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.

value of a picture ; such knowledge can only be ac-
quired by many years of study, and great experience in
the commerce of pictures of the first class ; by continual
and close examination ; and by a careful comparison of
the works of each master. This application should be
accompanied by a natural taste for, and an enthusiastic
love of the art, without which all acquired knowledge
will scarcely extend beyond that of the mere trader,
whose admiration of a picture is according to the cele-
brity of the master, and who regards it for the time
being only as an article of commerce in demand, and
by which he is likely to realize a profit.
There are always to be found numerous self-styled
connoisseurs, who have great success in the selling of
pictures, but who, having neither esteem for the art nor
regard to their own reputation, make no scruple to take
advantage of the inexperience, and to impose on the
credulity, of purchasers. Some instances of such mis-
conduct have been exposed and punished; it would be
well for the respectable part of the profession if this
were more frequently done; and, in the end, the fair
dealer would receive the confidence and encouragement
due to his honest exertions.
Those whose business is the purchase and sale of
works of art, and who are stimulated in the pursuit by
feelings superior to the mere expectation of gain, must
be incited by a desire to distinguish themselves in their
profession by a correct knowledge of the principles of
Painting, not confined to the capability of discriminating
the hand of the different masters, and the value of their
works, but by that erudition in art which will enable
them to judge of the various degrees of excellence in the