Confirmation 1645

Curator: Here we have Nicolas Poussin's "Confirmation," crafted in 1645, a prominent example of the Baroque style using oil paint on canvas, and currently residing in the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh. Editor: It strikes me as a rather somber scene, even a bit claustrophobic despite all those figures. The dramatic shadows almost swallow everyone. What exactly is being confirmed here? Curator: Poussin depicts a scene of Christian confirmation, one of the seven sacraments. Focus on the details. How he orchestrates the distribution of light, which draws the eye to the sacramental act. Also, think about how the brushstrokes and composition construct this as an example of academic art that circulated within a well-connected patronage system. Editor: You're right. The light, meager as it is, really makes the rituals visible. There is such solemnity on view in their clothing and body language. Although it makes me feel…removed. Is this meant to have this effect? I think about what we're confirming nowadays. Our belief? Is it this simple? Curator: I think there's a tension present in the work because Poussin relies on classicising visual vocabulary to deliver highly ritualistic practices. The production of Poussin's artworks would also involve several apprentices. A careful labor process would be required to produce a complex painting such as this one. We see the convergence of social and cultural production! Editor: It’s fascinating how he marries these distant influences and makes a case for ritual at this intersection. Thanks for helping me tune into the mechanics of belief represented here; for all the drama in that light and shadow, the true marvel might just be how he engineers the whole spiritual production. Curator: Glad I could illuminate things, hopefully in ways Poussin would find amenable.