119. 1825 (?).—The same subject. [Butts.] Tempera.
Also a near approach to the engraving; the visionary incidents being here much as in that, though somewhat higher up in the composition.
120. 1825 (?).—Job surrounded by his Family; and Job and his three Daughters.
Two water-colour sketches, now framed together.
121. 1825.—The Virgin and Child. Tempera.
122. 1825.—Twelve Designs to 'Paradise Regained.' [Linnell.]
Small water-colours neatly executed, the finishing carried to the point of stippling. See Vol. I. p. 378. Spite of its merits, the series has a remarkable affinity to the character of the poem, which is more distinguished by stately and elaborated method than by inspiration.
(a) Christ and the Baptist, with two Angels.
(b) The Baptism of Christ.
The figures of a woman and child are very pleasing.
(c) Satan in Council.
The devils are seated in yellow fire.
(d) The First Temptation-' Command that these stones be made bread.'
Fine. The mass of trees behind the figures is effective.
(e) Mary at her Distaff, watched by two Angels.
Graceful.
(f) Christ refusing the Banquet offered by Satan.
Satan, in the form of an old man, swoops in the air above. The chief female figure has a seductive aspect, well conceived.
(g) The Second Temptation-Satan displaying the Kingdoms of the Earth.
The kingdoms are seen within a flaming glory. Satan has a black nimbus, of barred form.
(h) Christ's Troubled Dream.
Serpents, a lion, &c., haunt the sleeper. Able.
(i) Morning chasing away the Phantoms.
The morning is a woman with rosy hair and azure nimbus. The finest design of the series.
(j) The Third Temptation—Christ on a Pinnacle of the Temple.
The Temple is of a Gothic type, with many pinnacles. Satan, finally baffled, falls downward.
(k) Christ ministered to by Angels.
Good.
(l) Christ returning to Mary.
Two other figures appear to represent Joseph and the Baptist.
