Nicolas Poussin. Self-portrait realized in 1649. A second self-portrait will be painted the following year **November 19, 1665: death of the painter Nicolas Poussin in Rome** Considered "the Raphael of France", Nicolas Poussin was named "painter of philosophers and people of spirit", because in all his productions he was more jealous to move the soul by the greatness of thought and the power of expression, to charm the eyes with the prestige of art Born in Les Andelys (Normandy) on June 15, 1594 of a noble and very poor family, this painter, who may be called the Raphael of France, made his first studies under mediocre masters; his progress was nevertheless rapid. His merit had already broken out, and he was well employed when he left for Italy, always animated by the desire to perfect his art. [After…] Picturesque France