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)

152

NICHOLAS POUSSIN.

Landscapes.
hemisphere, where is also introduced the human symbol of the
Divinity buoyant on a cloud, and apparently quitting the
terrestrial Paradise. This picture was painted about the year
1664, for the Cardinal Richelieu. Engraved by J. Audran,
and in the Musee Frangais.
3st. 7 in. by 4ft. 10 in.—C.
Now in the Louvre.

297. Ruth and Boaz. The artist has here chosen one of
the most pleasing and interesting portions of the history of a
Jewish family, recorded in sacred writ, to illustrate the
solstitial season of the year. The scene exhibits a corn-field
of vast extent, in which numerous persons, of both sexes, are
seen engaged in harvesting: some reaping, others binding the
corn in sheaves, and some superintending the treading out of
the grain. Boaz, the wealthy owner of the farm, stands close
to the front, with his arms extended, apparently addressing the
fair and affectionate daughter-in-law of Naomi, who is bending
on her knees before him, acknowledging his kindness. Behind
her stands a youth leaning on a spear, and bowing to the
orders of his master, relative to Naomi. The distance termi-
nates with hills surrounded by buildings. This excellent
picture was painted about the year 1664, forCardinal Richelieu.
Engraved by Pesne, and in the Mus£e Frangais.
3ft. 8 in. by 5st.—C.
Now in the Louvre.

298. The Jewish Spies. This subject is also borrowed from
sacred history, and most appropriately serves to exemplify the
autumnal season. The landscape exhibits a view over an open
country, finely varied with hills and dales, and has the appear-