Parnassus (Poussin) facts for kids

The painting Parnassus, also known as Apollo and the Muses, is a famous artwork created by the French artist Nicolas Poussin between 1631 and 1633. This beautiful painting shows the Greek god Apollo with the Muses, who were goddesses of art and science. It was inspired by an earlier painting by the Italian artist Raphael and can now be seen at the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain.

Discovering Poussin's Parnassus

What is the Story Behind Parnassus?

This painting takes its name from Mount Parnassus, a real mountain in Greece. In ancient Greek myths, Mount Parnassus was believed to be the home of the god Apollo and the nine Muses. Apollo was the god of music, poetry, art, and light. The Muses were goddesses who inspired people in different arts like music, dance, poetry, and history.

In the painting, Apollo is shown in the center, often playing a musical instrument like a lyre. He is surrounded by the Muses, who are usually seen with symbols of their arts. The famous ancient Greek poet Homer is also shown in the painting, often looking inspired by the divine music and poetry.

Who Painted This Masterpiece?

The artist behind Parnassus is Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665). He was a very important French painter who spent most of his life in Rome, Italy. Poussin is known for his paintings that often show scenes from ancient Roman and Greek history, mythology, or the Bible. His style is very clear and orderly, with careful attention to how figures are arranged and how light and shadow are used.

Poussin's paintings often tell a story or teach a lesson, and he was very good at showing emotions and ideas through his art. He is considered one of the most important painters of the Baroque period in France.

Where Can You See Poussin's Parnassus?

Today, Parnassus is kept at the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. The Prado Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world, home to many masterpieces by Spanish, Italian, and French artists.

This painting was first mentioned in Spain in 1746. It was part of an inventory, which is like a detailed list, of artworks at the La Granja de San Ildefonso palace. This palace was a royal residence, meaning it belonged to the king and queen of Spain. Over time, the painting moved to the Prado Museum, where millions of visitors can admire it every year.

See also

• List of paintings by Nicolas Poussin