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)

134

NICHOLAS POUSSIN.

Mythological Subjects.

265. Hercules and Antaeus. The hero has here completed
his labour, and the giant son of Neptune and Terra lies
prostrate behind him ; the victor stands in a front view, with
his right hand on his club, and the left behind his back.
Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

266. Hercules relieving Atlas of his burden. This subject
exhibits the athletic hero bending on one knee, and bearing
the globe on his shoulders, while Atlas sits by, relieved from
the burden. Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

267. Hercules strangling the Nemaean Lion. The hero is
represented as having cast aside his massive club, seizing the
enormous beast round the neck, and strangling it in his arms.
Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

268. Hercules crowned by Minerva. The honour which
the glorious achievements of the hero so justly acquired for
him, is here figuratively depicted by the Goddess of Wisdom,
who has closely accompanied his steps, and is now in the act
of placing a wreath on his head ; while three females, perso-
nifying Europe, Asia, and Africa, are paying him homage.
Three infants, probably intended as emblems of unlawful love,
wine, and ambition, lie prostrate at his feet. This picture
was painted by the Artist soon after he quitted the school of
Lalemant.
5ft. by 4ft. 9^ in.—C.
Now in the collection of the Marquis of Bute, Luton.