What was the disagreement between the Poussinists and the Rubenists?

The disagreement between the Poussinists and the Rubenists was a prominent aesthetic debate within the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture that began in 1671. It centered on whether disegno (drawing) or colour should hold preeminence in the art of painting.1

• The Poussinists: Supporters of Nicolas Poussin, they argued that drawing—the use of line to depict form—was superior because it satisfied the mind. They believed in the Platonic concept of ideal objects, which could be reconstructed through a reasoned selection of beautiful parts from nature. To them, colour was merely a temporary, inessential, and decorative accessory.1
• The Rubenists: Followers of Peter Paul Rubens, they championed colour as the more important element. They favored an approach that was more sensuous and pleasing to the eye, often associated with artistic license and spontaneity.12

This debate was not merely aesthetic but also moral and psychological, reflecting a divide between rational, disciplined classicism and a more expressive, painterly style. The conflict eventually saw the Rubenists gain influence, contributing to the shift toward the Rococo style in the 18th century.23