Artwork
The Sacrament of Penance
The Sacrament of Penance is an oil painting by the Spanish Baroque Tenebrist artist Nicolas Poussin. It dates from 1647 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.
About this work
Overview
The Sacrament of Penance is an oil painting created by Nicolas Poussin in 1647, currently held at the Scottish National Gallery.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a group of people gathered around a table in a dimly lit room, engaged in a scene of quiet contemplation. The figures wear classical-style clothing, suggesting a historical or allegorical context.
Technique & Style
Poussin employed chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and volume, using strong contrasts between light and dark to shape the composition and emphasize certain elements.
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.
