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.

xiii

walls also injure paintings most seriously, by causing
them to crack and scale off: these last evils may often
be remedied by lining, an operation which is now
brought to great perfection, and which has proved the
salvation of numerous works of art. In reference to
this operation of lining, it may here be proper to ob-
serve, that great skill and prudence are required in its
execution, otherwise a fine picture may be so pressed, in
order to obtain a glassy surface, so as to destroy, in a
measure, the spirited touch of the Painter. In all cases,
pictures should be placed in the hands of those only who
have given ample prooss of their carefulness, and their
ability to clean and restore them.
The desire which the writer has always felt, that the
commerce in works of art should be conducted on fair
and honourable terms, accompanied by a sincere respect
and esteem for amateurs, and becoming zeal in support
of those dealers who purchase, at large prices, genuine
and fine pictures, induces him to give a brief statement
of the dangers to which collectors are exposed, in the
hope that timely caution may prevent many from be-
coming the victims of such knavery. In doing this, it
is more than probable that he will give offence to some
persons who may suppose that they are alluded to ; no
one, perhaps, will be hardy enough openly to avow his
displeasure ; and if a little shock be given to the feelings
of such persons, by an exposition of their practices, he
will scarcely regret it, while he is consoled with the
ressection that he is rendering a service to the real
friends of art.
In exhibiting the various deceptions and manoeuvres
of designing dealers, it will be proper to commence