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)

RUBENS.

Ill

377. The Martyrdom of St. Peter. The saint is fastened
to a cross with his head downwards, and one of the execu-
tioners is on the left side, bending on one knee, exerting himself
to fix the cross in the ground ; another, on the opposite side,
holds one of the martyr’s hands, and three other men are
engaged in tying and nailing the saint’s feet; an angel is seen
descending with a palm and a wreath.
12 ft. by 8 ft. 6 in.—(about.)
There is a very indifferent print of this by Ernst Thelott.
This capital altar-piece is painted with unusual care and studious
attention. The body of the saint is admirably drawn and coloured,
and may be cited as a model of excellence. The whole possesses a
breadth and power of expression which entitle it to the admiration
of every connoisseur. Michel, in his Lise of Rubens, says, that this
picture was painted on commission, for an inhabitant of the city of
Cologne, and that it was bespoke by M. Geldorp, in 1636, a
painter, at that time residing in London. To this order it appears
that little attention was paid, and the year following the artist
received a letter from the agent, requesting to know if the picture
was finished; and to this application Rubens replied by letter in
the following terms :—
“ Sir,—I cannot conceive by what accident an altar-piece is
required at London ; if it is for Cologne, why have you not sent
me the measure, without which I cannot commence ? And when I
am in possession of this, let me have the honour of repeating, that
the stipulated time for its completion must be extended to eighteen
months, in order that I may be able to do justice to the person for
whom it is destined.” After some observations upon the suitability
of the subject, the arrangement of the composition, &c. &c., he
goes on to say, “ I have a particular affection for the city of
Cologne, it being the place of my birth and residence until my tenth
year, and I have often wished to revisit it; but I fear that, what
with the difficulty of travelling and my constant engagements, there
is little hope of my being able to fulfil this inclination.”
This letter is signed, and dated July 25, 1637.
A second letter, dated April, 1638, addressed to the same
person, commences by saying,—“ I have just learnt from M. Limens
(the gentleman for whom the picture was ordered) that you wish