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 4) (London: Smith and Son, 1833)

xviii

JAN STEEN.

OBSERVATIONS.

The early works of Jan Steen, like those of every
excellent painter, are distinguished by the neatness and
beauty of the finishing, and a careful attention to the
drawing and the minutiae. Many of these productions
bear a close resemblance to the pictures by Francis
Mieris, who it is said took such delight in the hu-
morous stories of Jan Steen, as to spend whole nights
in his company. Nor was Mieris the only artist who
suffered himself to be beguiled by the entertaining
sallies os this painter. The refined and accomplished
Metsu was at one time on such intimate terms with
him, that they mutually painted on each other’s pictures.
At this period there is a great similarity of manner as
well as subject in their works. By degrees he attained
a style perfectly original, combining rich and har-
monious colouring with a skilful union of the chiciro
scuro, and a masterly freedom of handling, surpassed
by no one : such are the pictures representing “ The
Prodigal Son,” and “ The Christening Festival, ” in the
collection of Henry Philip Hope, Esq.; <e The Effects of
Intemperance, ” in the collection of William Beckford,
Esq.; and “ The Cockfighters, ” in the collection of
the Marquess of Bute. His figures also assumed a