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)

JAN STEEN.

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more animated expression, and present a diversity of
character most appropriate to the subjects : whether they
exhibit the ordinary scenes of life ; the festive hilarity of
a Village Wedding; the Gossiping at a Christening;
the jollity of a Twelfth Night; Convivial Parties with
music and singing; or were of a grave and sentimental
character—as the Effects of Idleness and Intemperance;
the Folly and Misery attendant on the pursuits of
Alchymy ; the Malady of Love ; or the Illustration of a
Fable. The episodes to all these subjects are well
chosen, and evince a ready invention, and an acute
observance of nature.
His latter productions show the baneful effects of an
irregular and debauched life: they are frequently vile
in subject, and consequently vulgar in the characters
and expressions. The colouring is frequently brown
and heavy, and the execution loose and slovenly.
Notwithstanding this degeneracy, every picture from
his hand bears the stamp of genius. Of the several
excellent painters of familiar life in this school, he is
unquestionably entitled to precedence, for the display
of the more difficult and higher attainments of the Art.
In his works are discovered originality of invention,
ingenious composition, variety of character, blended
with natural expression, perfect knowledge of colouring
and chiaroscuro, and bold and dexterous execution.
The numerous pictures painted by Jan Steen, had
the natural effect of keeping their prices exceedingly
low during his life, and for some time after. They
were to be met with in almost every liquor shop,
cabaret, or petty dealer’s, throughout the town of Delft;