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)

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SCHOLARS AND IMITATORS
OF
PAUL POTTER.

The works of Paul Potter present to the eye of the ordinary
observer, fewer impediments to successful imitation than those
of most of the school; for they have neither the polished high
finishing of Philip Wouwermans, nor the melting tenderness
of colour and freedom of Adrian Vander Velde’s, nor the spark-
ling and spirited touch which distinguish Berghem’s; but are
painted with a firm and steady hand, a full pencil of colour,
and neatness and precision in the details. If, then, their pro-
tection against forgery depended alone upon their mechanism,
it would be but a feeble barrier against designing imposition.
This, however, is not the case; for their security, in the view of
the Writer, consists—First, in the inimitable truth of colouring,
and the aerial gradation;—Secondly, in the luminous effect
which is so magically diffused throughout by the aid of half
tones and reflexes; and—Lastly, by the great scientific know-
ledge evinced in the drawing of the animals.
John Le Due. This painter is reputed to have been a
scholar of Paul Potter, and is also said to have imitated his
style and manner to deception; but no authenticated picture
of this kind having come under the Writer’s notice, he is quite
unable to confirm the above statement. Le Due is only known