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)

98

GABRIEL METSU.

distributed about the place, which, together with a dog and
some poultry, add greatly to the effect of the picture. The roof
and tower of some houses, and the steeple of a church, terminate
the view. It is impossible to commend too highly this masterly
production of art; every part of it bears the faithful image of
nature.
2 ft. 7^ in. by 2st. in.—C.
The same observation as occurs in No. 56, equally refers to this
and the preceding picture; they are, in the Writer’s opinion, indubi-
table works by Metsu.
Collection of M. Lapeyrifere, . . 1825. . 6900/s. 2761.
Now in the possession of Mr. Farrer.
77. The Dessert. A lady, a gentleman, and their child,
partaking of fruit. The subject is represented in the interior
of a handsome apartment, and the gentleman, habited in a
black silk dress relieved with white linen, is seated at a table,
in the act of handing the lady some grapes, which she is about
to take. The lady, dressed in a brown gown, decked at the
bodice with gold lace, and a blue silk skirt, sits on the left of
the table, and the child stands by her side, with a peach in her
hand. A powerful and admirably-painted picture.
1 ft. 9 in. by 1st. 7 in.—C. (about.)
This picture is mentioned by Descamps; it was then in the
Lormier collection, and was previously sold in the collection of
M. Schryvere, 1763, 410slo., 371. Now worth 1501.
Exhibited in the British Gallery in 1832.
Now in the collection of the Earl of Harrowby.
78. A Sportsman, wearing a scarlet dress, seated at an
arched window, with a glass of wine in his hand. A dead
pigeon, a powder horn, and a pewter jug, are on the sill; under
which are the name of the artist, and date, 1661. Engraved by
David, and in the Musee Royale.
10 in. by 8| in.—P.
Formerly in the collection of M. Van Slingelandt.
Taken from the Louvre in 1815, and restored to the Hague
Gallery.