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)

54

REMBRANDT VAN RHYN.

New Testament Subjects.

vesture, and a dark silk mantle, which covers the top of the
head, and falls over the shoulders; she is seated near a niche
with a large book on her lap, which she appears to have just
closed, and having removed her spectacles from her eyes, is
bending slightly forward, listening to the prayers of a child,
who is kneeling by her side with his hands piously united.
At the extremity of the temple is introduced the presentation,
and the prophet Simeon is seen on his knees with the infant
Saviour in his arms, while Joseph and Mary are worshipping
near him. The altar, with the table of tire laws, and brazen
serpent, are also visible. These figures are very subordinate,
and merely form the episode to the subject of the picture.
Signed, and dated 1650. This precious production of the
pencil is distinguished for the simplicity of the composition,
the devotional character of the prophetess, and the rich com-
bination of colours, which have not unaptly been compared
to the ruby, emerald, and pearl, so set as to give lustre to each
other. Engraved by J. Fittler, and also in the Stafford Gallery.
1 ft. 5 in. by 1 ft. \^in.—P.
Collection of De Heer Flines, Amst. 1700. . 300flo. 271.
- —- De Heer Roos, Hague, 1747. . 350flo. 31Z.
--— M. Julienne, . Paris, 1767. . 1861/s. 74/.
Now in the Bridgewater collection, Lord Francis Egerton.
Worth 400 gs.

124. Saint John preaching in the Wilderness. A picture
representing this subject, of which a copy was made by the
late Benjamin West, Esq., P.R. A., and sold in his sale, may
here be cited as a proof of his opinion of the original; but
in addition to this, the writer (not having seen the picture
himself) has been favoured with the testimony of a connois-
seur, as to the merits and originality of the production.
2ft. 4 in. by 3ft.—C. (about.)
Now in the collection of the Cardinal Felch, at Rome.