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)

GODFREY SCHALCKEN.

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Schalcken, following the example of many of his
countrymen, visited London ; and, like his predecessors,
Lely and Kneller, met with the most liberal encourage-
ment, particularly in portraiture, which he painted in
a small size, and in a remarkably neat and tasteful
manner: but although he had abundant occupation for
his pencil, he grew envious of the superior success of
his countryman Kneller, and attempted to paint por-
traits of the size of life, a scale to which he had been
so little accustomed, that it is not surprising if he
found himself inadequate to the undertaking, or was
convinced by stronger reasons ; for it does not appear
that he persevered in it for any length of time, as such
pictures are of rare occurrence. He had the honour,
while in England, of painting the portrait of King
William *, and of many of the nobility of his court;
and it is evident, from the number of small portraits by
* His biographer, Weyerman, and succeeding writers, who have
copied him, relate an improbable anecdote of this artist; that, on
one occasion, while painting the portrait of His Majesty by candle-
light, he suffered the King to hold the candle until the wax ran
down over his fingers; and Walpole, in relating the same story,
adds :—“ As if to justisy this ill-breeding, he drew his own picture
in the same situation.”—See descriptions of a portrait of the King,
and of himsels , in this Catalogue.
Another instance of his uncourtly manners is given by the same
author:—“ Having drawn the portrait of a lady, who was the
reverse of handsome, but had beautiful hands, she inquired of him,
while sitting for her sace, if it would not be necessary to do the
same for her hands ?—‘ No,’ replied the ungallant painter, ‘ I always
draw them from my housemaid’s.’ ”