Studio of Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665)
Mercury stopping the chariot of Apollo c.1640-42
Cream paper, graphite underdrawing, pen and brown ink, pale brown wash, discoloured white heightening, squared in graphite | 27.8 x 27.8 cm (circular) (sheet of paper) | RCIN 911969
Studio of Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665)
Mercury stopping the chariot of Apollo c.1640-42
Studio of Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665)
Mercury stopping the chariot of Apollo c.1640-42
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A circular drawing of Mercury, below, stopping the sun-chariot of Apollo, while Night draws her curtain above. In the 'three days of night' that followed, Jupiter consummated his relationship with Alcmene, from which union Hercules was born. This is a working drawing by a member of Poussin's studio in Paris, possibly Jean Lemaire, one of many episodes from the life of Hercules for the illusionistic decoration of the Grande Galerie of the Louvre.
Provenance
Probably Cassiano dal Pozzo (1583-1657); from whose heirs bought by Pope Clement XI, 1703; passed to his nephew, Cardinal Alessandro Albani, 1714; from whom acquired by George III, 1762
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Cream paper, graphite underdrawing, pen and brown ink, pale brown wash, discoloured white heightening, squared in graphite
Measurements
27.8 x 27.8 cm (circular) (sheet of paper)
Other number(s)
RL 11969
