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 7) (London: Smith and Son, 1836)

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SUBJECTS RELATING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT.

56. The Annunciation. If this picture were intended by
the artist to represent the subject named, he has greatly deviated
from the established rule, for he has here depicted the Virgin
kneeling near a little fountain, while the celestial messenger,
with outspread wings, stands on the opposite side of it, com-
municating the high behest. A choir of angels is seen above.
Engraved by La Grenee and Depreel, and described from the
prints.

57. The Salutation. The affectionate meeting of the two
pious cousins is represented as passing in front of an ancient
building. Elizabeth, clothed in a crimson robe, and wearing a
tawny-coloured veil over her head, has descended to the lowest
step of the door to receive her beloved relation; and while
embracing her neck with both arms, appears to be uttering the
divine salutation written in the 42nd and following verses of
the first chapter of Luke ; 44 Blessed art thou among women,
&c. &c.” The Virgin, attired in a brown dress, and having
a turban on her head, is seen in a profile view, calmly listening
to the prophetic words of her cousin; at the same time the
aged Zachariah (leaning on the shoulder of a youth) is
descending the steps of the house to welcome the distinguished
visitor. Behind the Virgin is a negress in the act of removing
a mantle from her shoulders, and a little retired from her, on
the right, is a servant with an ass. A dog, of the poodle
kind, has accompanied his mistress from the house, at the side
of which, and close to the front, are a peacock and hen with a
brood of young ones: the distance terminates with buildings.
Without stopping to inquire into the propriety of the costume,