Painterly depictions of dance are some of the most beautiful and beloved works in art history. Famous examples portray this theme through different styles, including history painting, portraiture, and genre scenes. They show mythical figures, aristocrats, and commoners engaged in bodily rhythmic movement, a primordial expression of our humanity.
‘A Dance to the Music of Time’
“A Dance to the Music of Time,” between 1634–1636, by Nicolas Poussin. Oil on canvas; 32.4 inches by 40.9 inches. The Wallace Collection, London. (Public Domain)
The 17th-century French painter Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665) is considered one of the most important Baroque artists. He is referred to as the “Father of French Classicism,” though he spent most of his career in Rome. Prestigious patrons included King Louis XIII of France, King Philip IV of Spain, and Cardinal de Richelieu….