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)

xvi

LIFE OF RUBENS.

this pleasure, and had been looking forward to it with
anxiety, doubtless created by the glowing descriptions
of the glories of the great Italian masters, whose praises
he had heard so frequently pronounced by his master.
The value and importance of the desired journey
to Italy were duly laid before his mother, and her
permission respectfully solicited; which, after some de-
liberation, was granted. Otho Voenius being informed
of this, and feeling anxious to contribute his friendly
assistance to promote the interest and secure the suc-
cess of one whom he so highly esteemed, procured an
audience of the Archduke Albert and Isabella, for the
purpose of obtaining for his young friend letters of
introduction to the various Courts in Italy. On this
occasion the master and the scholar were received by
their highnesses in the most flattering manner, and the
generous Otho commended in the highest terms the
talents of his disciple, both as an artist and an ac-
complished scholar: of the truth of the latter, Rubens
gave ample proofs by his eloquent address in returning
thanks for the several letters with which he was
furnished by their order, and on taking leave of them
previous to his departure.
The last interview between the master and the
scholar showed their mutual satisfaction—approbation
on the one side, and gratitude on the other.
Rubens quitted Antwerp on the 9th of May, in the
year 1600, taking the road to Italy through France.
It would not be difficult to imagine what was the
subject of the thoughts of the young traveller during
his long journey from Antwerp to Italy: they were
doubtless on the bright prospect before him; he was
hastening to that classic country whose riches in art all