The National Gallery contains a series of pictures of the first class, fully worthy of an establishment of this kind formed by the richest nation in the world; for the foundation of this Gallery is of very recent date. Since the year 1835 also the Gallery has been further enriched by legacies and presents. The most splendid ornaments of the Gallery are the four pictures of the Lombard school,—a school which, for knowledge of chiaroscuro, rounding of forms, and aerial perspective, is entitled to the palm above all others. In all probability painted for the Gonzaga family, it passed with the Mantua collection into the gallery of King Charles I. A Martyrdom of St. Peter, formerly in the Orleans Gallery, ascribed to Giorgione, and also retaining that name, appears to be too poor a composition for that great master.