The Testament of Eudamidas
Nicolas Poussin
1644-1648
Poussin is the painter-philosopher of the 17th century. His works were mainly created in Rome, a place dominated by the Italian Baroque with its focus on sensuousness and effect. In sharp contrast to this style, Poussin’s clear imagery stands out.
The period’s interest in thought and enlightenment took many forms, one of them being a keen interest in classical stoicism, a school of philosophy focusing on reason and moral argument.
In the writings of the ancient scholar Lucian, stoicism presented itself in the story of Eudamidas’ exemplary friendship with two other citizens in Corinth who assumed responsibility for his mother and daughter after his death as stipulated in his will.
Poussin’s picture of the dying Eudamidas dictating his will to a scribe presents this ideal friendship with imagery as clear as the value of Eudamidas’ friendship is obvious.
The figures are clearly rendered in local colours that make them stand apart from their surroundings.
SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, Copenhagen · Image: SMK – National Gallery of Denmark, Public domain · Text: SMK – National Gallery of Denmark (text: Thomas Lederballe) (adapted), CC0