FRENCH SCHOOL. ****** GÉRARD... PRIVATE COLLECTION.

HOMER.

In retracing a scene of Homer's life, the painter, M. Gérard, has not closely adhered to the anecdote that gave rise to the composition of his picture; however this licence has enabled him to place near an aged man a very young girl, which presents a most agreeable contrast in the two heads of the painting, which, notwithstanding its merit, was not exhibited at the Louvre in 1810.

It is related that a certain Thestorides having obtained permission of Homer to write out some pieces of his poetry, hastened to Chio, where he recited them as his own. Homer, having ascertained it, determined to proceed thither to reclaim them. The fishermen who had taken him in their bark had the cruelty to abandon him on the strand, and the blind, unfortunate bard wandered two whole days without finding a guide; he was even, adds the historian, about to be devoured by some dogs that were guarding a flock, had not the shepherd Glaucus delivered him from the danger.

The picture belongs to the author. It has been engraved by M. R.-U. Massard.

Height, 7

feet 8 inches; breadth, 5 feet 7 inches.