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 (Band 9): Supplement (London: Smith and Son, 1842)

270

PETER PAUL RUBENS.

down the bank of the river, pursued by her adversary ; two
of her companions lie dead near her, and a third is pre-
cipitated from her horse into the stream, and there trans-
fixed with a spear. The opposite side exhibits the no less
direful effects of the contest; two horses are seen galloping
off without riders, three others are rolling down a bank into
the ssood in which two more are ssoating, and a third lies
dead. In every part some object meets the eye tending to
show the bravery of the contending parties, and also the
inefficiency of the fair sex for martial pursuits. This is a
glorious specimen of art. Description, No. 195, Vol. II.
improved.
In the Public Gallery at Munich.

97. The Day of Judgment. It has already been observed,
that the genius of Rubens appears to rise and expand in pro-
portion to the greatness and difficulty of the subject,—an
opinion most appropriate to several pictures in this collection,
and among which may be enumerated the one now under
notice. The sublime and awful scene exhibits the Saviour
and Judge enthroned in light, surrounded by the patriarchs,
apostles, and holy women, among whom stands pre-eminent
the Virgin, clad in azure robes. Multitudes of the blessed
are approaching the divine presence ; and at the same moment
are seen Michael and other archangels, armed with blazing
swords and spears, driving down before them an infinitude
of condemned beings, who, though falling in confusion and
affright, dare to conssict hand to hand with angels. Among
the number of wretched objects may be observed six females,
struggling and writhing with demons, who are either dragging
them by the hair of the head, or bearing them in their arms
to the fiery gulph which yawns wide to receive its victims;
and within which are countless numbers tossing agonized in