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)

132

ADRIAN VAN OSTADE.

register, and other objects), reading a paper, which he holds
with both his hands : a curtain is suspended on the right, near
a window. Half-length figure. Cited by Descamps, Vol. II.
Collection of M. Backer Leyden, 1766. . 630 flo. 54 gs.
■ -- Montribloud . . . 1784.
- W. Champion, Esq. . 1810 50gs.
10 in. by 8 in.—P.
88. Le Jeu de Courte-boule. The view offers the bowling
ground of a country ale-house, on the right of which are two
men striking a ball through a ring, and a little boy watching
them ; on the opposite side are five men disposed round a table,
smoking and drinking under the shade of an umbrageous tree.
The scene is rendered highly picturesque by the rustic buildings
which enclose the ground, and a view of the distant country.
Engraved by Benezech, from a picture then in the collection
of M. de Bourdonne.
Collection of M. Montribloud, 1784.
- M. Geldermeester . 1800. . 675fio. 61Z.
■ -- Baron Thebaut . . 1817. . 1006 fs. 40b
From the smallness of the above prices, one would inser that the
picture was either a copy, or a damaged original.
12 J in. by 16 in.—P.
89- A man, with a high-crowned hat on, sitting in an arm-
chair, reading the gazette: a book-case occupies the back-
ground.
Sale M. W. 1784.
6 in. by 5 in.—P.

90. The Interior of a cottage, with several figures, seated at
a table in the middle, smoking and drinking : one of them, who
appears to be singing, has a can in his right hand, and is lifting
up his glass with the other; another is looking on ; a third
lighting his pipe; and a fourth puffing the smoke from his