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)

30

REMBRANDT VAN RHYN.

New Testament Subjects.
identify the intention of the artist as to the subject; for the
figures, individually, have so little of the character of divine
persons, that, separated from this sign of holiness, the subject,
like the two following, might be styled The Woodcutter’s
Family. Notwithstanding the deficiency alluded to, this is, in
every other respect, a work of transcendant excellence, and
may be classed among the choicest productions of the master.
Signed, and dated 1645.
3 ft. in' by ft. 2| in.-—C.
Now in the Palace of the Hermitage, at St. Petersburgh.
Well worth 2000 gs.

73. The Holy Family. As in the preceding picture, the
artist has chosen to depict the sacred persons in the humble
dwelling of a mechanic, and in the simple garb and appearance
most appropriate to the place. The Virgin is represented
sitting in the centre of the apartment, suckling the Infant,
while a fat old woman, seated at her side, has ceased reading a
book she holds, and is bending forward to remove the covering
from the head of the babe, in order to see its face. A cradle
stands near them, and near a large open window at the side of
the room, is seen Joseph with his back to the spectator, at
work. A pump, and a great variety of objects suitable to the
place, give picturesque effect to the scene. A great portion
of this picture is immured in scuro, in order to give effect to
a burst of sunshine which falls on the two principal figures,
and on the floor near them. This excellent little gem is painted
throughout with unusual care, and is the product of his best
time, being dated 1640. Engraved by P. M. Probst, and in
the Musees Frangais, by J. De Frey and Devilliers, under