THE DUEL.

A lively altercation arises, frequently for a frivolous object, the consequence of which is, that two persons, formed for mutual esteem, challenge each other, each expecting to see his adversary fall; seconds are invited, who accompany them into a solitary place for the purpose of witnessing that no foul play is resorted to, on either side. The seconds sometimes endeavour to adjust the quarrel, but if without success they remain cold spectators of the scene, which has the appearance merely of a pastime, unless the affair be brought to a conclusion by the fall of either in the combat.

But no sooner does this fatal event happen than the situation of the actors is changed in a moment. Two of the seconds are not more occupied in endeavouring to save the life of him whom they are supporting in their arms, than are the other two in endeavouring to withdraw the successful adversary from the hands of justice, which regards a duel as a murder, and only on some occasions as involuntary.

M. Vigneron has varied the expression of the actors who constitute this painful scene, in a masterly manner. In showing the vanquisher with his back turned to us, he wished to avoid pourtraying the expression of the face; but the tranquillity with which he wipes his blood-stained weapon demonstrates sufficiently that his feelings are unmoved.

This picture, which is excellently coloured, appeared with success in the saloon during the year 1822; and was then bought by an amateur at Douay; it has been engraved in aquatinta, by Jazet.

Breadth, 3 feet 4 inches; height, 2 feet 7 inches.

NAPOLÉON

RENDANT LES HONNEURS A DES BLESSÉS ENNEMIS.

Dans ce tableau, qui fait honneur au talent de M. Debret, on voit à droite l'empereur Napoléon, à cheval, s'arrêtant à la vue d'un convoi de blessés ennemis et se découvrant en disant : «Honneur au courage malheureux!» Ce fait, dont quelques personnes ont révoqué l'authenticité, a été rapporté dans le Journal de Paris du 15 brumaire an XIV. C'est là que l'auteur a puisé l'idée de son sujet. Près de l'empereur sont placés le maréchal Bessières et le général Lemarrois. Tout-àfait à droite du tableau se voit le maréchal Augereau, duc de Castiglione.

Ce tableau fit partie de l'exposition des tableaux en 1806. Il fut placé depuis dans une des salles du palais du Corps-Legislatif, et, comme tout ce qui a trait à l'histoire de Napoléon, en 1814 il fut relégué dans des magasins où il est

encore.

On connaît deux gravures d'après ce tableau, l'une est faite par Gordien et l'autre par Oortman.

Larg., 15 pieds; haut. 10 pieds.

號

NAPOLEON

SALUTING SOME WOUNDED PRISONERS.

In this picture, which does credit to M. Debret's talent the Emperor Napoleon is seen on horseback, on the right hand; he is stopping at the approach of a convoy with some wounded prisoners, and, taking off his hat, he exclaims; «Respect to valour in distress! This fact, the truth of which some persons have called into question, was related in the Journal de Paris of the 15th Brumaire, in the year XIV. It is thence the artist took the first idea of his subject. Near the Empe. ror, are Marshal Bessières and General Lemarrois. Quite to the right of the picture, is Marshal Augereau, Duke of Castiglione.

This picture formed part of the Exhibition of pictures, in 1806. It was afterwards placed in one of the halls of the Corps Legislatif, but, like every thing alluding to Napoleon's history, it was, in 1814, removed to the store rooms, where it still remains.

There exist two plates after this picture; one engraved by Gordien, and the other by Oortman.

Width 15 feet 11 inches;

height 10 feet 7 inches.