Library.

No 38.

LIONARDO DA VINCI.

CREATOR MUNDI

Was purchased about thirty years ago, at Paris, by the late Mr. Bryan, who disposed of it, soon after it was brought to this country, to the Rev. Mr. Hamilton, (brother of Sir William Hamilton, and uncle to the Earl of Warwick) in whose possession it remained, until a change of residence induced him to part with it. For this, and five other pictures, amongst which were the Bacchanalian Dance of Nicolo Poussin, from the Colonna Collection, and the Enchanted Castle by Claude, he received from Mr. Troward, six thousand guineas.

This picture is an evidence of the elevated genius of the illustrious painter. The figure is strictly ideal; the expression sublime and superhuman; and altogether a production in which the very soul of poetry is embodied upon canvas. The subject has usually been denominated" Salvator Mundi." That it represents Christ there can be no doubt, but it is the Son of God in his character of majesty and glory,-not in his state of humiliation and suffering; the expression and the action denoting divine power and energy. It has, therefore, been justly regarded as a representation of the Son of God as creator of the world, in which character he is repeatedly alluded to in different parts of the bible. The globe which he holds in one hand, in the centre of which a bright light is seen sparkling; the raised arm and uplifted finger of the other hand, appear to allude to the omnifick mandate "Let there be light, and there was light."

In Lionardo's pictures two manners are distinctly visible; the one exhibits powerful opposition of light and shadow,—the other is of a more placid description, in which the effect is produced through the medium of half tints. In both, grandeur of design, and exquisite pencilling are remarkable.

A beautiful enamel has been executed from this picture by Mr. Bone.

VIRGIN, WITH THE INFANT JESUS.

The same subject painted by Raphael, with the addition of Joseph in the background, was one of the ornaments of the church at Loretto. It was purchased by Mr. Davis in Italy, and the thick oil and yellow varnish with which it was covered being removed, it was restored to its original exquisite purity and tone of colour.

Music Room.

No. 40.

GASPAR POUSSIN.

CASCATELLAS OF TIVOLI.

This Picture and its Companion, No. 43, were purchased at Paris by Mr. Beckford, and by him sold to Mr. Hart Davis.

This composition is formed upon the beautiful scenery of the valley of Cascatellas, adjoining Tivoli, The artist has selected the most striking features of that classical and enchanting spot, and embodying them into one whole, has produced a picture which, for play of light and shadow, and general arrangement, has seldom been equalled even by his own pencil.