The Louvre Museum, Richelieu wing, 2d floor, room 16 Les Quatre Saisons constitutes a synthesis of Poussin’s late style: in a setting emphasising the beauty of nature, the theme of the succession of the seasons merges with that of hours, periods of human life; the biblical narrative combines with classical mythology in a synthesis between … Continue reading The Four Seasons or The course of History – painted for the Duke of Richelieu (1660-1664)
The Louvre Museum, Richelieu wing, 2nd floor, room 16 Oil on canvas, 117 x 160 cm According to Félibien, this canvas was painted for the Duke of Richelieu (nephew of the cardinal) between 1660 and 1664. Also called Le Paradis terrestre (The Earthly Paradise) or Adam et Ève dans le Paradis terrestre (Adam and Eve … Continue reading Spring or The Earthly Paradise – painted for the 2d Duke of Richelieu (1660-1664)
The Louvre Museum, Richelieu wing, 2nd floor, room 16 Oil on canvas, 118 x 160 cm Below are details of the work: Winter or The Flood is part of The Four Seasons series: “Men of genius have often announced their exit by means of chefs-d’oeuvres” L’Hiver (Winter) is part of the Four Seasons … Continue reading Winter or The Flood – painted for the Duke of Richelieu (1660-1664)
The Louvre Museum, Richelieu wing, 2d floor, room 17 Oil on canvas, diam. 297 cm, ordered by Richelieu for the Grand Cabinet of his palace. The painting, in room 17:
Nephew of the Cardinal, a great collector It was for Armand Jean de Vignerot du Plessis, 2nd Duke of Richelieu that Poussin created the Four Seasons of the Louvre series at the end of his life, in the spring between 1660 and 1664. Their reception, around 1664-1665 was an opportunity to bring all the lovers … Continue reading The duke of Richelieu (1629-1715)