FRENCH SCHOOL. oooooooooo LE BRUN. oooooooo PRIVATE COLLECTION

DESCENT OF THE CROSS.

This picture might be considered as rather representing a Calvary than a Descent of the Cross, since, on the left, is seen the entire body one of the two thieves; and to the right is perceived a part of the third cross: yet in another respect Le Brun has really occupied himself but of the Descent of the body of Jesus Christ : all the figures refer only to that subject, and the crowd, that generally distinguishes a Calvary, is not present. The picture is divided into two groups, the one composed of four men busied in supporting the body of our Saviour; the other of holy women, among whom the Virgin is seen scarcely able to bear the remembrance of so much grief.

In this picture may be admired the chasteness of the composition, the fulness of the draperies, and the grandeur of the expressions. The designing and colouring are also very praiseworthy, and the chiar-oscuro is of a truly wonderful effect. The centurion's horse, seen to the left, is perhaps rather heavy, but it is well painted. On a stone, to the right, this inscription is seen: C. LEBRUN. F. MDCLXV: the artist was then forty six years of age, a time when he had nothing more to acquire.

This picture, in high preservation, and one of the finest by this master, forms part of M. Migneron's Collection în Paris. It has been engraved by François Poilly.

Height 5 feet 2 inches, width, 3 feet 3 inches.