Francesco Guardi (Venetian: 1712-1793). See 210.
1455. THE CIRCUMCISION.
Giovanni Bellini (Venetian: 1426-1516). See 189.
A picture of Bellini's earlier period, the original of numerous versions and copies in private and public galleries, presented to the National Gallery by one of the trustees, the Earl of Carlisle. The Virgin is "one of those magnificent Venetian women whose morbidezza profoundly moved the painters of their country, marked by a grave, suave, and restful expression, instinct with unconscious dignity; this is the countenance of a Venetian woman to the life, not over refined, but full of repose, the repose of vigour and conscious strength, not the languor of debility" (Athenæum). The diaper of the High Priest's robe contains figures of antelopes, a curious instance of the straightforward mode of the artist, who, no doubt, employed as a model a veritable robe, and one of Oriental or Sicilian origin. Embroideries of this category were frequently used in Venice of old. The same Oriental embroidery is to be seen in pictures by other Venetian artists in which the High Priest is introduced.
1456. VIRGIN AND CHILD, WITH ANGELS.
Unknown (Italian School: 15th Century).
Below is a portion of the original frame with three small quatrefoil medallions in which are half-length figures of the Saviour, the Virgin, and St. John. The picture, which was presented to the Gallery by one of the trustees, Mr. J.P. Heseltine, is ascribed to the school of Gentile da Fabriano (about 1360-1440), "the Umbrian Fra Angelico," whose delight in splendour and gold ornaments is so naïve.
1457. CHRIST DRIVING THE TRADERS OUT OF THE TEMPLE.
Domenico Theotocopuli (Spanish: 1548-1625). See 1122.