No. 6. RUBENS. THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY, "And the Scribes and Pharisees brought unto Jesus a woman taken in adultery." "And they said to him-Moses in the law commanded us that such should be "stoned: but what sayest thou?" "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." This Picture was painted for the family of Knyf, of Antwerp, and afterwards became the property of the celebrated Collector Canon Knyf, at whose sale it was purchased by the late Mr.Hope. Two of the accusers are said to be portraits of the celebrated reformers, Calvin and Luther: the former is distinguished by a black beard, and a phylactery on his forehead, on which appears an inscription. The second is without a beard, and his head covered with a quoif; the third, between the woman and Christ, is Van Oort, the early master of Rubens ; and the young man bending over the woman's shoulder, was taken from Vandyke; the head of Christ being obviously a portrait of the Artist. The works of this illustrious Master are the most lasting records of his fame, but the following tribute of affection from his widow and children was inscribed on a monument erected to his memory; and it becomes interesting, as bearing testimony to his varied faculties, and to the honours conferred upon him. |