Nicolas Poussin

1 8.4

A French painter from the 1600s known for paintings of myths and religious scenes

proper noun

: Nicolas Poussin

Many art historians consider Nicolas Poussin a central figure in the development of French classical painting.

Examples

Inspired by antiquity, Nicolas Poussin often depicted mythological and religious subjects in his paintings.
The works of Nicolas Poussin are celebrated for their clarity and order.
The museum's new exhibit includes several works by Nicolas Poussin.
Did you know that Nicolas Poussin was born in 1594?
Inspired by antiquity, Nicolas Poussin often depicted mythological and religious subjects in his paintings.
Many art historians consider Nicolas Poussin a central figure in the development of French classical painting.
The museum's new exhibit includes several works by Nicolas Poussin.

Synonyms

Poussin

vsNicolas Poussin

1 9.9

A French painter from the 1600s known for calm, balanced classical paintings

is the full personal name used in formal or precise references

Surface Forms

Nicolas Poussin main

Morphology

Nicolas + Poussin

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the meaning 'a French painter (1594–1665)' is not compositionally built from the constituents. Knowing the words 'Nicolas' and 'Poussin' (or that they are names) does not allow a B1 learner to infer the profession, dates, or significance. Proper names are referential/arbitrary across languages, so the expression is not transparent.

Etymology

Nicolas Poussin was a French painter who made calm, clear scenes from myths and the Bible in a neat 'classical' style. That's why his name is now used when people talk about the French 'classical' way of painting.