Drawing, Study after the Antique, by a close follower of Nicolas Poussin, French school, 17th century

Two draped figures, embracing and kissing each other.

Bought from E. Parsons for £2.10.0 (lot price) in 1885.

This drawing belongs to a series of 11 studies after the Antique (see D.309 to 319-1885) and was possibly made as patterns for sculptured panels or low-relief. The series was originally attributed to Nicolas Poussin but were catalogued in the section dedicated to the rejected attributions (‘dessins rejetés’) in the catalogue raisonné (Rosenberg, 1994). P. Rosenberg suggests however that the drawing was made by a close follower in the style of François Verdier (1651-1730).

The present drawing shows two mythological figures, embracing and kissing each other. The composition is reminiscent of the mythological scene showing Jupiter embracing Ganymede (in this scene, Jupiter is not always shown as an eagle).

A number of decorative projects and architectural designs have been influenced by Poussin, who favoured academic individual figures. In the 17th century, Poussin merged Classical with Baroque arts, focusing on the emotional mode within a clear and fluid composition. He sometimes sculpted or drew models from the Antique and worked on the purity of contour to transmit the idea of truth and morality. In this perspective, the drawing is reminiscent of such works as the Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus (Vatican Pinacoteca, Rome) and The Triumph of Bacchus (Kansas City) drawn from Greek low-reliefs.

In his early career, many artists worked as studio assistants with Poussin, drawing academic cartoons to help him to achieve designs for commissions and therefore imitating the master’s manner. His work influenced a major part of the 17th century artists.

This drawing showing two mythological figures kissing each other was possibly a preparatory design for a sculptured panel or a low-relief. Although not by Poussin himself, it shows some characteristics of the master’s work and was probably made by a close follower. Active in France and Italy, Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665) executed many series of paintings and drawings, with a general moralizing tone, dealing with Christian or mythological themes influenced by Roman Antiquity and the Renaissance masters.

D.313-1885