The Empire of Flora by Nicolas Poussin was created in 1631 and is in Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister Dresden. The size of the work is 132,5 x 182,5 cm and is made of oil on canvas.
About the Work
In “The Realm of Flora,” Poussin unites numerous mythological figures who are transformed into flowers upon death. He thus draws on anecdotes recounted by the ancient poet Ovid in his “Metamorphoses.” Among those gathered around the dancing goddess Flora are Narcissus, enamored with his own reflection, and Adonis, from whose hunting wound on his hip springs Adonis flowers. Blue hyacinths bloom from the fatal head wound of the beautiful Hyacinth. And at the feet of the suicide victim Ajax grows a carnation.
With its luminous, intense colors and ingenious composition, the painting depicts nature and the ever-changing nature of the world with great sensuality and poetic depth.
In his “Realm of Flora,” Poussin combines numerous mythological characters who turned into flowers upon their death. He portrays anecdotes related to the poet Ovid in his “Metamorphoses.” Grouped around the dancing goddess Flora are Narcissus, enraptured with his own reflection, as well as Adonis, who has anemone flowers sprouting from his hunting wound. Blue hyacinth flowers grow at the site of the fatal head injury sustained by the beautiful youth, Hyacinth. And as Ajax falls upon his sword, a carnation shoots up at his feet.
With its intensely radiant colors and ingenious composition, this painting depicts nature and the changing world with great sensuality and poetic expression.
