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)

XX JAN STEEN.
and were no doubt originally given in payment for
liquor, or the necessary articles for a family. They
were relieved from this degradation by the continual
purchases made by foreign dealers and amateurs, the
value rising in proportion to the demand, until they
acquired the rank and estimation which they now hold.