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 5) (London: Smith and Son, 1834)

4

NICHOLAS BERGHEM.

ability between them, he promised a handsome present,
in addition, to him who produced the better picture.
Berghem painted a mountainous landscape, beautifully
diversified with trees and water, and animated with
numerous ssocks and herds ; that by Both was no less
attractive for the grandeur of the scene, over which
was spread the glowing warmth of a golden sun-set.
Such in truth was the equality of the painters’ claims,
that the worthy burgomaster candidly confessed his
inability to decide which was entitled to the promised
present; and, therefore, liberally complimented both
artists with a like sum.
Formerly it was by no means unusual for artists to
engage themselves for a stipulated sum per day; and
it is said, that Berghem was tempted, on one occasion,
to enter into such a contract with a calculating Dutch
Seigneur, who had no doubt previously satisfied himself
on which side the advantage would be. The conditions
were ten ssorins a day: this contract was by no means
in favour of the painter, whose attachment to his art,
and expeditious method of working, gave his employer
a decided advantage.
Improvement in his art appears to have engrossed his
whole attention ; if he had not the palette and pencils, or
the sketch-book in his hands, he was sure to be engaged
in the inspection of his prints—of which he had a large
and choice collection. His kind and amiable character,
combined with the extensive knowledge of his pro-
fession, rendered him a valuable companion to his
brother artists ; with the chief of whom he was on
the most friendly terms, as is evinced by his so fre-