Nicolas Poussin – ‘The Arcadian Shepherds’, Oil on Canvas, 1638 – 1639. Louvre, Paris Nicolas Poussin – ‘The Arcadian Shepherds’ (Second Version), Oil on Canvas, 1638 – 1639. Louvre, Paris What They don T Tell You about Paintings, the Arcadian Shepherds by Nicholas Poussin The Reasonable Shepherds In one respect or another, everyone is a snob. From time to time, all of us find it comforting to sneer at a crass and inferior species hovering pathetically at lower altitudes. Some evolutionary component in our brains clicks nicely together when we can reassure ourselves, in spite of our failings, we’re not quite the last runner in the race, and certainly not the most vulgar. When it comes to the creative fields, the conventional indication that you’re looking at tasteless pond scum is popularity. The more appeal someone has, the deeper down the social strata their reach extends, the more likely it is – so we are led to believe – that they’re crap. This is why Stephen King will never be shortlisted for the Booker prize, even though he’s often been ten times the story teller and crafter of characters than many who have. He’s too chummy with the tastes of … Meer lezen over Aengus Dewar – What They don T Tell You about Paintings, The Arcadian Shepherds by Nicolas Poussin