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)

136

NICHOLAS POUSSIN.

Mythological Subjects.
appears to be inviting him to follow her flowery paths, in
which she is seconded by the God of Love, who is offering him
a sprig of roses. The subject is introduced in the fore-ground
of a rocky country adorned with trees. Engraved by R. Strange.
Now in the collection of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart.

271. Hercules destroying Ignorance. This expressive
allegory exhibits the hero animated with rage; one foot is
advanced, and his club, grasped with both hands, raised ready
to strike a mortal blow at Ignorance, personified by a female
seated on an elevation before him, caressing an ass, and into
whose lap Fortune is emptying her horn of abundance.
Various books, together with the palette, pencils, and the
hammer and chisel, emblems of literature, painting, and
sculpture, lie neglected at her feet, infant boys being suffered
to play with and contemn them. The noble intention of
Hercules is, however, frustrated by Envy, who has glanced
behind, and seized his arm with one hand, while with the
other she is endeavouring to cover his eyes. Two cupids,
soaring above, bear a wreath to crown his brows. This picture
was intended as a satire upon three indisferent painters, namely,
Simon Vouet, Le Mercier, and Fouquier, who intrigued
against him when he was engaged in decorating the Louvre
and Fontainbleau, and were the cause of his returning to
Italy. There is an outline of the picture by Madame Linger.

272. Midas and Bacchus. This subject exhibits the ava-
ricious King of Phrygia, attired in a blue vesture and a yellow
mantle, bending on one knee, supplicating Bacchus to take
back the power with which he had endowed him, of changing