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)

FRANCIS MIETHS.

79

the exquisite finish of the lady’s dress, which consists of a
fawn-coloured satin petticoat, and a loose crimson velvet jacket,
bordered with ermine.
Formerly in the possession of Mr. Gillows, who is said to have
refused 1000Z. for it.
Sold in Mr. Zachary’s collection, at Mr. Phillips’s, 1826, 331 gs.
A picture of a similar subject, but with the additional feature of
a letter sealed with black wax, has already been described.
A third picture of this subject, painted for the Elector Palatine,
and now in the Munich Gallery, is noticed in Descamps, Vol. III.
p. 20. (Engraved.) The same writer also mentions a second (p. 16),
which was painted for the artist’s friend and patron, M. Cornelius
Plaats, and for the painting of which he was paid a ducat per hour,
amounting in the whole to 1500 florins.
The Grand Duke of Florence, who was then in Holland, offered
3000 flo. for it. This is most probably the one described above,
and now in the possession of Mr. Artis.
17| in. by 12| in.—P. (arched top.)

66. A Cave, in which a bald-headed old man is seated, with
a book lying open before him on a sort of bank, on which are
also a scull, a lantern, and an hour-glass.
Now in the collection of the Duchess de Berri.

67. The Interior of a large room, with a young female
seated, and an elderly female bending over her ; they are both
very richly habited. In the back of the room is a group of
three persons, and a fourth is seen entering a door: a rich
Turkey carpet lies in front.
Now in the collection of the Duchess de Berri.
16 in. by 12 in.—P. (about.)

68. A young female holding up an infant, which a boy,
who stands on the further side of her, is kissing. A table