Art History II
Discussion Question #2
(Rubenistes or Poussinistes?)
Using your text, study these two paintings and the artists who created them:
1. The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus
Peter Paul Rubens
1617
2. The Burial of Phocion
Nicolas Poussin
1648
Choose the painting you like most. Analyze it in terms of subject, technique,
and space. Be prepared to discuss how you made your choice.
Due: Tuesday, April 9, 1996
Writing guidelines:
1. Typewritten copy preferred (handwritten acceptable)
2. Must be written in essay form—not just an outline
3. Should be approximately 250–300 words.
Nicholas Poussin (1594-1665)
Born in Normandy, spent most time in Rome
Establishes classical painting- French taste
Theoretical approach * infl by Titian & Raphael
Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
Flemish
international reputation
influenced by Michelangelo (Titian of the
Renaissance - Powerful synthesis
assisted by associates/ apprentices
large number of paintings
Rich numerous enterprises, shrewd man of
world, master in 1598 (21 yrs old)
Studied nature, liked landscape
(See sheet on “Grand Manner”
Director of French Royal Academy (see
attachment)
The Burial of Phocion - 47” x 70”
Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus 7’3” x 6’ 10”
Subject:
Chosen carefully from Literature of antiquity
very literary
Dorian mode
severe/ wisdom
* not particular timeconstruction of an idea
noble landscape
Subject:
Rubens central theme - the Human body
strong animal body - joyful, exuberant motion
Abduction of 2 you mortals by gods Castor &
Pollux who have fallen in love w/ them amorous theme. movement, exerted strength
Technique:
constructed rectilinear form - sculpturesque
form
planes, architecture from Rome
Interlocking horizontal shapes - balance of
light / dark
symmetry
Space:
closed space, compared to Rubens - very little
atmospheric space - instead clarity- idealismcalm
Technique:
revolving composition, turns on axis
diamond shape - defies stability, logic order
diagonals, rich color, textures - sensuous flesh
color of Flemish painters, light of Venice
Theme:
Plutarch’s life of Phocion - an Athenian hero
who was unjustly put to death by his
countrymen - then given a public funeral and
memorialized by the state. Burial on Athenian
soil even though forbidden at first
Space
volumes moving in space, theatrical
one split-second in time
light-weight movement
dynamic, expansive, outward spirally, imposing