The Confirmation 1649

Nicolas Poussin made this painting, "The Confirmation," with oil paint on canvas, using techniques rooted in the traditions of the Old Masters. Consider how the texture of the canvas supports the illusionistic depth of the scene, contrasting the rough, woven surface with the smooth figures and architectural elements. Poussin, like other painters of his era, had to rely on a supply chain that extended to all corners of the world, for pigments like ultramarine made from lapis lazuli. The time involved in the production of the work is further emphasized through the artist's own labor, from grinding and mixing pigments, preparing the canvas, to applying layers of paint, building up the composition. Paintings like this one were a form of luxury good, reflecting the wealth and power of its patrons. By focusing on the materials and processes of creation, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic forces that shaped its production and meaning.