Tancred and ErminiaNicolas Poussin · 1631
Acrylic On Canvas- WallArt
- Baroque Classicism
1631
98.0 x 147.0 cm
Hermitage Museum
Historical Context
The painting depicts a scene from Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered," written in 1581. The story revolves around Tancred, a crusader knight, and Erminia, the daughter of the ruler of Antioch. Erminia hastens to aid Tancred, who has been wounded in combat with the giant Argant.Artistic Significance
Poussin's work is characterized by its lyrical quality, emotionalism, and painterly softness, which are unique to his early period. The painting showcases Herminia cutting off her hair to bind Tancred's wounds, embodying the idea of self-sacrifice for love.Restoration Efforts
The painting was acquired by Catherine II in 1766 from the collection of Jacques-André-Joseph Aved. Over time, it underwent several restorations, including a transfer to a new canvas in 1854, which led to minor flaking and abrasions. In recent years, the State Hermitage's Laboratory for the Scientific Restoration of Easel Paintings has worked to restore the painting to its original glory.Exhibition History
Tancred and Erminia has been exhibited in various locations, including Paris in 1937, Moscow in 1955, Leningrad in 1956, and Paris again in 1960. A variant of the painting is housed at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham, England.Relevance to Mus3ums
Mus3ums offers high-quality, handmade oil painting reproductions of famous artworks, including those by Nicolas Poussin. For art enthusiasts and collectors, these reproductions provide an opportunity to own a piece of history without the hefty price tag of an original masterpiece. Tancred and Erminia is a testament to Poussin's skill in capturing emotional depth and beauty. As a masterpiece of French Classicism, it continues to inspire art lovers around the world.Nicolas Poussin (1594 – 1665)
Explore Nicolas Poussin's masterful Baroque paintings—renowned for serene landscapes and mythological narratives inspired by classical antiquity. Discover iconic artworks at Mus3ums.
Hermitage Museum (Saint Petersburg, Russia)
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About this artwork
- Title: Tancred and Erminia
- Artist: Nicolas Poussin
- Year: 1631
- Original dimensions: 98.0 x 147.0 cm
- Format: Landscape
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Hermitage Museum
- Movement: Baroque Classicism
- Corpus context: roman mythology, virtue
- Color palette: Earthy
Quick Facts
- Year: 1631
- Dimensions: 98 x 147 cm
- Influences: Classical Antiquity
- Artistic style: Lyricism; Emotionalism
- Notable elements or techniques: Dramatic battle scene; Classical composition
- Title: Tancred and Erminia
Questions & Answers
Are the colors of "Tancred and Erminia" by Nicolas Poussin vivid or muted?
"Tancred and Erminia" by Nicolas Poussin is recorded with a muted saturation and a monochromatic intensity.
Does the copyright of "Tancred and Erminia" by Nicolas Poussin allow reproductions?
The copyright status of "Tancred and Erminia" by Nicolas Poussin is clear: the work is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Its presence at the Hermitage Museum does not change that status.
What is "Tancred and Erminia" about, and what atmosphere does it have?
"Tancred and Erminia" by Nicolas Poussin depicts classical mythology, sacrifice, healing, battle scene, virtue, romance, pastoral landscape, in a dramatic mood. Subject and atmosphere together describe the work.