Der Tod des Germanicus (The Death of Germanicus), 1797
Engravingexpand_more
Gift of funds from Frank and Mary Rassieurexpand_more 2019.33.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
One of Mia’s greatest treasures in Nicolas Poussin’s painting The Death of Germanicus, completed in 1627. Immediately recognized as a masterpiece, it became the model for classicizing paintings for the next two centuries. Not only did it treat the timeless themes of death, grief, loyalty, and revenge, it also set the standard for translation of ancient Roman relief sculpture into modern painting.
But how could that single painting exert such influence' Commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, it remained with descendants of the Barberini family until 1958, when Mia purchased it. Painted copies and prints, such as the present one, spread the fame of Poussin’s masterpiece. Etchings based on the painting were made in the 16- and 1700s, but Johann Joseph Freidhoff’s mezzotint was novel in its translation of the image through means that were predominantly tonal rather than linear. The result is a dramatic nocturne, somewhat more tenebrous than Poussin’s painting, thus in keeping with the Romantic spirit of German art of the late 18th century—a reminder that viewers of each generation bring their own unique vision to older works of art.
Details
- Title
- Der Tod des Germanicus (The Death of Germanicus)
- Artist Life
- 1594–1665
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2019.33.2
- Provenance
- Sale Bassenge, Berlin, November 28, 2018, lot 5294
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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