectural constructions, with clearly defined planes within a finite enclosed space.

During the 1650's Poussin's depiction of religious subject matter became more poignant and his capacity to go to the heart of the subject matter reached a new level of intensity. The Ringling Holy Family, for example, is the most grandiose and severe in conception of all of the Holy Families he painted. This maniera magnifica or magnificent style lasted from about 1655 to his death some ten years later.

Subject:
This painting depicts the Holy Family with John the Baptist who is portrayed as a young boy. The Christ child on Mary's lap appears to bless the young John who in opening his arms seems to recognize the Christ as his saviour. Joseph's reflective pose evokes a philosophic sense of wonderment and mystery.

Painting:
This painting has been described as one of Poussin's finest works. It is an excellent example of Poussin's mature style and demonstrates his careful study of Raphael and antique sculpture.

The Virgin seated on a sturdy throne, holds the Infant Christ on her lap with St. John kneeling on her footstool. John opens his arms in an gesture of adoration as he is blessed by Christ. St.John's right hand motions outward to the viewer to allow us to participate in the blessing. Joseph leans on his staff in the background , one hand covering his chin in contemplation. Poussin, in this painting, emphasizes the tender expression of the Virgin and the gentle interplay between the blessing by Christ and St John as he recognizes Him as his saviour.

There is a wonderful harmony of cool dusty pinks and deep blues in the Virgin's robe, set off against the dark forest green of the drapery behind her and the grey-violet and gold of Joseph's gown and mantle.

The figures are solid and monumental and seem frozen in place. They have a weighty solemnity and timeless quality found in the best classical sculpture. Poussin achieved this effect by interpreting every form in terms of geometric solids and voids. For example, the Madonna and Child can be inscribed neatly within a triangle - the figure of Joseph is as solid and cylindrical as the column next to him. Poussin used strong contrasts of light and shadow to enhance this effect of solid sculptured forms.

Historical Context:
This grandeur and simplicity, which appeals more to the mind than the senses is characteristic of 17th century Classicism, in contrast to the painterly virtuoso performance of a Baroque artist like Rubens. This classicizing style was to have tremendous impact in France and reached its most perfect moment in the paintings of Jaques Loius David over a century later.