Self Portrait - Nicolas Poussin
Archival giclée
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Description
A formal 1649 self-portrait of the French Baroque painter Nicolas Poussin, depicting him with the tools of his profession.
Painted in 1649, this work depicts Nicolas Poussin at the age of fifty-five. The artist presents himself in a formal, intellectual manner, holding a stylus and resting his hand upon a portfolio. This choice of props identifies him as a man of letters and a practitioner of the fine arts, aligning with his reputation as a painter-philosopher. The composition is structured and balanced, reflecting the classical rigour that defined his career in Rome.
The background features architectural elements, specifically pilasters adorned with relief carvings, which provide a sense of depth and historical context. Poussin wears a dark, heavy cloak that contrasts with the lighter tones of his face and the paper he holds. His expression is composed and direct, engaging the viewer with a steady gaze. The lighting is controlled, focusing attention on his features and the tools of his trade.
This portrait was commissioned by Paul Fréart de Chantelou, a significant patron of the artist. The Latin inscription at the top of the canvas identifies Poussin and his status as a painter to the French king. The work is a clear example of the artist's approach to portraiture, where the subject is presented with dignity and intellectual weight. The palette is restrained, relying on earth tones and deep shadows to create a sense of gravity. The brushwork is precise, allowing for the clear definition of form and texture, from the fabric of his clothing to the subtle modelling of his skin. This image offers a view into the self-conception of one of the most influential figures in seventeenth-century European art.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Self Portrait - Nicolas Poussin
Artist Biography
Nicolas Poussin
Poussin's artistic vision was rooted in order, reason, and harmony. Unlike the dramatic flair of the Baroque, Poussin sought clarity and balance in his paintings. His meticulously planned compositions, populated with figures inspired by ancient sculpture, evoke a sense of timelessness and moral virtue. Key works like "The Death of Germanicus" and "The Rape of the Sabine Women" exemplify his dedication to historical and mythological subjects, rendered with a controlled palette and precise draughtsmanship.
Although he spent a significant portion of his career in Rome, Poussin's influence on French art was profound. He became a touchstone for generations of artists seeking to emulate his intellectual approach and classical ideals. His legacy extends beyond individual paintings; it encompasses a philosophy of art that values intellect, order, and the pursuit of ideal beauty. Poussin died in Rome in 1665, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire awe and intellectual engagement.
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