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 3) (London: Smith and Son, 1831)

xxiv

LIFE OF VAN DYCK.

years. The royal invitation, was, therefore, gladly
received by the artist, who, in consequence, arrived in
England in the year 1631. Most authors state that
he had previously made an attempt to settle here, and
had lodged some time with his countryman Geldorp,
hoping to be introduced to the King ; but in this ex-
pectation he was disappointed, and went away full of
chagrin. He had also tried his fortune at Paris, on which
occasion he painted several portraits, and among these
was one of a Monsieur Chatres, a celebrated dealer in
articles of virtu*: but not meeting at that time with the
encouragement he expected, he returned to Antwerp.
On the present occasion his arrival in England was
under the most favourable auspices, and the flattering
manner in which he was received by His Majesty
promised him both fame and fortune. A residence
was appointed for him at Blackfriars, where he had
an early opportunity of exerting his talents on the
portraits of the king and queen, and their children.
His efforts were so successful, that he soon after ex-
perienced the bounty of his royal patron, who conferred
upon him the honour of knighthood (July 5, 1632);
at the same time presenting him with his own portrait,
set with diamonds, and a gold chain : these marks of
distinction were accompanied by a pension of two
hundred pounds per annum. The king entered so
warmly into the furtherance of his interests, that he
condescended to name the prices of the several sized
• An artist in the present day needs no other recommendation
than his own individual talents, thanks to the liberality of the
gentlemen who established the British Institution.