Artwork
Jupiter als Kind von der Ziege Amalthea genährt
Jupiter als Kind von der Ziege Amalthea genährt is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Nicolas Poussin. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Nicolas Poussin’s 1639 oil painting titled *Jupiter als Kind von der Ziehe Amalthea genährt* is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. The work presents a mythological scene set in a tranquil landscape, arranging its figures in a balanced composition that guides the eye toward the central interaction between the infant deity and the goat.
Subject & Meaning
The scene illustrates the early life of the Roman god Jupiter, nourished by the goat Amalthea. A woman in a white robe sits upon a rock, while another in a yellow‑blue dress kneels with a jug, suggesting a nurturing environment. A man in orange reaches toward the goat, emphasizing the act of feeding and the protective care surrounding the divine child.
Technique & Style
Poussin employs a restrained palette of earth tones and muted hues, arranging the figures in a triangular formation that creates visual stability. Light falls softly across the landscape, modeling forms without dramatic chiaroscuro, while the gentle shading conveys depth and a sense of calm. The composition reflects the classical clarity characteristic of Poussin’s mature period.
History & Provenance
Executed in 1639, the painting entered the German capital’s Gemäldegalerie collection, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s later career, a period when Poussin was consolidating his reputation for mythological subjects, and the work has been documented in the museum’s catalogue since the early 20th century.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Nicolas Poussin (UK: , US: , French: ; June 1594 – 19 November 1665) was a leading painter of the classical French Baroque style, although he spent most of his working life in Rome.
