Smith, John: A catalogue raisonné of the works of the most eminent Dutch, Flemish, and French painters: in which is included a short biographical notice of the artists, with a copious description of their principal pictures : a statement of the prices at which such pictures have been sold at public sales on the continent and in England; a reference the the galleries and private collections in which a large portion are at present; and the names of the artists by whom they have been engraved; to which is added, a brief notice of the scholars & imitators of the great masters of the above schools (Part 2) (London: Smith and Son, 1830)

6

RUBENS.

A copy, in small, of the Descent from the Cross, done in the
school of Rubens, is in the Academy of the city ; and a drawing,
carefully finished in chalks, commenced by a pupil and perfected
by Rubens for the engraver, is in the Musee at Paris.

6. The Assumption of the Virgin. Seated on clouds, and
surrounded by light, the Virgin ascends gracefully through the
refulgent air, and is apparently approaching the presence of
Divinity, indicated by a celestial radiance. Her countenance
is directed upward, and appears glorified by the beatific vision;
her right hand is extended, and the left placed on her bosom ;
her ample robes of blue and pink are agitated by a gentle
breeze. A host of angels accompany her ascent, some of whom
officiously bear the skirt of her robe and mantle, while others
have wreaths and palms in their hands; and twTo are soaring to
place a chaplet on her head. In the lower part of the picture
are the twelve apostles and three females, assembled at the
deserted tomb, placed in front of a sepulchre in the left; five
of the apostles are close to its side, two of whom are bending
over it and looking within ; the three women are also at the
tomb, with the winding sheet in their hands ; one of them,
wearing a crimson robe, is kneeling on a step in front, with
her back to the spectator, holding up a handful of fresh ssowers,
which the apostles (who are in the right side) view with devout
surprise; and one of them, clothed in a light gray vest and a
scarlet robe (seen in a profile view, looking up), is raising his
hands in adoration.
\3st.Q in. by 8 ft. 6 in. (about.)—P. Carched top.)
Engraved by Bolswert.
Of the many pictures representing the Assumption, this is
decidedly the best. The composition is an example of per-
fection in art: its base is earth, its termination heaven ; and
all the intermediate parts blend and unite to form one sweep-
ing line; it is equally distinguished by appropriate dignity