Nicolas Poussin was born to Jean Poussin and Marie de Laisement on June 15, 1594 in Les Andesys, Normandy. His father was a nobleman who served in the Tavanes regiment under Kings Charles IX, Henry III, and Henry IV. Due to a lack of monarchial funds during this time, Jean had to cover the cost of his armor, horse, and other necessities which ultimately left him poor by the time he left the regiment. Although Nicolas’ family was considered impoverished nobility, Nicolas was educated in Latin, letters and the sciences. Nicolas was gifted in drawing and his gift was recognized by Quentin Varin while he visited Les Andesys in 1611 and 1612, ultimately Varin became his first teacher. In 1612 Nicolas left for Paris, while in Paris he studied anatomy, …show more content…
Nicolas’ Jesuits paintings caught the attentions of Giambattista Marino and he commissioned Nicolas to create a series of drawings based Ovidian mythology. Nicolas went to Rome in 1624 and remained there for the rest of his life. Giambattista introduced Nicolas to Marcello Sacchietti who was one of Rome's most important patrons. In the mid 1620’s Nicolas also met Cardinal Francesco Barberini, who gave Nicolas one of his first Roman commissions. During this time Nicolas also met one of his greatest inspirations Cassiano Del Pozzo. Pozzo introduced Nicolas to the world of antique art, literature, and philosophy, which were inspiration for him for the rest of his life. …show more content…
In the last ‘s Nicolas created some of his most noble paintings which included Eliezer and Rebecca, The Holy Family on the Steps, and The Judgement of Solomon. These are considered some of the greatest masterpieces of Classical art. Later when Nicolas was asked how he attained such perfection in painting, he simply stated “I have neglected nothing.” Nicolas Poussin has been considered a master of Classical landscape, and one of the supreme masters of abstract formal