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Commentary on Nicolas Poussin's «Deluge»

1802

Source: Tate Gallery

[D04327]

The Deluge by N. Poussin.

The color of this picture impresses the subject more than the incidents which are by no means fortunate either as to place, position or color, as they are separate spots untouched [Finberg: untoned] by the dark color that pervades the whole. The lines are defective as to the conception of a swamp'd world and the fountains of the deep being broken up. The boat in the waterfall is ill judged and misapplied for the figures are placed at the wrong end to give the idea of falling. The other boat makes a parallel with the base of the picture and the woman giving the Child is unworthy the mind of Poussin. She is as unconcerned as is the man floating with a small piece of board no current or effluvium [Finberg: ? ebullition] although a [continued on folio 42] waterfall is introduced to fill up the interstices of the Earth. Artificially, not tearing and desolating but falling placidly in another pool. Whatever might have been said of the picture by Rousseau never can efface its absurdity as to forms and the introduction of the figures but the color is sublime. It is natural is what a creative mind must be imprest by with sympathy and horror. The pale luminary may be taken for the moon from its size and color. But the coloring of the figures denies it – and the half tint on the rock etc. oppose the idea of its being the sun. Upon the whole the picture would have been as well without it although a beautiful idea – but by being so neutral, become of no value.

Nicolas Poussin: «Deluge» (Wikipedia)