ABOUT to depart for Germany, and to carry into execution those plans which were to change the face of Europe, Henry IV. surrenders, to the queen, the administration of the kingdom. Such is the historical fact which Rubens has expressed in a very ingenious manner. In this picture the king presents to Mary de Medicis a globe, of a blue colour, embroidered with fleurs de lys, of gold, the emblem of France. Behind Henry the principal officers of his army, in their military costume, are observable. The dauphin is between the king and the queen, adjoining whom are Prudence and Fidelity. The scene passes in an open gallery.

This picture is one of the most beautiful of the Luxembourg collection. The execution is at once bold and laboured. In the physiognomy of Henry IV. dignity and beauty are united. The drawing of this figure is excellent, if we except the legs, the contours of which are not happy. The group of French noblemen presents much grandeur of design, strength of expression, and vigour of colouring. The figures of the queen and the dauphin are remarkable for the delicacy of the carnations, and the soft and brilliant tones of the draperies. The two allegorical figures appear to have been the least attended to, whose costume is totally different from that of the other person

HENRY IV. SETTING OUT FOR GERMANY. ages. It would, perhaps, have been more judicious in Rubens to have placed, contiguous to the queen, some of the ladies of the court, instead of the female dressed after the antique. The king is attired in white satin. The robe of the queen is violet. The vest of the young prince red and white. The dresses of these three figures are ornamented with gold and precious stones. All these tints, the variety of which is prodigious, harmonize the scene, and produce the most pleasing effect.