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)

LIFE OF RUBENS.

xvii

concurred in praising, and which his imagination dwelt
upon with delight. Plans were laid and resolutions
formed for the regulation of his future conduct;—these
all related to his beloved art, the idol of his constant
adoration.
At Venice, his first object was to visit and con-
template the works of Titian, Paul Veronese, and other
masters of that school, which at that period were seen
in all their glory; from these, after due ressection,
he commenced making copies and detached studies.
While thus engaged, an accidental circumstance in-
troduced him to the notice of an amateur, who was so
highly pleased with his performances, that, on his
arrival at Mantua, he mentioned them in such terms of
commendation as induced the duke to engage him in
his service.
The duke’s invitation was most ssattering and ac-
ceptable to the artist, as he instantly foresaw that it
would not only be the means of opening to his view
the treasures of art in the palaces and cabinets at
Mantua, but would also introduce him into the highest
order of society. His introduction to the duke was
followed by a conversation on the subject of the arts,
and a reference to his country and family; upon this
Rubens presented his letters of recommendation from
the Archduke Albert, with which the duke was so
well satisfied that he instantly named him one of the
gentlemen of the court.
He had now ample opportunity of indulging in his
favourite studies, from which neither the pleasures of a
gay court nor the polite invitations which he received
vol. ii. b