§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer moved, "that 9,000l. be granted to his majesty for the purchase of Pictures for the National Gallery for the year 1826." In so doing he wished to explain to the House the circumstances under which the purchase had been effected. Having heard that three paintings of some of the most renowned of the old masters were on sale, and wishing to add them to the national collection, his majesty's government were fortunate enough in having agreed for their purchase; and, when the House was aware of their value he was sure there could be but one opinion on the subject. One of the pictures was by Poussin, another by Carracci, and the third was the production of that celebrated master, Titian. The three paintings were admirable specimens of their respective masters. The picture by Carracci was admitted to be one of the very best of that great master. It was a singularly beautiful painting, both with respect to its design and the exquisite felicity of its colouring. The picture by Titian had been some time in this country. Its subject was Bacchus and Ariadne, and it was confessedly the finest specimen of that great master. It was not a large picture, but its beauty was unequalled. He was quite certain that no person would grudge the sum of 9,000l. which had been given for these pictures. Artists and persons of the first taste and judgment had concurred in praising their beauty. The late Mr. Angerstein had offered 5,000l. for the Titian alone, so that the three pictures could not be considered dear at the price which they cost the country. They were now in the National Gallery, which was open to the inspection of the public.
§ The resolution was agreed to.