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VENUS AND A SATYR.

Although this picture has sometimes been described under the title of Jupiter and Antiope', we have not thought it proper to adopt that denomination, because there is nothing in this satyr to indicate the greatest of the gods, and the majesty which he would still in some degree have preserved in his amorous disguises. The face appears to be merely that of a faun, who, profiting from a circumstance which accident has presented, is feasting his eyes upon the beauties of the Cytherean goddess, who seems to us well characterised by her complete nudity and by the Cupid accompanying and asleep beside her, who has abandoned his torch to imply that his mother is no longer occupied either with Mars, Mercury, or Adonis, and that the present moment may be taken advantage of even by a simple inhabitant of the forest.

Corregio has produced in this picture colours of the greatest brilliancy and truth; the clair-obscure is admirable, though it is impossible to avoid remarking that there are some faults in the design. The reflexions from the verdure and the blue drapery which the satyr is lifting, gives a variety to the flesh, without in the least hurting its freshness.

Cardinal Barberin, nephew of pope Urban VIIIth, made a present of this picture to cardinal Mazarin, from whom it came into the royal collection, of which it forms one of the greatest ornaments. In the inventory of the cardinal's property, made in 1661 by Mignard, Du Fresnoy, and Podesta, it is estimated as worth 200 L. : but is now worth forty times that sum. It has been engraved by Audoin.

Height, 6 feet 1 inch; breadth, 4 feet.