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Lunchtime talk

Nicolas Poussin's 'Eucharist'

Our Director examines the first acquisition of our Bicentenary year
Date
Monday, 15 July 2024
Time
1 - 1.30 pm (drop-in)
Location
Room 31

About

In the late 1630s, Poussin painted one of the summits of his art: the first series of Seven Sacraments. Commissioned by his friend and patron Cassiano dal Pozzo (1588–1657), Poussin depicted the seven rites of the Catholic Church: Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination and Extreme Unction. The series was celebrated for its beauty, innovation, and the careful depiction of these practices in their historic context.

'Eucharist' has now entered the National Gallery collection and is the first acquisition of our Bicentenary year. Poussin represents the sacrament of Eucharist with a depiction of the candlelit Last Supper. Join our Director, Dr Gabriele Finaldi for a lunchtime talk exploring this picture and the story of its acquisition in more detail.

Image: Detail from Nicolas Poussin, 'Eucharist', about 1637-40

Speaker

Dr Gabriele Finaldi
Dr Gabriele Finaldi is our Director. He was formerly Deputy Director for Collections and Research at the Prado Museum, Spain, and has been a curator at the National Gallery. A world expert on Italian and Spanish art, he studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, has written widely and curated many exhibitions.

Supported by

Supported by Elizabeth and Daniel Peltz OBE

Talks & conversations

Lunchtime talk

Nicolas Poussin's 'Eucharist'

Our Director examines the first acquisition of our Bicentenary year
Date
Monday, 15 July 2024
Time
1 - 1.30 pm (drop-in)
Location
Room 31

Free

Although this event does not require booking, we recommend you book a free Gallery entry ticket to gain admission to the National Gallery and save time on arrival. 

Please note, Gallery entry does not guarantee admission to this event. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.