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Notes

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In the late 1630s, Poussin painted one of the summits of his art: the first series of Seven Sacraments. Commissioned by his friend and patron Cassiano dal Pozzo (1588–1657), Poussin depicted the seven rites of the Catholic Church: Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination and Extreme Unction. The series was celebrated for its beauty, innovation, and the careful depiction of these practices in their historic context. Poussin represents the sacrament of Eucharist with a depiction of the candlelit Last Supper. Christ holds the bread and cup of wine in one hand and raises the other in blessing. He is seated at a Roman triclinium (padded couch), with six disciples on either side. Judas is probably second from the left, the only disciple who does not turn towards Christ.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Eucharist

Date

about 1637–1640

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 95.5 x W 121 cm

Accession number

NG6700

Acquisition method

accepted in lieu of Inheritance Tax by HM Government (under a hybrid arrangement) and allocated to the National Gallery, bought with the support of a generous legacy from Mrs Martha Doris and Mr Richard Hillman Bailey, 2023