Mountain Landscape c. 1635 - 1640

Nicolas Poussin made this pen and brown ink drawing called "Mountain Landscape", but the date is unknown. We see a meticulously constructed vista, reminiscent of the Roman countryside where Poussin spent much of his career. But this is not just a depiction of nature, it's a constructed view, mirroring the 17th-century French aristocracy’s desire for order and control, even in the wild. Poussin's landscapes, while seemingly serene, subtly reinforced the prevailing social hierarchy. The emphasis on classical ideals reflects the artistic academies that shaped taste and promoted the values of the monarchy. By studying Poussin’s drawings alongside historical texts, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, power, and the evolving cultural landscape of 17th-century Europe.