It is with the pictorial conception of 'two-dimensional' construction that classic works of N. Poussin seem to have a close connection. It is evident that his characteristic device of 'planimetric' composition is mainly owing to his study of antique reliefs. The structure of this composition consists primarily of the architectural features with the background precisely parallel to the main picture plane and, in the foreground, of the arrangement of figures in horizontal strip. Toward 1630, when his inclination to a classicism made a decisive step, this method increased its significance. Although the works during the period from the second half of thirties are predominated by the perspective construction (ex. qr. "The Israelites gathering Manna" in Louvre), the planimetric composition reappears with strict geometrical features at the last stage of his accomplishment of classic paintings late in the forties. These last works of this composition are now esteemed as the realization of French classicism in its purest form and "The Holy Family on the steps" (Washington) is one of the most typical examples.
