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)

RUBENS.

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Louvre.
artist, freely indulging in the poet’s and painter’s licence, has
richly embellished each subject with allegorical figures and
fabulous deities, enhancing the luxuriance of his creative powers
in composition with the lustre of his resplendent colouring.—
They now adorn the Louvre.
404. The Destiny of Marie de Medicis. The Fates, personi-
fied by three beautiful females, represented spinning the thread
which involves the destiny of the queen, under the auspices of
Juno, who, leaning affectionately upon Jupiter, is supplicating
his benign interference.
12/Z. 9 in. by 5 ft. 2 in.—C.
Engraved by Chastillon.

405. The Birth of the Queen. Lucina is committing the
infant princess to the care of the city of Florence ; the last is
personified by a female with a castle on her head; three genii
bearing the emblems of felicity and honours fly over her head,
and a river deity is recumbent on the fore-ground.
12/b 9 in. by 7 st. 9 in.—C.
Engraved by Duchange.

406. The Education of the Queen. Minerva is instructing
the young princess in the arts and sciences, assisted by Apollo,
Mercury, and the Three Graces.
12J7. 9 in. by 7 ft. 9 in.—C.
Engraved by A. Loir.

407. Henry IV. deliberating upon his Marriage. The king
is represented viewing with admiration the portrait of the
princess Marie de Medicis, which is held before him by Hymen,
and, under the inssuence of Minerva and Love, makes choice of
her for his consort; Jupiter and Juno look down with appro-
bation on his election.
12ft. 9. by 7ft. 9 in.—C.
Engraved by J. Audran.