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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companions to stop at Lyons, where his predominant
passion for pleasure plunged him into debt, from which
the sale of the pictures he there painted was far from
being sufficient to relieve him. In order, therefore, to
extricate himself from his difficulties, he was induced
to marry his hostess, whose only recommendation was a
little property ; for, in addition to her being considerably
older than himself, her temper was violent and irascible.
This rash and imprudent step was the cause of his being
unsettled the remainder of his life. Soon after this event,
he continued his journey to Amsterdam, and established
himself in a suitable residence. Here he might have
lived in something like affluence, for he was well
received by his countrymen, and his works were highly
appreciated by amateurs ; but the restless temper of his
wife rendered his home insupportable. An opportunity
long wished for, to escape from his tormentor, at last
presented itself through the medium of a friend of the
name of Renst, whose departure for Italy furnished him
with an excuse to accompany that person as far as the
Texel. On his arrival there, he embarked with his
companion, although totally unprovided for the journey,
and having written to his wife to acquaint her with his
intentions, and giving a promise of a speedy return, he
sailed for Leghorn, and from thence continued his
journey to Rome.
Glad to visit again this emporium of the arts, after
an absence of about eight years, he easily renewed his
former connexions; and finding that his pictures still
retained the admiration which they formerly held, he
was enabled to live in a certain style, and indulge in his
natural propensity for company.