Accession Number
81405
Medium
Red chalk, with red wash, on cream laid paper
Dimensions
22.3 × 31.8 cm (8 13/16 × 12 9/16 in.)
Classification
chalk
Credit Line
The Leonora Hall Gurley Memorial Collection
Background & Context
Background Story
Nicolas Poussin's Noah's Sacrifice is a red chalk drawing with red wash on cream laid paper, depicting the biblical scene of Noah offering a sacrifice after the flood. Poussin's treatment shows his characteristic combination of classical order and biblical narrative, the composition carefully structured, the figures arranged with clarity and dignity.
Cultural Impact
Poussin's biblical compositions set the standard for classical history painting in the 17th century.
Why It Matters
This red chalk drawing of Noah's sacrifice shows Poussin's mastery of composition and his dignified treatment of biblical narrative.
