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)

LIFE OF VAN DYCK

XXV

portraits, being one hundred pounds for a whole, and fifty
for a half, length*. The princely liberality of Charles,
and the peculiar pleasure which he took in visiting
the artist, frequently going by water to his residence,
and remaining many hours in his studio, either sitting
for his portrait, or directing him in the composition of
his pictures, quickly brought Van Dyck into general
notice, and procured him abundance of commissions
from persons of the first distinction, so that he was
soon enabled to indulge in his natural propensities for
music and gaiety. He commenced an expensive es-
tablishment, and assumed a style of living so far
surpassing his means, that, with all his application, he
was continually involved in pecuniary embarrassments.
An anecdote, related by most of his biographers, shows
plainly his way of living and indiscreet expenditure.
One day, while the king was sitting for his portrait, the
* Walpole says 40Z. sor a half length, and 60Z. for a whole length.
In the same author is inserted a statement of Van Dyck’s prices,
taken from an office book that belonged to the Lord Chamberlain,
the Earl of Pembroke —
“ July 15th, 1632, a warrant for a privy seal of 280Z., to be payed
“ unto Sir Anthony Van Dyck, for divers pictures by him made for
“ His Majesty, viz. for the picture of His Majesty, another of
“ Monsieur, the French king’s brother, and another of the Ambas-
“ sadress at length, at 251. a-piece. One of the Queen’s Majesty,
“ another of the Prince of Orange, and another of their son, at half
“ length, 20l. a-piece. For one great piece of His Majesty, the
“ Queen, and their children, 100Z. One of the Emperor Vitellius,
“ 20l. ; and for mending the picture of the Emperor Galba, 51.
“ Amounting in all to 280Z.” From the same book—“ Forty pounds
“ paid to Sir Anthony Van Dyck, for the picture of the Queen,
“ presented to Lord Strafford, October 12, 1633.”