No collection is so rich in pictures of CORREGGIO as that of the CENTRAL MUSEUM.
45. (Saloon.) _The Repast at the house of Levi_.
These are astonishing compositions for their vast extent, the number and beauty of the figures and portraits, and the variety and truth of the colouring. Nothing in painting can be richer.
N° 4. (Saloon.) _Christ taken down from the cross_.
This capital picture is not in the catalogue.
N° 32. (Saloon.) _A Concert containing three portraits_.
This large picture was executed for St. Peter's church in the Vatican, where it was replaced by a copy in Mosaic, on being removed to the pontificate palace of Monte Cavallo, at Rome.
In the great Gallery are exhibited no less than twenty-three pictures by GUERCINO: but to speak the truth, though, in looking at some of his productions, he appears an extremely agreeable painter, as soon as you see a number of them, you can no longer bear him. This is what happens to _mannerists_. The dark shades at first astonish you, afterwards they disgust you.
This picture was always one of the most esteemed of those in the churches at Rome. It was the altar-piece of the church of St. Remuald in that city.
In the Gallery are twenty-nine pictures of this master, and all of them graceful; but the preceding four, representing the elements, which were taken from the royal Cabinet of Turin, are the most remarkable.
N° 686. (Gallery.) _The Virgin, St Anthony, and St. Lucia._
These are the best pictures of BAROCCIO already exhibited. His colouring is enchanting. It is entirely transparent and seems as if impregnated with light: however, his forms, and every thing else, bespeak the _mannerist_.
N° 721. (Gallery.) _Christ dead on the knees of the Virgin._
Of the CARRACCI, ANNIBALE is the most perfect. He is also remarkable for the different manners which he has displayed in his works. They appear to be by two or three different painters. Of more than twenty in the Gallery, the above are the best of his productions.
N° 744. (Gallery.) _Christ laid in the tomb._
This wonderful picture, which was brought from Rome, is, for vigour of execution and truth of colouring, superior to all the others by the same master. Every one of his works bears the stamp of a great genius.