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)

NICHOLAS BERGHEM.

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nature, in order to arrrive at that degree of perfection
which is evident in all his best works. His figures
are not only admirably drawn, but there is also about
them an air of graceful movement that is peculiarly
attractive ; and their picturesque appearance is also much
enhanced by their costume, which gives them more the
resemblance of the peasantry of Italy than of Holland.
He was equally an adept in representing the various
species of animals which compose the domestic race;
showing in every instance a profound knowledge of
the anatomy, and of all the details which characterise
the several kinds. But whether the picture represents
landscape, animals, or figures, or all combined, there
will ever be found a skilful arrangement of the objects,
executed with a dexterity of hand, that proves him to
have possessed such a thorough knowledge of his art,
that all doubt and hesitation as to the result were, with
him, out of the question.
Berghem, like several other excellent painters, was
seduced, by vanity, to attempt historical and poetical
subjects, and also portraiture; but these efforts have,
in most instances, been attended with failure; and such
productions are in general of little comparative value.