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)

250

DAVID TENIERS.

honoured him with the gift of his portrait, and a gold
chain. The notice of so distinguished a personage soon
spread his reputation, and procured for him, ever after,
an ample supply of commissions, and a ready sale for his
works. He also painted several pictures for Queen
Christina of Sweden, who sent him a medal, with her por-
trait, and a gold chain. The King of Spain is said to have
taken so much pleasure in his works, that he built a gal-
lery expressly for their reception. He was also much
employed by the Elector Palatine, a prince renowned for
his taste and liberality in promoting the arts, so nobly
evinced by the splendid collection formed by him at
Dusseldorf, but since removed to Munich. Thus pa-
tronized by kings and princes, his name stood high in
the world ; and wealth, the natural consequence of such
favour, poured in abundantly upon him. His residence
at the village of Perke (or Perck), situate between Ma-
lines and Vilvorde, at the house known as the Chateau
with Three Towers, was the constant resort of company
of distinction ; and no stranger of any consideration ar-
rived in Flanders without visiting the entertaining artist.
It was in this neighbourhood that he studied his village
feasts and sairs; and it was here that he painted the
greater number of his best works. It was also at this
place that Prince John of Austria condescended to lay
aside the punctilious etiquette of the German court, to
become his scholar, and live with him on terms of the
utmost familiarity. The pursuit of his art was rendered,
by long practice, an agreeable amusement, which he
could follow with the same freedom and success in the
midst of company as when alone. Thus, while he con-
duced to the entertainment of his visitors, he added, at