Smith, John: A catalogue raisonné of the works of the most eminent Dutch, Flemish, and French painters: in which is included a short biographical notice of the artists, with a copious description of their principal pictures : a statement of the prices at which such pictures have been sold at public sales on the continent and in England; a reference the the galleries and private collections in which a large portion are at present; and the names of the artists by whom they have been engraved; to which is added, a brief notice of the scholars & imitators of the great masters of the above schools (Part 1) (London: Smith and Son, 1829)

INTRODUCTION.

1HE present work was commenced rather as an
amusement, and for the gratification of the writer’s
curiosity, than with any intention of presenting it to
the public: subsequent circumstances, however, have
afforded so many favourable opportunities of advan-
tageously increasing it, that he is induced to believe
it may be acceptable to those who feel interested in
the support of the Fine Arts.
Impressed with this opinion, he has ventured to sub-
mit his observations to the public; in doing which, he
is fully sensible that the work as no claim to general
notice as a literary production, or as an entertaining
compilation. Its chief merit consists in the quantity of
information, collected with a practical knowledge of the
subject, and the persevering assiduity by which such
knowledge was obtained.
The possessors of pictures of the first class will find
many of them recorded in this work, with a reference
to the catalogues of the celebrated collections through
which they have passed. Those who are forming
cabinets, will receive such useful information as may
spare them considerable trouble, and, occasionally, much
vexatious disappointment.
The author is not so presumptuous as to suppose that
these volumes will be, in all cases, certain guides to a
correct knowledge, either as to the originality or the