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)

80

NICHOLAS POUSSIN.

New Testament Subjects.
with his back to the spectator, apparently speaking to a man
who is descending the steps, and at whose side is a woman
with a basket on her head. The receding part of the picture
is occupied with beautiful buildings. This picture was
painted in 1655, for M. Mercier, treasurer at Lyons.
Engraved by C. Stella, Audran, and Wolf, ex.
4st. 3 in. by~5st. 4 in.—C.
Collection of Lord Radstock, 1826. (by Mr. Christie) 463gs.
Now in the collection of W. Wilkins, Esq.
A duplicate of the preceding, with some variations, is in the
collection of the Prince of Lichtenstein, at Vienna.
4st. by 5ft. 4 in.—C.

149- The Death of Sapphira. This awful event, as
recorded in Acts v., is represented as passing in the
exterior court of a house. St. Peter, St. John, and another
Apostle, stand together on an ascent of two steps at the side of
a building on the left: the former, clothed in a blue vest and
yellow mantle, is pointing towards the expiring Sapphira, who
lies prostrate on the pavement, fast sinking in death; a man
and a woman appear to commiserate her sufferings; the former
while holding her arm, is evidently appealing to the Apostle
for compassion, while the latter is endeavouring to raise her
up: beyond these is a woman, whose gesture and expression
evince the poignancy of her feelings; and a third female,
carrying a child under her arm, is retiring from the scene,
inviting the former to accompany her. The remaining person
is a man, standing at the extremity of the group in the centre,
who appears also to be about to retire, with sentiments of
displeasure. The view from hence exhibits the street of the