Art Funded by you

The Triumph of Pan

Nicolas Poussin, 1636

The composition of this painting is highly centralised, with the revellers arranged in a tightly knit group around the figure of Pan. They are participating in this highly formal arrangement, a ceremonial dance which is both an exuberant display of erotic energy and a celebration of fertility. This painting is a milestone in Poussin's career, and shows him with characteristic rigour reforming his style by turning to the examples of classical antiquity and the early Renaissance. For his contemporaries it must have seemed like a reversion to primitivism, but it nevertheless established the basis of the style which was to serve him for the rest of his career.

More information

Title of artwork, date

The Triumph of Pan, 1636

Date supported

1983

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

134 x 145 cm

Grant

25000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

Get a National Art Pass and explore National Gallery

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

National Art Pass offers available at National Gallery

50% off exhibitions

Get a national art pass

National Art Pass offers available at National Gallery

50% off exhibitions

Art Funded by you FAQs

Why is this object record marked 'archive'?

Where can I see this work of art? Is it on display?

What is Art Fund's purpose?

How is Art Fund funded?

What type of funding do you offer?

What does the acquisition grants programme support and who can apply?

How many works of art has Art Fund helped museums to acquire?

I’m a curator/researcher/arts professional and would like to find out more about this work, how do I get in touch?

I’m a journalist and would like to contact Art Fund about this work, how do I get in touch?

I would like to donate a work of art to a museum. What do I need to do?

I'd like to leave a gift to Art Fund in my will. How can I do this?

Contact us

If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.

Get in touch