Nicolas Poussin, 1594-1665, Painter [obverse] 1796 - 1797

This bronze medal of Nicolas Poussin was created by Rambert Dumarest. The medal presents a low-relief portrait of Poussin in profile, set against a flat, circular field. Note how Dumarest uses the circular form to frame and contain the image, creating a sense of classical harmony and order. The crisp, precise lines define Poussin's features, from his neatly curled hair to the set of his jaw, conveying a sense of intellectual rigor. The inscription, which arcs around the portrait, serves not just as a label but as a formal element, echoing the circular shape of the medal and reinforcing its structure. Dumarest carefully balances the elements on the surface, and the medium itself —bronze— adds a layer of historical weight. The medal is a carefully constructed object that speaks to the enduring legacy of Poussin and the cultural values he embodied. Each element—shape, line, and material—works together to create a unified and meaningful whole.