ITALIAN SCHOOL. oooo

FLORENCE GALLERY.

1597865

BACCHUS.

This figure, remarkable for a bright colour, light touch, and soft pencil, does credit to the talent of Guido Reni; yet none of those features are found in it, with which the Greeks, in their statues have represented the Indian conqueror. The head is beautifully expressive; it may be compared to Raffaelle's best style. But yet he is neither a god nor a hero; he is a young man, whose god humour seems to flush with the hope of quaffing the purple juice. It is astonishing that Guido, in order to characterize his Bacchus, should have judged it necessary to load the head, with so thick wreath of vine leaves, that it appears quite ponderous.

The head of the child, near Bacchus, is of a fine cast, and worthy to be taken as a model.

This picture has been engraved by Beisson.

Height, 2 feet 10 inches; width, 2 feet 2 inches.

ÉCOLE ITALIENNE. ...... GU. RENI. *...* GALERIE de florence.

BACCHUS.

Remarquable par un coloris frais, une touche légère et un pinceau moelleux, cette figure de Bacchus fait honneur au talent de Guido Reni; cependant on y retrouve rien des traits sous lesquels les Grecs ont représenté le conquérant de l'Inde dans ses statues. La tête est d'une belle expression : elle peut être comparée à ce que Raphaël a fait de mieux; mais ce n'est ni un dieu ni un héros, c'est un jeune homme dont la gaîté paraît s'accroître par l'espérance de savourer le jus divin de la treille. On peut s'étonner que pour caractériser son Bacchus Guido ait cru nécessaire de surcharger sa tête d'une couronne de pampre, qui est tellement forte, qu'elle paraît lourde.

La tête de l'enfant qui est auprès de Bacchus présente un beau caractère, digne d'être pris pour modèle.

Ce tableau a été gravé par Beisson.

Haut., 2 pieds 8 pouces; larg., 2 pieds 2 pouces.

ITALIAN SCHOOL. oooooo GIULIO ROMANO. oooooo CHURCH OF ROME.

SAINT CECILIA.

We have already had occasion to speak of St. Cecilia (no 10), and we then pointed out the uncertainty which exists, relative to the circumstances of the life and death of that saint. The painter, Giulio Romano, has, in this picture, adhered to the version, that relates she suffered martyrdom at Rome: in fact, he could scarce do otherwise since, his picture was intended to ornament the church believed to have been built on the very spot inhabited by St. Cecilia, and which is dedicated to her. A subterranean room, where some baths had been erected, still exists, as also their aqueducts. It was in these subterranean retreats that St. Cecilia, is said to have suffered.

This painting is remarkable for the chasteness of the draw ing, and firm execution. The saint's head is of a sublime expression and this part of the picture is inferior to none of Raffaelle's productions; Giulio Romano appears as if he had been inspired by an idea of his master.

There is an engraved print of this picture, by M. Dien, pensionary of the French Academy at Rome.

Height, 8 feet 6 inches; width, 5 feet.