In this episode, art advisor and Reading the Art World  host, Megan Fox Kelly, speaks with Emily A. Beeny, curator at The Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco and co-author with Francesca Whitlum-Cooper of the book, Poussin and the Dance. Their conversation takes an in-depth look at Nicolas Poussin in 17th century Rome — a city rich with classical sculpture from antiquity and Renaissance paintings that led the artist to formulate an entirely new style of painting. Long considered one of the most influential French painters of the 17th century, the French Neoclassicist Poussin is seen in a wholly new light.

Beeny talks with me about how Poussin’s paintings from the 1620s and 1630s of gods and goddesses, biblical and historical figures, are choreographed across his canvases like dancers on a stage. Tracing the motif of dance throughout this period, the book examines how Poussin devised new methods of composition and depicting motion. We explore Poussin’s artistic process and influences, notably his use of wax figurines to choreograph the compositions he drew and painted. 

Purchase “Poussin and the Dance,” by Emily A. Beeny and Francesca Witlum-Cooper, at shop.getty.edu or nationalllery.co.uk.

Music composed by Bob Golden.

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"Reading the Art World" is a podcast featuring live interviews with leading authors and writers on important new art books. Megan Fox Kelly is an art advisor and past President of the Association of Professional Art Advisors who works with collectors, estates and foundations.

Music composed by Bob Golden