Artwork details · 2026-04-04

The Adoration of the Golden Calf

by Nicolas Poussin · 1634

The Adoration of the Golden Calf by Nicolas Poussin

Artist

Nicolas Poussin was a leading painter of the classical French Baroque style, although he spent most of his working life in Rome. Most of his works were on religious and mythological subjects painted for a small group of Italian and French collectors. He returned to Paris for a brief period to serve as First Painter to the King under Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, but soon returned to Rome and resumed his more traditional themes. In his later years he gave growing prominence to the landscape in his paintings. His work is characterized by clarity, logic, and order, and favors line over color. Until the 20th century he remained a major inspiration for such classically-oriented artists as Jacques-Louis David, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and Paul Cézanne.

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Artwork

The Adoration of the Golden Calf is a painting by Nicolas Poussin, produced between 1633 and 1634. It is held in the National Gallery, in London.

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Quick facts

Artist
Nicolas Poussin
Year
1634
Movement
Baroque
Country
France
Location
National Gallery