PORTRAIT OF LEO THE TENTH.

RAPHAEL.

LITTLE doubt can be entertained of the accurate resemblance of the portrait. All those which were executed by Raphael present a character of truth and simplicity, which nature only could inspire; it is but reasonable to suppose, that he took peculiar care in transmitting to posterity the features of the restorer of letters, the parent of the arts, and the sovereignwhose munificence he so frequently experienced.

The picture of Leo X. is painted on wood, and is of an extensive proportion. Simplicity, truth of colouring, a touch easy and flowing; such are the principal beauties of this portrait, which is in no way inferior to the chef-d'œuvres of Titian, in a style of painting in which he particularly excelled.