VAN DYCK.
117
bosom and left shoulder exposed. A skull and an open book
lie on a bank by her side.
3 ft. 6 in. by 3 ft.—C. (about.)
If it were not for the correctness and peculiar elegance of the
drawing, this admirable production might be ascribed to Titian;
such is the mellow richness and beauty os its colouring, that it vies
successfully with the companion picture by that master ; and is
indeed the only Flemish picture in the collection, which consists,
with this exception, of the works of the highest Italian masters.
Engraved by Vander Does.
In the collection of J. C. Coesvelt, Esq.
423. The Martyrdom of St. Catherine. The suffering
Saint is represented attached to the wheel, in an extended
position ; her countenance is directed upwards, from whence
descends two angels, one of whom bears a wreath, the other
extends his arms to support the dying martyr. Above these
are three cherubim. The wrath of Heaven against her per-
secutors is indicated by thunder and lightning, whose terrors
have thrown the executioners and attendants into confusion.
Some are endeavouring to escape, while others are struck
prostrate on the ground ; among the latter are an armed soldier,
lying on his back, and a man extended (naked) by his side ; a
third is bowing his head to the ground. Near these is a poor
negro imploring mercy. On the right are two horse soldiers,
whose terrified chargers are plunging and rearing up.
2 ft. 7 in. by 1st. 7|m.—C.
Tn the composition of this excellent study the artist appears to
have borrowed largely srom a picture of the Martyrdom of St.
Lievens, by Rubens.
Formerly in the Hermitage, at St. Petersburgh.
Now in the collection of His Excellency Sir Charles Bagot, Bart.
424. The Adoration of the Shepherds. On the right of the
picture is seen the Virgin, clad in a crimson vest, and a large
mantle of a bluish colour, holding the infant Saviour in a
117
bosom and left shoulder exposed. A skull and an open book
lie on a bank by her side.
3 ft. 6 in. by 3 ft.—C. (about.)
If it were not for the correctness and peculiar elegance of the
drawing, this admirable production might be ascribed to Titian;
such is the mellow richness and beauty os its colouring, that it vies
successfully with the companion picture by that master ; and is
indeed the only Flemish picture in the collection, which consists,
with this exception, of the works of the highest Italian masters.
Engraved by Vander Does.
In the collection of J. C. Coesvelt, Esq.
423. The Martyrdom of St. Catherine. The suffering
Saint is represented attached to the wheel, in an extended
position ; her countenance is directed upwards, from whence
descends two angels, one of whom bears a wreath, the other
extends his arms to support the dying martyr. Above these
are three cherubim. The wrath of Heaven against her per-
secutors is indicated by thunder and lightning, whose terrors
have thrown the executioners and attendants into confusion.
Some are endeavouring to escape, while others are struck
prostrate on the ground ; among the latter are an armed soldier,
lying on his back, and a man extended (naked) by his side ; a
third is bowing his head to the ground. Near these is a poor
negro imploring mercy. On the right are two horse soldiers,
whose terrified chargers are plunging and rearing up.
2 ft. 7 in. by 1st. 7|m.—C.
Tn the composition of this excellent study the artist appears to
have borrowed largely srom a picture of the Martyrdom of St.
Lievens, by Rubens.
Formerly in the Hermitage, at St. Petersburgh.
Now in the collection of His Excellency Sir Charles Bagot, Bart.
424. The Adoration of the Shepherds. On the right of the
picture is seen the Virgin, clad in a crimson vest, and a large
mantle of a bluish colour, holding the infant Saviour in a