FRENCH SCHOOL. cccoooooco N. POUSSIN. coco000000 FRENCH MUSEUM.

Previous to admiring the beauty of the landscape, an excellent subject for study may be found is this picture, by examining its figures, the attitudes and the expressions of which are truly sublime. The cynical Diogenes, who despised all the conveniences of life, and who would not, even in the least trifle, submit to established customs, used to satisfy all his wants at the very moment he felt them, without awaiting any preparation. He had, however preserved a drinking cup, that he carried about him; but, one day observing a boy, who, to quench his thirst, knelt by the river and took up water in the palm of his hand, Diogenes, perceiving the inutility of the cup he had kept till then, cast it on the ground.

The scenery in this picture is of the finest effect; the town of Athens is seen in the back-ground whilst the temple of Minerva commands all the dwellings around. On the opposite bank, a few houses are seen, which throw a variety in that part. The foliage, on the left, is very faithful, and highly pleasing.

It was in 1648 that Poussin painted this picture for M. Lumagne, a celebrated amateur. It has been engraved by Stephen Baudet, and forms part of the series dedicated to the king.

Width, 7 feet 1 inch; height, 5 feet 1 inch.

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