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)

26

GERARD DOW.

77. A Hermit at prayer, looking steadfastly at a crucifix,
which he holds with both his hands. He is dressed as one
of the order of Capuchins, has a venerable white beard, a
few gray hairs on his bald head, and wears spectacles; his
clasped hands rest upon a large book, before which stands an
hour glass ; and in a corner lie his beads, on which is written
the name of the artist, with the date of the picture.
Collection of M. Wierman . Amst. 1762. . 655 flo. 591.

- Crawford (Mr. Christie) 1801. . . . 190g5.

- Le Brun 1811. . 3610 fs. 144Z.
Sold with the entire collection of Prince Talleyrand, in 1817.
12 in. by 10 in.—P.


78. A venerable hermit in his cell, kneeling in adoration
before a crucifix, an open Bible and a scull are placed on bank
before him ; near which is a basket with a lighted candle on
it. The trunk of an old tree stands at the side, and a barrel
and a lantern (the latter thrown down) are in the fore-
ground, near a fine ssourishing thistle. This capital picture
is painted throughout with the most elaborate finish. It was
always justly esteemed to be the chef-d'oeuvre of the master in
this class of subject.
Collection of Mad. C. Backer, Leyden, 1766. . 5000 sso. 4501.

-- Van Leyden, 1804. (bought by Paillet).
32,000 fs. 12281.

- Paillet 1814. . 15,000 fs. 600/.
Now in the collection of Alexander Baring, Esq.
Exhibited at the British Gallery, 1819.
26| in. by 19| in.—P. (arched top.)


79- A School-room, by candlelight. The master of the
seminary is seen sitting at his desk, in the act of threatening a
boy, who is standing near him in a submissive attitude ; a little
girl is reading her book ; and near her are an hour glass and a
lighted candle, which illumines the group: further to the right