![Weisse Tänzerin in Kleinem Variété [White Dancer in a Cabaret]](http://www.nationalgalleries.org/media/15/collection/GMA 2924.jpg)
![La Jalousie II [Blind Jealousy II]](http://www.nationalgalleries.org/media/15/collection/GMA 2832.jpg)
Nicolas Poussin
A Dance to the Music of Time
1640
The ability to communicate meaning through dance has been explored by artists throughout the ages. Poussin's lively drawing, which is a study for a painting in the Wallace Collection, London, represents the idea that the events of life form a rhythm, like a dance. The circle of dancing women is thought to represent the earthly concerns of poverty, labour, riches and pleasure. Dancing to music made by Father Time and accompanied by babies playing with meaningful props (bubbles and an hour-glass implying the passage of time), these linked figures invite us to think about the shortness of human existence.
- Glossary (4 terms)
- Open
Commission
When an individual or organisation employs an artist to execute a particular project, the process and the resulting work are termed a ‘commission’.
Draughtsmanship
The ability to draw skilfully, often refers to technical drawing.
Putto
A chubby, naked boy, sometimes winged, frequently associated with representations of Greek and Roman gods of love.
Symbolism
The representation of subjects or ideas by use of a device or motif to create underlying meaning. A literary and artistic movement that originated in France and spread through much of Europe in the late 19th century. There was no consistent style but rather an appeal to the idea of the artist as mystic or visionary and the desire to express a world beyond superficial appearances.
- Glossary (3 terms)
- Open
Classicism
A general term for art and architecture based on ancient Greek and Roman culture.
Composition
The arrangement of different elements in a work of art.
Patronage
The support given to artists by an individual or organisation, usually through buying or funding their work.
- Credits Purchased by Private Treaty, with the aid of the Art Fund (Scottish Fund), the Pilgrim Trust, the Edith M. Ferguson Bequest and contributions from two private donors, 1984
- Medium Pen, brown ink and wash on paper; traces of squaring on black chalk
- Size 14.80 x 19.90 cm (framed: 44.00 x 59.00 cm)
