THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

RUBENS.

THE subject of this picture is taken from the Evangelist St. Luke, chap. v. verses 1 to 10.

"And it came to pass, that as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesareth;

"And saw two ships standing by the lake; but the fishermen were gone out to them, and were washing their nets.

"And he entered one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land: and he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

"Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for draught.

"And Simon answering, said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net.

"And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes, and their net brake.

"And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

"When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus'

knees, saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord;

"For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of fishes they had taken.

"And so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

"And when they had brought their ship to land, they forsook all and followed him."

Although we may easily conceive that the picture of Rubens represents this incident of the Evangelist, it exhibits some confusion in the principal figures. It is also incorrect in point of drawing, and defective in perspective, which induces us to believe, that this is one of those works executed, in a great measure, by the disciples of Rubens, from his sketches, which he afterwards retouched. In other respects, the three figures in the foreground, as well as the accessaries, such as the fish, the sea, and the shells, are depicted with a sentiment and a strength of pencil that claim our admiration.

This picture is about eight feet six inches high, and seven feet wide.

THE FOUR PHILOSOPHERS.

RUBENS.

THIS picture representing Grotius, Lipsius, Rubens, and Philip Rubens, his brother, is a monument of the friendship by which Rubens was united to his brother, and to two celebrated characters who may be styled his countrymen; Lipsius being a native of Flanders, and Grotius a Dutchman.

This picture, which Rubens executed with peculiar care, was taken from the Florentine Gallery. Rubens is on foot behind his brother, who holds a pen in his hand on the left of Philip Rubens is Lipsius. Grotius, in profile, is seen in the foreground.