Which country inspired the majority of paintings by French artist Nicolas Poussin?

Although Nicolas Poussin is one of the most important artists in French history, he spent a large portion of his career in Italy. Born near Les Andelys in Normandy in 1594, Poussin grew up learning Latin but spent much of his schooling drawing in his sketchbooks. Although his parents disapproved of a painting career, Poussin ran away to Paris in 1612 to search for work as an artist.

At the age of 30, Poussin travelled to Rome, the artistic capital of Europe. He joined the Academy of Domenichino and the Academy of St Luke to study the art of painting nudes and took many opportunities to visit churches to examine the works of Raphael, Caravaggio, whose work Poussin hated, and other well-known Italian painters. Poussin fell in love with the architecture and statues around Rome, particularly the figures on ancient marble friezes.

As Poussin’s reputation grew, he gained patrons and admirers, including from his home country, France. One of his most prestigious clients, Cardinal de Richelieu, worked for Louis XIII, who was one of the most powerful people in Europe. In 1635, Richelieu commissioned Poussin to paint three Triumphs: 'The Triumph of Pan', 'The Triumph of Bacchus' and 'The Triumph of Silenus'.

In December 1640, he briefly returned to Paris to take up the position of First Painter to the King but found life in the royal court overwhelming. In 1642, he returned to Rome where he passed away in 1664.