Description
The painting The Seven Sacraments I: Ordination by the artist Nicolas Poussin is a masterpiece of French Baroque art found in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. This painting is one of seven that the artist created about the sacraments of the Catholic Church, and represents the sacrament of priestly orders.
Poussin's artistic style is characterized by great attention to detail and a balanced, classical composition. In this work, the artist uses a sober and dark color palette, which accentuates the solemnity and seriousness of the moment represented. The main figure in the painting is the bishop, who is in the center of the composition, surrounded by other priests and faithful who attend the ceremony.
The history of this painting is interesting, as it was commissioned by Cardinal Richelieu, the powerful Prime Minister of France at the time of Louis XIII. Poussin worked on the work for several years, and when he finally presented it to the cardinal, he was so impressed that he commissioned the remaining six paintings on the sacraments.
A little-known aspect of this work is that it was the subject of much controversy in the 18th century, when some art critics considered it too austere and unemotional. However, over time, the painting has been recognized as one of Poussin's most important works, and as one of the best depictions of the sacrament of priestly orders in the history of art.