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)

74

NICHOLAS POUSSIN.

New Testament Subjects.
has placed her hand on the back of her child and is turning
to look at a girl who seems timidly shrinking into her parent’s
arms. A second priest stands in the centre, and a little retired
from the front, in the act of laying his hands on the head of a
girl. Behind the group of women already noticed, are two
elderly men ; and at the extremity of the temple is seen a
statue of the Virgin and child. Engraved by Dughet, and
L. de Chatillon.

137. Penitence. The subject is here depicted as passing on
a terrace, or open court of a splendid mansion, the whole of
which is occupied by a table and surrounding couches, with the
exception of the front side, which is left open for the servitors.
The two most distinguished persons are seen on each side of
the table in recumbent positions. Simon the host occupies
the left, and, from the extension of his hand and the expression
of his countenance, appears to have just replied to the question
put by Jesus,—“ There was a certain creditor, which had two
debtors, the one owed him five hundred pence and the other
fifty, and when they had nothing to pay he frankly forgave
them both. Tell me, therefore, which will love him most?
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he to whom he
forgave most.” Jesus, who is on the opposite side, is evidently
deducing the corollary to that answer, “ Wherefore her sins,
which were many, are forgiven, for she loved much.” Mary
Magdalen, who is the object of this conversation, is kneeling
at the feet of her Lord, bathing them with her tears, and
wiping them with the hair of her head. The guests are
arranged round the table, and about eleven persons are
attending to serve; one of these is a youth standing near a
large water-pot in front. Engraved by Dughet and L. de
Chatillon.