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)

REMBRANDT VAN RHYN.

73

Fancy and Familiar Subjects.
beauty, is lying naked on the couch, in the act of raising her
head, and extending her arm, as if she were listening for the
steps of her expected gallant. An old woman, partly con-
cealed by the curtains, stands on the farther side of the bed,
with a bunch of keys on her arm. The accessories consist of
a table covered with red cloth, standing in front, a rich girdle
lying on the ground, and a carved and gilt cupid at the head
of the bed. This picture is painted in a free bravura manner,
exceedingly brilliant in colour, and powerful in effect.
5 ft. 9 in. by Qft. 6 in.—C. (about.)
Now in the palace of the Hermitage, at St. Petersburgh.
Worth 600 gs.

174. The Wood-cutter’s Family. This singularly com-
posed picture presents the interior of a room of a picturesque
appearance, disclosed to the spectator by the drawing aside of a
red curtain, which is suspended on the left. On the right of the
apartment sits a young woman, pressing to her bosom an infant
which she appears to have just taken from a cradle, and is
endeavouring by caresses to appease its crying. A little fire
blazes on the floor before her, and an earthen pot and a cat
are by the side of it. The master of this humble dwelling,
with an axe in his hand, is seen at the entrance of the room,
which is partly concealed by the curtain. Although the chief
charm of this estimable picture is derived from the magic of
its chiaro-scuro, yet the unaffected truth and simplicity which
reign both in the habitation and its occupants, must always
awake feelings of the warmest admiration. Dated 1640.
Engraved in the Musee Fran^ais, by Oortman.
The conquests of 1806 placed this picture in the Louvre,
and the battle of Waterloo restored it again to Hesse Cassel.
1 ft. 6 in. by 2ft. 2 in.—P.
Now in the Palace at Wilhelmshohe. Worth 700 gs.