Mars and Venus c. 1630

Nicolas Poussin made this painting with oil on canvas, using the traditional techniques of the time. The way Poussin applied the paint is meticulous, especially evident in the drapery’s folds and the rendering of skin tones, and the details on the cherubic figures and weaponry. The canvas texture is not particularly emphasized; instead, the focus is on smooth gradations of color and light, which contribute to the overall sense of classical harmony and order. The materiality of oil paint allows for layering and blending, capturing the softness of flesh and the sheen of metal. The labor involved would have been extensive, from preparing the canvas to grinding pigments and applying multiple layers of paint, indicative of the patronage system and the artist's role within it. Paying attention to the materials, the way they’re handled, and the social context of art production helps us appreciate the cultural values of the time, and Poussin’s skill in bringing those values to life on canvas.