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 8) (London: Smith and Son, 1837)

liv THE LIFE OF NICHOLAS POUSSIN.

habits. He usually rose early, and took exercise sor
a couple of hours in the most picturesque parts of
Rome and its environs, but more frequently his walks
were limited to the extent of the summit of the Mount
de la Trinita (Pincio), and the gardens of the Medici,
adjacent to his dwelling: he afterwards entered his
studio, and pursued with ardour his occupation until
the hour of dinner, aster which, he usually resumed
his work for two or three hours. It was thus that
he succeeded, by continual application, in painting as
many pictures as others, who were much more ex-
peditious in their execution. In the evening, he oc-
casionally walked at the foot of the mountains in the
Spanish Place, then the general resort of strangers ; at
other times the beautiful gardens of the Medici, with
their long avenues of laurels, and the magnificent
vistas, would attract his steps. In most instances, he
was accompanied by friends and students, with whom
he sreely conversed on the subject of his profession,
communicating in a pleasing and intelligent manner
the precepts which his long study and extensive prac-
tice had acquired. The surrounding scene was well
calculated to inspire the most exalted ideas referable
to art; for from this sublime eminence were seen nearly
the whole of the city of Rome, and its rich surround-
ing Campania, bounded by the blue summits of the
distant Appennines. It may well be imagined that, it
was on such occasions as these Gaspar Poussin im-
bibed much of that classic taste which he afterwards
embodied in his works, and thereby rendered himself
worthy of the name of his friend and instructor, which
he subsequently assumed.