Study for the Triumph of Neptune and Amphitrite 1635

Nicolas Poussin made this pen and brown ink "Study for the Triumph of Neptune and Amphitrite" in France during the 17th century. It’s a sketch, a preparatory study for a larger, more finished history painting. Poussin’s focus on classical mythology and themes of order and reason aligned with the intellectual climate fostered by academies of art that were emerging across Europe, which aimed to elevate painting to the level of intellectual pursuit. The figures here, Neptune, Amphitrite, and the putti, embody an idealization of beauty derived from classical sculpture. They evoke an era of supposed moral clarity and are based on classical sources that served as models for ethical conduct. Understanding Poussin’s work means considering how institutions, like the French Academy, shaped artistic taste and promoted certain values. Accessing letters, treatises, and the records of the Academy itself helps historians understand the complex interplay between art, power, and social ideals in Poussin’s time.