Self-portrait (Red Chalk Drawing) - Nicolas Poussin
Archival giclée
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Description
A rare, intimate red chalk self-portrait of Nicolas Poussin from 1630, created during his recovery from a severe illness in Rome.
This red chalk drawing captures Nicolas Poussin in 1630, a period during which the artist suffered from a severe illness. The work offers a direct, unvarnished view of the painter at a time of physical frailty. Poussin, a central figure in the French Baroque tradition, typically focused his output on classical history and mythological subjects. This study, however, provides a rare, personal glimpse into his private life in Rome.
The drawing displays the technical precision characteristic of Poussin's preparatory work. The use of red chalk allows for subtle gradations in tone, defining the contours of his face and the dishevelled state of his hair. His expression is weary, reflecting the toll of his health struggles. The surrounding text, added by a later hand, provides historical context regarding the circumstances of the portrait's creation, noting his recovery period in Rome.
Unlike his formal, composed history paintings, this sketch prioritises immediate observation. The lines are fluid yet controlled, demonstrating his command over the medium. The composition is tight, focusing entirely on the head and shoulders, which draws the viewer's attention to the psychological state of the subject. It remains a significant document for those interested in the personal history of seventeenth-century artists. The print captures the texture of the original paper and the specific warmth of the red chalk, making it a suitable addition for collections focused on classical drawing techniques or the history of portraiture.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Self-portrait (Red Chalk Drawing) - Nicolas Poussin
Artist Biography
Nicolas Poussin
Poussin's artistic vision was rooted in order, reason, and harmony. Unlike the dramatic flair of the Baroque, Poussin sought clarity and balance in his paintings. His meticulously planned compositions, populated with figures inspired by ancient sculpture, evoke a sense of timelessness and moral virtue. Key works like "The Death of Germanicus" and "The Rape of the Sabine Women" exemplify his dedication to historical and mythological subjects, rendered with a controlled palette and precise draughtsmanship.
Although he spent a significant portion of his career in Rome, Poussin's influence on French art was profound. He became a touchstone for generations of artists seeking to emulate his intellectual approach and classical ideals. His legacy extends beyond individual paintings; it encompasses a philosophy of art that values intellect, order, and the pursuit of ideal beauty. Poussin died in Rome in 1665, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire awe and intellectual engagement.
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