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)

NICHOLAS POUSSIN.

49

New Testament Subjects.
95. The Baptism of Jesus Christ. This picture is
composed of two figures. The Saviour, nearly naked,
stands in a river close to a bank, on which he leans one
hand ; the other is placed on his breast. St. John is repre-
sented in profile view, kneeling and extending one hand over
the head of the Saviour, apparently pronouncing some words.
The first person of the Trinity, attended by two angels, is
seen above. Engraved by J. Pesne.

96. St. John baptising in the river Jordan. The compo-
sition of this picture consists of seventeen figures, including
children, distributed alono- the bank of the river. Among
them St. John is seen conspicuously, in the act of pouring
water from a cup on the head of the recipient, who is bending
on one knee ; another man kneels close by him, and a youth
stands near looking attentively on. Towards the side, is a
group of four women, one of whom, kneeling in front, holds a
fine infant; a second has a babe in her arms. On the opposite
side stand three elders, apparently reasoning together; behind
them is a youth on horseback, and close to the front, two men
are stripping preparatory to receiving baptism. The land-
scape is divided by a river, on which is a boat with several
persons in it; the distance is bounded by hills. Engraved by
Audran, Niquet, and Devaux.
2/L 11 in. by 3/L 7| in.—C.
Valued by the Experts du Musee, 1816.
Now in the Louvre.

97. Christ healing the Sick. The scene appears to represent
the pool of Bethesda, at the side of which is a group of
diseased persons; one of them, an elderly man, sits on the
ground, his hands united and outstretched in an attitude of sup-
vol. vni. e