Cephalus and Aurora
Oil painting on canvas • Nicolas Poussin
Style & Movement
Neoclassicism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing smooth neoclassical blending, chiaroscuro lighting effects, and precise academic draftsmanship
Creation Period
1810
Dimensions & Format
Horizontal landscape format, approximately 96 x 131 cm
Subject Description
Mythological scene depicting the sleeping hunter Cephalus discovered by Aurora, the goddess of the dawn, accompanied by a putto and a hunting dog in a dark woodland setting
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good, stable museum condition with minor professional conservation history appropriate for its age
Estimated Market Value
Museum quality / Inestimable
Auction Estimate
Museum holding / Not applicable for commercial sale
Provenance History
Acquired by the National Gallery in London through historical collections and acquisitions
Art Historical Significance
A masterpiece representing the neoclassical interpretation of classical mythology, showcasing the artist's mastery of narrative composition and handling of the human form
Notable Features
Exquisite handling of light breaking through the dark foliage, highly finished academic anatomy, and dramatic theatrical staging characteristic of high-period mythological painting
Condition Issues
Minor age-related craquelure and subtle varnish yellowing typical of 19th-century oil paintings on canvas
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain strict climate control with stable relative humidity (45-55 percent) and low-UV museum lighting; periodic surface dusting by a professional conservator
Collector Notes
National Gallery in London