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.

145

Portraits of Men.
a yellow dress with richly embroidered sleeves, is bending
forward to embrace the lady, who stands in nearly a front
view, with her hands on her waist. Her attire consists of a
crimson silk gown, a lace frill and ruffles, and muslin scarf,
with pearl necklace, and other jewels. A pot of flowers is
faintly indicated in the back-ground. This picture is painted
with astonishing freedom and mastery of hand, and with a
prodigality of colour and brilliancy of hues, rarely exceeded
by the master. In its execution may be discovered the appli-
cation of the colour with the palette knife, the thumb, the
dry stick, and the broad spreading brush. He has seldom
produced any thing finer in portraiture than the character and
expression of the gentleman; but the lady has not been
attended with the like success. It was evidently painted
towards the close of the artist’s life, and he appears not to
have entirely finished it, or to have contemplated some altera-
tion, for the form of a poodle dog may be traced through the
glazed shadow on the right and front of the picture. Signed,
and dated; but the last two figures of the date have been
cut off.
Purchased by the Writer, of De Heer Vaillant, at Amster-
dam, in 1825, for 5000flo., and now in the collection of
De Heer Vander Hoop.
4ft. by 5 ft. 5 in.—C.

431. A Man, about forty years of age, without a beard,
seen in nearly a front view, with the head inclining to one
side, and slightly bent forward. I4e has on a high turban-
shaped cap, and is enveloped in a fur mantle, leaving visible
only a small portion of the vest and plaited shirt. Engraved
(oval) by Moreau, in the Poulain Gallery.
6 in. by 4| in.—P.
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