Poussin and “The Shock of the Nude.”

Well, for better or worse there’s no doubt that modern artists like Poussin. This time it’s the turn of the late pop artist Richard Hamilton. His last major artwork was interrupted by death last year; but as the Independent reports here, “he allowed the National Gallery to incorporate three of his Photoshop studies in a show of his works he was already planning with them.”

The image above was inspired by Balzac’s famous story about an artist, Le Chef-d’œuvre inconnu I have used this source on my courses, but I usually choose Picasso's witty drawings and paintings on the subject- scan down this post for examples. But I might use Hamilton’s unfinished work now as I find the nude, Poussin, Courbet and Titian an intriguing juxtaposition. It invites interesting perspectives on art history.

One thing. If Poussin represents “youth” in this fragment of the “Balzac  Triptych”, I should point out that Poussin was middle-aged when he did his self-portrait in 1649-50; though Poussin is a young, unknown painter in Balzac’s story, but Hamilton could have chosen the British Museum S/P which shows NP as a younger man. Titian’s fine for old age, and as for Courbet, he might be too young for middle-age. It’s a pity Hamilton isn’t here to explain what he meant to say here.

A slideshow is available here.

Comments

[Bendor]

I had a look at this exhibition today. Really woeful pictures. The pastiches with Titian and Poussin wouldn't look out of place on the railings at Green Park.

[David Packwood]

Hi Bendor. Thanks for the tip-off. I can't say that I'd want to rush and see this.

[replica watches]

I really appreciate what you'v posted here. I will recommend it to my friends. Thank you for sharing.