Jul 27, 2006
Jul 27, 2006
Jun 23, 2008

Nymphs and a Satyr (Amor Vincit Omnia)

Nymphs and a Satyr (Amor Vincit Omnia)

c. 1625–1627

Nicolas Poussin

(French, 1594–1665)

Oil on canvas

Framed: 121 x 152 x 7 cm (47 5/8 x 59 13/16 x 2 3/4 in.); Unframed: 97 x 127.5 cm (38 3/16 x 50 3/16 in.)

Gift of J. H. Wade 1926.26

Description

Like his colleague Claude Lorrain, Poussin depicted historical and mythological subjects in landscapes inspired by the countryside around Rome. His themes were often complex, and frequently incorporated witty allusions to classical texts. Here, a playful cupid tugs Pan, the goatlegged Greek god of the woods, toward Venus, the goddess of love. The painting cleverly illustrates the Latin phrase amor vincit omnia, or “love conquers all” (in Greek, pan means “all”). The woodland setting represents the idyllic paradise of Pan’s home.

See also
Type of artwork: 
Painting
Medium: 
Oil on canvas
Credit line: 
Gift of J. H. Wade

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