STRENGTH. The fourth Council chamber of state in the Louvre is decorated with many allegorical pictures; we have already seen at n° 225, Innocence taking refuge in the arms of Justice, by M. Steube; near this picture, and above the door, is a personification of Strength. The painter has represented it, in the figure of a young man seated, with the club of Hercules beside him. The bit and bridle, in the foreground, imply that strength should always have a curb upon it, for when without one, it often abuses its power. The colour and expression of this figure are equally honourable to the artist. This picture has not been engraved before. Breadth, 5 feet 7 inches; height, 4 feet 7 inches. |