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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IMITATORS
OF
JOHN VANDER HEYDEN.
1
It is not within the knowledge of the Writer that this
incomparable artist had any scholar, and of the several painters
who have pursued a similar branch of art, there is not one
who has deceptively imitated his works. In fact, such are the
exquisite and peculiar qualities of his pictures, that they may
be considered almost inimitable; for, in addition to the security
they derive from the superior talents of Vander Heyden, they
are in most instances embellished with figures and animals,
either by Adrian Vander Velde, or Eglon Vander Neer.
Secured by such an additional protection, the amateur has
little to apprehend from the danger of imposition.
Gerard Berkheyden was born at Haarlem, in 1645. He
painted similar views to those by Vander Heyden, and repre-
sented most successfully the churches and streets of the towns
in Holland, and particularly the great church of his native
place, with the square, and surrounding buildings; and these
he frequently repeated under different aspects. In most of his
pictures he was assisted by his brother Job, who introduced,
with much good taste and skill, the figures and cattle, so that
they appear to be the work of one and the same hand. But