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.

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New Testament Subjects.
119. The Crucifixion. This picture is composed of nine
sigures and appears to represent the moment when Jesus
so emphatically calls the attention of his disciple John,
to his mother, as recorded in John xix., 27,—“ Then
saith he to the disciple, behold thy mother: and from that
hour that disciple took her unto his own home.11 The
cross occupies the centre of the picture. The Saviour is seen
in a side view, with his head inclined downward, addressing
the Virgin and St. John, who are standing together. The
former, with her hands extended, is looking up ; the latter,
with his hands clasped, has also his attention fixed on his
Lord. Mary, the wife of Cleophas, stands mournfully behind
them, and the weeping Magdalen kneels at the feet of her
Saviour. Of the remaining persons, one is behind the
Magdalen, looking up at the cross ; another is on a ladder,
and a third bears a ladder on his shoulder. This picture
was formerly in the Cabinet of M.du Fournay. Engraved in
outline, by E. Lingee.

120. The Descent from the Cross. This mournful event is
here depicted in a single group, composed of five figures, and
exhibits the body of the Saviour supported in the arms of St.
John, while the Virgin with her hands convulsively clasped
together, expressive of her mental agony (the tears streaming
from her eyes), bends affectionately over her crucified son.
Two infant angels are present; one embraces Christ’s feet,
the other is contemplating the crown of thorns. A female,
perhaps intended for the Magdalen, enveloped in a mantle,
sits weeping behind the cross. Engraved by Chauveau,
Audran, and Picard.
3 st. 10 in. by 3 st. 2 in.—-C. Worth 400 gs.
Now in the Palace of the Hermitage, at St. Petersburgh.