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)

xviii LIFE OF RUBENS.
could seduce him, his time being constantly employed-
in drawing, painting, or reading.
His first interview with the duke had left an im-
pression on that prince’s mind highly favourable to
him; and subsequent conversations, in which literature
and the arts formed the chief topics, augmented that
impression. Gifted with an extraordinary quickness of
comprehension, an eloquent manner of delivering his
sentiments, possessing an extensive acquaintance with
languages, and these advantages being aided by a
handsome person and graceful manners, he rivetted the
esteem of the duke, who frequently honoured him with
his presence. On one occasion, when passing near the
door of the artist’s apartment, who was then engaged
on a subject relating to JEneas, and reciting to himself
some lines from Virgil, the duke suddenly entered
his room, exclaiming—“ Bravo ! Rubens, the subject is
excellent.”
Some time after, the duke, desirous of cultivating
the friendship of Philip III. of Spain, proposed sending
to him a splendid carriage, drawn by eight superb
Neapolitan horses ; and to the Duke of Lerma, his prime
minister, a suitable present. As the estimation of these
gifts might be greatly enhanced by the quality of the
agent chosen to present them, the duke, to give them
their full effect, selected Rubens, justly considering that
his talents as an artist would be highly agreeable to
the king, and add lustre to the present. The artist
was therefore honoured with the appointment, and in
1604 left Mantua in the character of envoy to the
court of Spain.