Poussin is regarded as the father of French painting. He is known for subtle and original interpretation of biblical, historical and mythological subject matter, and for his mastery of composition. He brought intellectual depth to his works, deciding upon a subject, then researching the text, often depicting several aspects of a subject in one work. His life was mostly lived in Rome except for a brief, unhappy spell as painter to the king of France. He was dogged by ill health. He planned his canvases meticulously. He had no assistants or collaborators and took complete responsibility for the conception and execution of his plans. He fixed a price on the work and never negotiated. He influenced David, Ingres, Seurat, Cezanne and Picasso among others, and is still influential today. The course will focus on the artist's biography, and the narrative behind selected works.