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.

xxiii

native talent, and establishing a national gallery.
Taste and genius for the fine arts in this country had
long lain dormant, and the development of native
power is modern, compared with that of Italy, Holland,
or Spain. The causes of this tardiness were not those
assigned by Winkelman, “ the cold humidity of the
country, and the consequent phlegmatic dulness of its
inhabitants,” for such aspersions have long since been
proved unjust; and it must be obvious to every one
who has paid attention to the progress of the arts, that
the knowledge and admiration of them have increased
in proportion to the dissemination of learning, and the
accumulation of wealth. Never was more liberal en-
couragement given by individuals to native talent,
than at the present period; and in no country have
artists ever possessed greater opportunities for study
and improvement, than of late years have been offered
to those of our own country. The galleries of the rich
have been thrown open for their inspection, and a se-
lection of the choicest pictures, from them and private
collections, have been annually exhibited ; in addition
to this, a number of excellent pictures have been lent,
by the proprietors, for the students to copy*, and it is a
pleasure to add that the progress has been commensurate.
That such has been the case, must be obvious to every
* It will readily be allowed, that the literary productions of
learned men are of inestimable value to rising generations, as works
of instruction and example ; of equal utility and importance are
pictures, by eminent masters, to students and artists, in the progress
of their profession ; and a patron cannot more effectually serve a
young man of genius, in the study of the arts, than by repeatedly
placing before him the productions of distinguished painters.