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)

LUDOLPH BACKHUYZEN.

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sive nautical science enabled him to represent with admi-
rable correctness every kind and class of vessel, in all the
varied positions they take and present to the observer,
while sailing, bringing to, or riding at anchor. Nor is
less skill evinced by him in the disposition or grouping
of his subjects, and in the judicious arrangement of
lines conducive to picturesque beauty. 'The colouring
of his best works is distinguished by a predominant
gray tint, of divers shades; in some, a greenish hue
prevails, and not unfrequently his skies are tinged with
yellow and pinky hues ; but on all occasions, an evident
attention to the cleanness and purity of his materials is
manifest. Great facility, neatness, and freedom, are
visible in the execution, accompanied by a peculiar
blending of the colours, so that the clearness and
ssuidity of the sea, the texture of the sails and ssags of
the shipping, and the sombrous, or light and sseecy
appearance of the clouds, are faithfully represented.
Happily for the possessor of such transcendant
talents, his works were highly appreciated during his
life, and not only procured for him the honour of visits
from many royal and distinguished personages, but
more solid favours from amateurs, and the wealthy
Burgomasters of the city of Amsterdam. By the
latter he was employed to paint views of Amsterdam,
with its arsenals and docks, from the river Y.
The great number of pictures produced by Backuy-
zen’s pencil, prove his warm attachment to the art, as
well as the skill and assiduity exercised in its per-
formance. A taste for poetry, evinced by the production
of a few fugitive pieces, doubtless contributed to give