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FRENCH SCHOOL. ****** POUSSIN. ****** FRENCH MUSEUM.

THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY.

We shall abstain from repeating, in this place, what we have elsewhere said of the Jewish laws relative to adultery; and shall confine our attention to the noble and dignified manner in which Poussin has represented the guilty woman, ashamed of her crime, intimidated by the presence of her accusers, yet confiding in the mercy of her judge.

The woman is kneeling, and the disorder of her dress sufficiently indicates that she has been surprised, and dragged forward against her will. Her attitude is that of absolute neglect, yet without indecency: she appears humbled, but not degraded. The head of Christ, has not all the requisite sublimity; the features are short and the physionomy is wanting in elevation; but the various sentiments of the other persons are expressed with a truth and talent that cannot be too highly praised. At some distance from the principal group, is another woman, who appears anxious, yet keeps aloof, as if conscious of the impropriety of her presence.

This picture was painted, about the year 1653, for the architect Andre Le Notre; and at the same period was executed, by Gerard Audran, a very fine engraving of it, which contributed to extend the painter's reputation. The picture was afterwards placed in the King's collection, and is now in the Gallery of the Louvre.

Width, 6 feet 5 inches; height, 4 feet.

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