The artwork titled “Landscape with a Man Killed by a Snake” is an oil on canvas piece created by the artist Nicolas Poussin in 1648. It is a quintessential work of the Classical art movement, known for its clarity, harmony, and order. The dimensions of this painting are 119.4 by 198.8 centimeters. As a landscape genre piece, it currently resides in the National Gallery located in London, United Kingdom.
The artwork presents a serene and classical landscape, expansive and rich in detail, depicting nature’s order and beauty. However, this tranquility is juxtaposed with a scene of sudden drama and mortality. In the foreground, there is a man sprawled on the ground, clearly lifeless, with a serpent observed near his body, implying that he has been killed by the snake’s venomous bite. This tragic scene unfolds unnoticed by the figures in the middle ground who are engaged in mundane activities by a river that winds through the landscape.
The background is composed of classic serpentine lines that lead the viewer’s eye through the milieu of rolling verdant hills and clusters of trees, towards distant blue mountains under a light sky. The composition effectively balances the peaceful landscape with the intimate tragedy, suggesting themes of life’s fragility and nature’s indifference. In keeping with Poussin’s style, the artwork reflects a structured and intellectual approach to painting, with careful attention to composition and the emotional impact of the scene on the viewer.
