This picture, which was painted in 1644 for Jan Six, the well-known patron of Rembrandt, passed eventually into the possession of Mr. Angerstein. The poet Wordsworth, describing a visit he paid to the Angerstein collection, wrote to Sir George Beaumont in 1808: "Coleridge and I availed ourselves of your letters to Lawrence, and saw Mr. Angerstein's pictures. The day was very unfavourable, not a gleam of sun, and the clouds were quite in disgrace. The great picture of Michael Angelo and Sebastian (No. 1) pleased me more than ever. The new Rembrandt has, I think, much, very much, in it to admire, but still more to _wonder at_ rather than admire. I have seen many pictures of Rembrandt which I should prefer to it. The light in the _depth_ of the temple is far the finest part of it: indeed, it is the only part of the picture which gives me very _high_ pleasure; but that does highly please me" (_Memorials of Coleorton_, ii. 49). 46. THE BLESSINGS OF PEACE _Rubens_ (Flemish: 1577-1640). _See_ 38. This picture was presented in 1630 to King Charles I. by Rubens, when he came to England as accredited ambassador for the purpose of negotiating a peace with Spain. After the death of Charles, the Parliament sold the picture for £100. It passed into the possession of the Doria family at Genoa, where it was known as "The Family of Rubens." It was afterwards bought by the Marquis of Stafford for £3000, and by him presented to the National Gallery.[80] The circumstances under which the picture was painted gave the clue to its meaning. Rubens came to urge Charles to conclude peace, and here on canvas he sets forth its blessings. In the centre of the picture is the Goddess of _Wisdom_, with Minerva's helmet on her head, her right hand resting on her spear, now to be used no more. Before her flies _War_, reluctantly, as if he dared not resist Wisdom, yet employing his shield, in order still to shelter _Discord_, with her torch now extinguished. Last of all in the hateful train is _Malice_, whose very breath is fire, and who "endeth foul in many a snaky fold"--in the serpent's folds, which ever attend the hostilities of nations. Beneath Minerva's protection sits _Peace_ enthroned, and gives the milk of human kindness for babes to suck. From above, Zephyrus, the soft warm wind, descends with the olive wreath--the emblem in all ages of public peace, whilst at her side stands the "all-bounteous Pan," with Amalthea's storied Horn of _Plenty_. A band of happy children, led by _Love_ (whose torch, now that Discord's is gone out, burns aloft), approach to taste the sweets of Peace, and to minister to abundance. In the train of Plenty comes _Opulence_, bringing goblets, wreaths of pearl, and other treasures; whilst behind is _Music_, playing on her tambourine to celebrate the arts of peace. Last of all in the foreground is a leopard, not hurting or destroying any more, but playful as a lamb--