FRENCH SCHOOL. oooooooooo VALENTIN. oooooooooo FRENCH MUSEUM.

CESAR'S TRIBUTE MONEY.

The sect of the Pharisees was very numerous among the Jews. Those who composed it caused themselves to be remarked by the regularity of their manners, and the extent of their knowledge; they fasted much, offered up long prayers, and gave great alms: but they were accused of pride, and particularly of hypocrisy. They therefore did not like Jesus Christ, for he preached an humble and mild morality, and his wisdom was rather in actions than is words, Seeking every occasion to injure him, some among them asked him, one day, if it was lawful to give tribute unto Cesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he said unto them, Whose is this image and su perscription? They say unto him, Cesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. »

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Valentin has rendered this subject well. The figure of Christ is handsome; yet more grandeur in his look might be desired. Those of the Pharisees are natural and expressive; but the anachronism of the spectacles is an inconceivable error, that would not be pardoned at the present day. The draperies are well cast, and studied after Poussin's manner. The colouring is good, and the penciling broad and bold.

This picture is in the Louvre Gallery : it has been engraved by Claessens.

Width, 5 feet; height, 4 feet 7 inches.