North of Paris / Nord de Paris

OISE : CHANTILLY Poussin’s Painting of Influence Poussin, un peintre d’influence

Le Massacre des Innocents (The Massacre of the Innocents), the masterpiece by Nicolas Poussin, is the focal point of a major exhibition underway at the Domaine de Chantilly. From the genesis of the painting to its legacy, the work is juxtaposed with a number of prestigious artworks, on loan from other institutions, by leading modern and contemporary artists including Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon and Annette Messager.

The Musée Condé of the Domaine de Chantilly collection of paintings and drawings by Nicolas Poussin is second only to that of the Louvre in France. His Massacre des Innocents stands out for its treatment of the subject matter based on the biblical account of King Herod’s order to execute all children under two years of age in Bethlehem, a subject that was very popular in 17th century art. Poussin’s interpretation, showing the violence and brutality of the executioner and the despairing horror of the mother whose pained expression is unforgettable, continues to resonate. Poussin’s painting has been copied by many other artists, including Fragonard and inspired many others including Picasso and Bacon

The show brings together some 50 works underscoring the painting’s legacy and influence through many examples of paintings by modern and contemporary artists. An early version of the painting, on loan from the Petit Palais and a preparatory sketch of the work are also on display. The show winds up with the modern and contemporary interpretations of the Massacre des Innocents including Picasso’s The Charnel House, on show in France for the first time since 1954. Through to January 7th 25 minutes from Paris. Take the SNCF train from Gare du Nord Paris to Chantilly. 03 44 27 31 80 - www.domainedechantilly.com