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)

ADRIAN VAN OSTADE.

155

174. A view in the back court of a house, rendered picturesque
by the introduction of various accessories ; amongst them are a
pantry window, with weather boarding over it, and a pump on
one side and a vine on the other ; close to the front, and on the
ground, is an earthen colander, with two fine haddocks in it; a
little farther are two others, lying upon a board, which is placed
across a pail; and near them is a large washing tub, set up to
drain, with a ssannel lying at the top of it, and a pitcher inside :
other objects are distributed about the place, to perfect the
composition.
It is difficult to conceive how a picture composed of materials
like those just described could be made interesting, yet such is
the fact; and however insignificant the objects may be, if they
are skilkfully arranged, faithfully expressed in drawing and
colour, and well relieved by a happy display of chiaro-scuro,
the picture will always possess a charm, and an attraction
sufficient to satisfy the real amateur of art. Of this class is the
Ostade in question, which may be cited as a model of perfection
in objects of still life.
Collection of M. Le Baron Denon 1826. . 7410 fs. 2961.
Bought by Mr. Emmerson, who has since sold it to William Wells,
Esq. of Redleaf, in whose choice collection it now is.
18 in. by 14 in.—P.

175. A Pair. One represents a young woman seated near a
window, crossed on the outside by vine branches, she has one
hand on the knob of her chair, and is taking a glass of beer
from a table with the other.
10 in. by 8 in.'—P.

176. Companion. A peasant seated near a table, filling his
pipe; he is dressed in a violet-coloured waistcoat, and a gray
mantle.
Collection of M. Le Baron Denon 1826. . 3005 fs. 1201.
10 in. by 8 in.—P.