Artibus et Historiae no. 18 (IX)

1988, ISSN 0391-9064

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CARLO DEL BRAVO - Readings of Poussin and Claude

The texts the paintings refer to in their iconography - texts which are often clumsy translations - are not just looked at, but studied extensively. Not only one particular iconology is sought for in each painting, but a hypothesis is made for an overall iconology for the artist or at least for him at one stage of his activity. By doing so, we reach the conclusion that the thought of Poussin in Rome consistently depends on Ovid's philosophy, with its Stoic conception of Providence joined with that of Love as an inevitably pacifying and civilizing force, and with a glorification of liberality and inspiration. One also concludes that Claude's thought depends on the Platonism of Plutarch, who speaks of sociability and action based on philosophy, of the presence of God in places and souls, and of the necessity of inner purity to receive God without harm.