377. Rubens: **Adoration of the Magi (Altar-piece of the Capuchin Church at Tournai). One of his noblest works, magnificently and opulently coloured. The subject was one he often painted. Note still the Three Kings, representing the three ages and continents, but, oh, how transfigured! In their suite are Moors and other Orientals. Behind, St. Joseph with flambeaux, representing the earlier candle. This is a painting in Rubens’s best Grand Seigneur manner—vast, throbbing, concentrated. He thinks of a Nativity as taking place with all the pomp and ceremony of the courts which he frequented. Charming pages in the foreground. 382. Rubens: Venus in the Forge of Vulcan. A made-up picture. Splendid studies of the exuberant nude by Rubens; with effects of light and shade in a smithy, added in the late 17th century to make up for a lost portion. 380. Rubens (much restored): *Christ on the knees of Our Lady. A noble composition, greatly injured. In the foreground kneels the Magdalen (her hair falling ungracefully), with the nails and Crown of Thorns. Notice always her abundant locks. To the R., St. Francis, with the Stigmata, bends over in adoration (a Franciscan picture). To the L., very fleshy angels (Antwerp models) hold the instruments of the Passion. White sheet and dead flesh in their usual strong combination. (Painted for the Franciscan Capuchins of Brussels.) The De Crayers, close by, contrast in the comparative crudity of their colour with the splendid harmonies of the master. 507. Paul de Vos: Horse and Wolves. Full of spirit. 129. De Crayer. The Martyrdom of St. Blaise. Shows him combed with a wool-carder. Then flowers, hunting scenes, etc., requiring no comment. Now pass through Room VII. (with Italian pictures to be considered later) and enter CORRIDOR D. Right of door, nothing that requires comment. Left of door, 231, Janssens: Our Lady appearing to St. Bruno. 125. De Crayer: *Assumption of St. Catherine, with her wheel and sword. A fine picture, in which De Crayer approaches very near Rubens. In the foreground are St. Augustine with the flaming heart; St. Gregory, habited as Pope; St. Ambrose, and St. Jerome,—the four Doctors of the Church, with other saints, contemplating devoutly the glory of St. Catherine. R. and L. of central door, 136, 137, good saints, by De Crayer. Beneath them, excellent landscapes. The remaining pictures in this room can be inspected by the visitor without need for explanation. It is interesting to stand by the =balustrade=, here, above the sculpture gallery, not only for the general outlook upon the handsome hall, but also to note how the colour of the Rubenses stands out at a distance among the other pictures. Now, go on through Room VIII. to Corridor A., reaching on the L., ROOM V.