But it is impossible for any engraving, or for any copy, to convey an idea of the energy observable in this picture; which renders it not only the chef d'œuvre of Rubens, but one of the finest productions of the art. This great painter, so eminent for colouring, seems to have surpassed himself in the richness and propriety of the local tints. The effect produced by the white sheet upon which the body is placed, in contrast with the flesh, is a proof of the judgment of this celebrated artist, and is one of those bold attempts of which superior masters only are capable. In short, to complete the unity of essential beauties, Rubens, who has incurred censure for being at times deficient in taste, and incorrect in drawing, exhibits parts in this composition worthy of the greatest masters of Italy or France.

This wonderful picture is in the Museum at Paris, where may be seen a finished sketch of this production. In the latter the tints are more delicate, and of a more exquisite touch: it has the advantage of being wholly by the hand of Rubens. The same gallery also possesses the drawing which the author made to direct his composition, in which are observable all the fire and vivacity so conspicuous in the picture.

FINDING OF MOSES.

(Painted by N. Poussin.)

THERE are two pictures by this celebrated artist, in which Moses while an infant, is represented as being taken from the borders of the river Nile, by order of the princess Thermutis, daughter of Pharoah, king of Egypt.

This incident, however, has been very differently treated in each; which is an incontestible proof that Poussin possessed the art of representing the same subject in various ways, without repetition of imagery, or the smallest deviation from that simplicity, correctness, and purity of style, to which he owes his celebrity.

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In the picture now before us, three women only form the suite of the princess: Thermutis is observed in the midst of them, leaning upon the youngest, with her hand extended towards the infant, who is presented to her by the slave. Moses smiles at the woman while she is taking him in her arms. an elevation, at some distance, several men are seen preparing to pass the river in a boat. Aqueducts, a temple, and some buildings, enrich the back-ground of the picture; and to indicate the place of the scene, a pyramid is placed adjoining the city of Memphis.

It is by the introduction of these classical ornaments that Poussin is distinguished among the artists of modern times, and by which his works possess the air of paintings of antiquity. An enlightened critic, and eminent professor of this country, has observed, that "He lived and conversed with the ancient statues so long, that he may be said to be better acquainted with them than the people about him."

In each of these pictures the river Nile is represented by an animated figure. It is a poetical idea, which Poussin, no doubt, appreciated; for similar figures are observable in many of his other compositions. The introduction, however, of mythology and allegory, in sacred subjects, is nevertheless difficult to approve.

This picture has been in the collection of the king of France from the time of Felibien. The other was painted for a private gentleman, from whose hands it passed into the cabinet of the Marquis de Seignelay.

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MARSHAL TURENNE.

ENRY Duke of Bouillon, who, by marriage, was sovereign of Sedan, and from his distinguished military and political talents, the friend, the companion, and the adviser of Henry IV. of France, during the civil dissensions that desolated that country towards the middle of the sixteenth century, was the father of the subject of our present memoir. Henry de la Tour d'Auvergne, Viscomte de Turenne, was born at Sedan on the Meuse, the 11th September, 1611, being the second His brother, the heir to his father's honours and estates, who was five years older than himself, was soon separated from him, and sent to pursue his military studies in Holland, while the young Turenne, a delicate and feeble boy, remained at Sedan, under the immediate care of his father. Notwithstanding his delicacy of frame, he very early imbibed a great natural inclination towards the profession of arms. His father conceiving that his weak constitution would never be able to sustain the fatigues of war, Turenne, to prove his hardiness, escaped from his preceptor one evening, and making his way to the ramparts, passed there the greatest part of a severe winter's night. After a long search, he was found asleep upon the carriage of one of the cannons. In another instance, at a very early age, he challenged one of his father's officers, for speaking disrespectfully of Quintus Curtius, his favourite author. The officer, to amuse the Duchess of Bouillon, Turenne's mother, accepted the defiance, and the young duellist was punctually upon the ground. There, however, instead of an adversary, he found a hunting breakfast prepared; and his mother having appeared as second to his antagonist, the business was laughed off and forgotten.

The first studies of Turenne were slow and laborious. He discovered no disposition for learning any thing, and it was only by piquing him upon it, as a point of honour, that he could at all be induced to comply. Gradually, however, he acquired a taste for that which was at first most unpalatable; and, aided by a happy memory, he rendered himself a very elegant, if not a very profound scholar. Before he was twelve years old he lost his father; but the same course of education continued to be pursued with Turenne, under the direction of his mother; and hardy exercises were added, which probably improved his health and invigorated his constitution. Many high qualities were now so distinguishable in his heart and mind, that they were marked and remembered in after years. He was mild, moderate, just and charitable, capable of drawing nice distinctions, and an unswerving lover of truth.

At the age of thirteen, he was sent by his mother from his native place, to study the art of war under his uncle, the famous Prince Maurice of Nassau. The Duchess of Bouillon had thereby a double object to fulfil : the advantages of an education under the first military genius of the day, and, as a member

of the reformed church, his removal from the power of the Cardinal de Richelieu, who, while he vigorously supported the Protestants of Holland in their war against Spain, had expressed his full determination of crushing them in France and its dependencies.

During the first few months that Turenne had joined the army of the States, his uncle suffered neither his rank nor their relationship to gain from him any exemption from the most laborious duties of his profession. He was received but as a simple volunteer, bore his musket, and served in the ranks with the rest, and thus acquired a minute knowledge of all the details of military service. By his patience, activity and obedience, Turenne shewed himself worthy to command, and won the highest praise from his uncle. Before he received any promotion, the latter died, and was succeeded by his brother, Henry Frederic, who invested his nephew with the command of a company. In this situation, Turenne served three years against the famous Spinola, studying with the most profound attention the more extended branch of science displayed before him, while at the same time he performed most scrupulously all his duties. His company was always in better order than any other, and he himself always ready, calm and obedient.

For some time no enterprise of great importance occurred, in which he could distinguish himself. At length, however, the siege of Bois-le-Duc was undertaken by the Prince of Orange; and, as this was at that time one of the strongest fortresses of the Netherlands, skill, courage and activity, had a wide field to display themselves. Turenne did not lose the opportunity, and on every occasion signalised himself both by his energy and talent, in conducting whatever military operation was entrusted to him. So little care did he take

of the safety of his own person, that he drew down upon himself a reproof from the Prince of Orange for exposing himself unnecessarily; but, at the same time, that commander is said to have remarked to those around him, that if he was not much deceived, that youth Turenne would some day equal the greatest captains of his age.

For five years Turenne continued to serve in Holland; but, at the end of that time, the Cardinal de Richelieu, who, though nominally but a minister, possessed in reality the whole power of France, threatened to garrison Sedan with French troops, lest it should revolt from its allegiance to that crown. The Duchess of Bouillon, in order to avert a proceeding which would have converted a separate sovereignty into an inferior town, and rendered her son a simple gentleman instead of a tributary prince, consented to the demand of Richelieu, that her second son should be sent as an honourable hostage to the court of France, as a guarantee for her good faith.

Upon his arrival at the capital, the reception of Turenne was as distinguished as even a young and ardent mind could have anticipated; and, without any solicitation, he received the command of a regiment in the French service immediately on his arrival.

For a few years Turenne does not seem to have been employed under any circumstances which could afford opportunity for the display of his abilities. At length, however, Lorraine having been invaded and conquered by the French, with the exception of the single town of La Motte, siege was laid to that place four years after Turenne had entered the service of France, and here for the first time we find him acting a conspicuous part. The extreme obstinacy of the defence gave full scope for the display of those high military qualities with which Turenne was so pre-eminently endowed; and the very