Mythological Subjects.

"Phoebus urging onward his fiery coursers, and launching his streams of light through the dewy moisture of the morning;" a signal for the Thessalian prince to commence his rural sports. Engraved in the National Gallery by W. Holl.

3 ft. 2 in. by 4 ft. 3 in.-C.

Collection of J. Knight, Esq. (Phillips), 1819, (bought in) 720 gs. (Ditto), 1821, 690 gs.

Ditto

Bought by G. H. Cholmondeley, Esq., and bequeathed by him, in 1831, to the National Gallery.

252. Cephalus and Procris. The subject is introduced in a richly-wooded landscape, represented under the aspect of early morning.

2 ft. 1 in. by 2 ft. 8 in.-C. Now in the collection of Benjamin West, Esq.

253. The Battle between the Centaurs and Lapithæ at the Marriage of Pirithous. Amidst the prevailing confusion of mingled combatants, may be noticed in the centre two centaurs, one of whom Theseus has seized by the head and is dragging down; on the right are seen two other violators of the festival, and a third is galloping off from the conflict, with terror in his looks, apparently wounded by an arrow, shot by a youth who is on the farther side of the group. The vessels of the feast, and other objects, lie strewed on the ground. Engraved, anonymous.

2 ft. 7 in. by 3 ft. 8 in.-C.

Now in the collection of Lord Darnley.

Mythological Subjects.

254. The Birth of Hercules. The composition exhibits on the right, a handsome couch, encompassed by abundance of drapery, on which the beautiful Alcmena is seen recumbent, with both arms extended, and her attention directed upwards; on the farther side of the bed is Galanthis, the nurse, with the newly-born infant in her arms. On the opposite side are two females, one of whom, decked with a wreath, is seated with a blazing wand lying against her shoulder; the other is perhaps intended for Lucina, as she stands with extended arms, looking fixedly at, and pointing to Alcmena. Engraved in outline by Wolffsheimer, from a drawing by Poussin.

255. Juno suckling Hercules. The subject represents the goddess recumbent on clouds, asleep, with one hand raised over her head; while thus absorbed, Minerva has placed the infant Hercules to her breast. The Goddess of Wisdom, armed, and holding a spear, stands by, and the birds of Juno are seen beyond her. Engraved from a drawing of a round form, by J. Pesne.

256. Hercules consulting the Oracle. This beautiful and gem-like design represents the hero when a youth, standing erect, with one hand raised to his breast, and holding his club with the other: his attention is directed to a priestess, who stands before him, with one hand placed on her hip, and the other extended, with the elbow resting on a tripod. Engraved from a drawing of a round form, by J. Pesne. The companion.

Mythological Subjects.

257. Hercules destroying the Boreades. The subject represents the hero in an animated position, watching the effect of an arrow he has just discharged from his bow, and which is transfixed in the back of his flying enemy, who, while endeavouring to escape, looks round with terror at a head hanging on a tree, the body of which lies at his feet. A statue of Mars, seated on a pedestal, is introduced in the centre. Engraved by J. Pesne, from a drawing.

258. Autolycus instructing Hercules to conduct the chariot. The hero is here seen mounted in a handsome chariot, holding the reins of four beautiful coursers, while his mentor stands behind him directing his attention to some distant object. Engraved from a drawing of a round form, by J. Pesne.

259. Chiron instructing Hercules in the management of the horse. The young Theban is mounted on a spirited charger, on the farther side of which stands his instructor, with a whip in his hand. Engraved from a drawing of a round form, by J. Pesne.

260. Hercules delivering Hesione. The god-like hero is represented standing with one foot on the neck of the prostrate sea-monster, and with his club upraised, is about to deal a mortal blow on its head; at his side stands the Trojan princess chained to a rock. Engraved from a drawing, by

J. Pesne.

Mythological Subjects.

261. Hercules taking prisoner Hippolyte, the Queen of the Amazons, in order to obtain her girdle. The warlike queen is mounted on a spirited charger, holding a bow in one hand, while the other is raised to draw an arrow from her quiver; at this instant the valiant son of Jupiter has seized her by the shoulder, and with upraised club is compelling her to surrender. A horse and one of her companions lie dead beyond her. Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

262. Chiron instructing Hercules in the use of the bow. This pictute represents the hero in the act of drawing his bow with his full force, and aiming his arrow at some distant object, while his instructor stands by, guiding his hand. Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

263. Hercules attacking Diomedes and Busiris. In this composition the son of Alcmena is represented with a quiver of arrows supended at his back, the Nemæan lion's skin over his left arm, and his club upraised in his hand; thus prepared, he stands before his adversaries, ready for the conflict. Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

In

264. Hercules killing Briareus, or one of the giants. representing this subject the artist has not adhered to the literal description of the fabled giant, who is said to have had many heads, this being merely figurative of his numerous coadjutors: the monster, with his snaky legs, is here seen grappling with Hercules, who holds him firmly round the neck, and is about to strike the fatal blow. Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

Mythological Subjects.

265. Hercules and Antæus. The hero has here completed his labour, and the giant son of Neptune and Terra lies prostrate behind him; the victor stands in a front view, with his right hand on his club, and the left behind his back. Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

266. Hercules relieving Atlas of his Burden. This subject exhibits the athletic hero bending on one knee, and bearing the globe on his shoulders, while Atlas sits by, relieved from the burden. Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

267. Hercules strangling the Nemean Lion. The hero is represented as having cast aside his massive club, seizing the enormous beast round the neck, and strangling it in his arms. Engraved from a drawing, by J. Pesne.

268. Hercules crowned by Minerva. The honour which the glorious achievements of the hero so justly acquired for him, is here figuratively depicted by the Goddess of Wisdom, who has closely accompanied his steps, and is now in the act of placing a wreath on his head; while three females, personifying Europe, Asia, and Africa, are paying him homage. Three infants, probably intended as emblems of unlawful love, wine, and ambition, lie prostrate at his feet. This picture was painted by the artist soon after he quitted the school of Lalemant.

5 ft. by 4 ft. 9 in.-C.

Now in the collection of the Marquis of Bute, Luton.