SPANISH SCHOOL. oooooooooo MURILLO. oooooo PRIVATE COLLECTION.

PEOPLE

WITH THE PLAGUE IMPLORING SUCCOUR.

A Franciscan, called brother James, comes to beg assistance for the inhabitants of a city persecuted with the plague, and who according to the custom of those ignorant times, had been left to their melancholy fate, without any one being anxious to assuage their sufferings. The holy monk is upon his knees; his face well expresses the zeal with which he has devoted himself to the relief of those unfortunate creatures. The alcaid, to whom he has adressed himself, appears to alarmed at the presence of a man, whose health is suspected, and we can believe that we hear him pronounce the words of the Evangelist : « Touch me not. » However, he seems disposed to grant, what may be demanded of him, for putting a stop to the devastating scourge.

Simple in his compositions, Murillo is always remarkable for the vigour of his colouring, and the truth of his expression; this picture furnishes a fresh proof of these great qualities. The painter has represented himself under the figure of the personage at the side of the alcaid.

This picture is the companion to the Apotheosis of saint Philip, n° r46.

Breadth, 6 feet; height, 5 feet 7 inches.