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 2) (London: Smith and Son, 1830)

viii

feelings of the gentlemen of the country, that
is a solitary instance.
In conclusion, the Writer begs to acknowledge
the great satisfaction he has experienced during
the progress of the Work, in the ready dispo-
sition manifested by those concerned in the
commerce of pictures to afford him every infor-
mation in their power. To an eminent collector
and skilful connoisseur in prints, he is much
indebted for the liberty given to refer, at all
times, to his valuable collection of portraits
after Van Dyck. He has also experienced the
most obliging civility from several eminent print-
sellers who have so frequently allowed him to
inspect their portfolios. Such indeed has been
the universal kindness experienced by him (with
the exception already alluded to), that he has
felt it a duty to persevere in rendering the Work
♦
as perfect as possible, and with that view has
spared neither pains nor expense that might
contribute to that end.