The Entombment

The Entombment by Nicolas Poussin is a profound drawing executed in pen and brown ink, created sometime between 1651 and 1662. This powerful work of historical religious significance centers on the biblical Entombment, capturing the sorrowful moment when the followers of Christ prepare his body for burial. Poussin, the paramount French classical Baroque painter, prioritized composition, clarity, and emotional gravitas throughout his career, principles that are clearly articulated even in this quick study.

The choice of pen and brown ink allowed Poussin to define the complex arrangement of figures and voluminous drapery using economic, decisive lines. The scene is meticulously orchestrated, utilizing figures drawn from classical antiquity and carefully balanced groupings that characterize the artist's mature style. While the primary subject is rooted in the Passion narrative of Christ, the composition elevates the event through classical restraint, transforming raw grief into measured, noble suffering. This approach contrasts sharply with the high drama employed by some of his Baroque contemporaries.

This exceptional drawing is classified within the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection, serving as a vital record of 17th-century French draftsmanship. As a key work by Poussin, its precise composition and intellectual rigor continue to influence academic study. The widespread popularity of classical masters ensures that study materials and high-quality prints derived from works like The Entombment are frequently made available within the public domain for global scholarly access.