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.

135

Mythological Subjects.
269. The Triumph of Flora. This subject is taken from
the fabulous stories of the individuals metamorphosed into
ssowers, who are here represented as engaged in those acts
which preceded their change. In the centre of the group are
Narcissus and Echo; the former is bending over a vase of
water, sighing with love of his own image; the latter sits by,
gazing on him with enamoured eyes. Beyond these is Clytie
viewing with rapture the God of Day pass in his refulgent
chariot through the heavens. On the left is Ajax, disap-
pointed in his ambition, perishing on his own sword. In the
opposite side is Smilax lying on the lap of Crocus; and a little
retired from these is the young huntsman, Adonis, with a spear
in his hand, and two dogs near him ; and still more remote
stands the beautiful Hyacinthus. In the midst of these,
Flora is seen dancing in exulting triumph, scattering ssowers
over the pining lovers around her. Several cupids, linked
hand in hand, are behind the goddess, and a solitary one lies
close to the front with a bunch of ssowers in his hand. The
scene exhibits the parterre of a garden surrounded with bowers.
This excellent picture was painted for the Cardinal Omodei.
Engraved by Audran.
4ft. 6 in. by 6st. 5 in.—C.
Now in the Dresden Gallery.

270. The Choice of Hercules. The hero is represented
standing erect, with his Nemaean mantle hanging across his arm,
and his right hand placed on the top of his club ; his atten-
tion is fixed on a female personating Wisdom, who stands on
his left in an attitude of persuasion, pointing upwards, indi-
cative of the future glory which awaits those who follow her
councils. In the opposite side is a beautiful woman, the
emblem of Pleasure, lightly clad, and by her look and gesture