Universitätsbibliothek HeidelbergUniversitätsbibliothek Heidelberg
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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 6) — London: Smith and Son, 1835

DOI chapter:
The Works of John and Andrew Both
DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62940#0187

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JOHN AND ANDREW BOTH.

171

hands, and bending to speak to him. His brother, Andrew,
is seated opposite to him, attending to some communication
which the remaining person is making, who leans on his
shoulder, and at the same time points to some distant object.
By the approximation of the speakers to the hearers, and the
extension of the mouths of the former, the artist has inge-
niously conveyed the idea of the roaring of the adjacent cata-
ract. To the left of these is a group of three goats, and on
their right is a muleteer, cautiously leading his laden beast
over the bridge, one side only of which is fenced. On a rocky
cliff, forming the side of the ravine, and the left of the picture,
are a traveller reposing, and a herdsman, having on a sheep-skin
jacket, standing by his side, leaning on his staff; these have
their backs to the spectator, and are looking at a party which
has considerably advanced on the turn of the road, consisting
of a peasant driving a laden mule, and a man conducting two
others which are carrying a sedan chair. On this side the eye
glances over an extensive lake to a hill, of a broken form,
which rises in the centre of a valley, and along the base of
which the mist of the morning still floats. A few buildings are
visible on the surrounding eminences, and the more distant
mountains recede in diaphanous gradation until their summits
either blend with the clouds, or are faintly distinguishable
from the glowing warmth of the horizon. The appearance is
that of a glorious summer’s morning, probably about seven
o’clock ; heat and light are equally diffused throughout the
scene, so that, in addition to the most enchanting brilliancy of
colour, is the total absence of all positive shadow, effected by a
skilful attention to the refraction of the sun’s rays.
6 ft. 1 in. by 7ft. 10 in.—C.
In contemplating this splendid work of art, it is impossible not to
feel the most intense delight; for such is the exhilarating beauty
of the morning, the grandeur and wildness of the scenery, the rich
luxuriance of the vegetation, the cooling freshness of the roaring
cataract, and the enchanting prospect of the lake and the surrounding
 
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