Midas Washing at the Source of the Pactolus, ca. 1627, Oil on canvas, 38 3/8 x 28 5/8 in. (97. 5 x 72. 7 cm), Paintings, Nicolas Poussin (French, Les Andelys 1594?1665 Rome), The picture was painted not long after Poussin arrived in Rome. It represents the story of Midas, an allegory of vanity, from Ovid?s Metamorphoses. Bacchus offered Midas a gift, and the king asked that everything he touched be turned to gold