Buchanan, William: Memoirs of painting: with a chronological history of the importation of pictures by the great masters into England since the French Revolution (Band 2) (London: Ackermann, 1824)

THE TALLEYRAND COLLECTION. 329
20. Gabriel Metzu—canvas—height 16
inches, by 14 broad.
A young lady of a graceful air, represented de
profit, is sitting in the interior of an apartment
before a table, covered with a Turkey carpet. In
her left hand she holds a piece of music, and is
going to sing; on the other side of the table a
person is standing with his hat on, who appears
to be her music-master, and is tuning his violin.
The lady is dressed in a Corset rouge, with
large sleeves, and a robe of coloured satin; a
spaniel dog stands beside her, a violoncello rests
on the table, and China ornaments placed on the
mantelpiece, enrich the back ground of this pre-
cious picture. It is from the Choiseul collection,
in which it is engraved. Nothing in painting can
present a more beautiful piece of harmony,—no-
thing can more forcibly express the magical power
of colouring than this fine picture.
This picture was purchased by John Webb,
Esq. for 500 guineas; from him it passed into
the collection of Mr. Sebastian Erard, by whom
it was sold to the Right Hon. Mr. Secretary Peel,
in whose collection it now is.
21. Francis Mieris—on wood—height Si-
inches by 61 broad.
A young lady is seated before a table covered