The two sets of seven paintings of the Sacraments are among the great achievements of European seventeenth century art. They have always been recognised as among the masterpieces of the founding father of modern French painting, Nicolas Poussin. The traditional view of these paintings has been limited: by the assumption that they were painted merely to satisfy seventeenth century classical taste and antiquarian scholarship. In this first book-length study of the Sacraments the author illuminates their religious content. Never before have these paintings been connected with Counter-reformation biblical commentary and illustrations in devotional books. The hieroglyphs and other mysteries in the paintings are all discussed, including the meaning of the famous E on the pillar in the second version of Ordination. This has always puzzled scholars. However, its meaning is clarified in this book. Prior to this there has been no adequate recognition of the importance of the Sacraments in the history of paintings of narrative subjects. For the first time, the two sets of paintings are seen as continuous series of paintings to be seen in a particular order and intended as the main decoration of particular rooms. This book also includes detailed commentary on Poussin's many preparatory drawings. The historical context comes vividly to life in commentary provided on Poussin's letters to his patrons. This book is essential reading for specialists, but it will also enthral anyone interested in the paintings of the Old Masters. Comments About the Book: "I know of no more splendidly developed exercise in the close reading of Poussin's paintings, and the literature associated with them. In giving sustained attention to this group of images, Tony Green shows that when Poussin claimed to have neglected nothing, he indeed was indeed serious. I have learned much from this admirable book, which makes a contribution to contemporary debate about this very great artist." -- David Carrier, Getty Research Institute, Author, Poussin's Paintings: A Study in Art-Historical Methodology.
Even in our time Poussin's Sacraments are poorly known.I began studying these paintings in Edinburgh in 1963 for a PhD thesis, which I completed in 1968. Ever since, I have continued to believe that their importance has been little recognised or understood, in spite of the conventional wisdom according to which they are always said to be his most significant masterpieces.
When they are seen, for the first time, in the context of the religious thought of the Counter-Reformation, they begin to make sense. Furthermore, they are intricate and thoughtful series of paintings, whose merits have been largely concealed, rather than revealed, by their adoption for the purposes of the academies of earlier centuries. There is almost as much to unlearn as to learn about Poussin's paintings.
