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)

GABRIEL METSU.

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74 The Toilet. A young lady, wearing a scarlet neglige
trimmed with ermine, and a yellow satin petticoat, seated at her
toilet, having her long ssaxen hair arranged by an elderly maid-
servant. A table covered with a striped carpet, on which are
a looking-glass and other objects, is placed near a window. A
violoncello, a box with music books on it, and a stool, are in the
fore-ground, and a bed is visible in the back of the room. A
fine and capital work, by the master.
2 ft. by 1 ft. 9| in.—P.
Collection ofM. Rynders, Brussels, 1821, 2400 flo. 216Z , bought
by M. Nieuwenhuys.
Collection of Chevalier Erard, . 1832. . 8000 fs. 320Z.
75. The Blacksmith’s Shop. A sturdy workman, somewhat
aged, stands at his anvil, holding with his pincers a red hot
shoe, and his hammer resting on his shoulder. He appears to
have just suspended his labour, in order to speak to a cavalier,
who is on the opposite side at the head of his horse; he is
dressed in a red coat, wears a slouched hat, and has a cane in
his hand. A boy is on the farther side of the forge, listening
to their conversation. Numerous objects relating to the trade
are distributed over the shop. Painted with extraordinary
vigour, and masterly execution.
2 ft. in. by 2 ft. 4| in.—C.
Collection of Baroness Thoms, Leyden, 1816. . lOOyZo. 9Z.
Again in a Sale at Mr. Christie’s, . 1824. . . . 245 gs.
76. The Blacksmith’s Yard. The view exhibits the back
premises of a tool-maker, of a most picturesque appearance; on
the right is a dilapidated brick and plaster building, within
which are seen the vice, and other implements of a smith ; and
the master os the shop, having on a red cap, an apron, and a
tawney yellow jacket, stands in the middle of the yard, looking
at a workman sharpening a scythe upon a grindstone, which is
put in motion by a horse, in a shed beyond them. Various
agricultural tools lie on the ground, and numerous objects are
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