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)

28

REMBRANDT VAN RHYN.

New Testament Subjects.
67. The Presentation in the Temple. The composition of
this picture consists of only four figures, and represents the
prophet, Simeon, seated at the base of a column, holding
the infant Saviour in his arms; the Virgin and St. Joseph
kneel before him, and the prophetess, Anna, stands on the
farther side of them, with her hands raised in devout admira-
tion. The group is illumined by a brilliant ray of sunshine.
Engraved in the Le Brun Gallery by Wiesbrod.
1ft. 4 in. by 1 ft. 2 in.

68. A Picture representing the above subject, was sold in
the collection of De Heer Ad. Bout in 1733, for 830Jlo., 747.
1 ft. 11 in. by 1ft. 6^ in.

69- The Circumcision. The ceremony is represented as
passing in a temple, and the Virgin is seen seated in the centre,
holding the infant Saviour in her arms, while the officiating
priest, who is clothed in a yellow robe, kneels by her side, per-
forming the operation. Among a group of persons on the
right, is one recording the fulfilment of the obligation in a book.
Signed, and dated 1661. This is an admirably finished study,
remarkably brilliant and effective.
1ft. 10z/z. by 2 ft. 4| in.
Now in the collection of Earl Spencer, at Althorp.

70. The Circumcision. In this composition, the infant
Saviour is represented recumbent on a table, supported at the
head by an aged priest, while the officiating minister, having
on a mitre, and a sacerdotal robe, is performing the ceremony;
a third priest sits on the opposite side, close to whom is the
offering, “ two turtle doves;"” the Virgin, with St. Joseph and