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.

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The city of Leyden gave birth to this artist, in 1613, and be
died in 1674, aged sixty-one. For a description of his works
see Vol. I.
Ferdinand Bol was a pupil of Rembrandt’s, and under
his instruction became what may more properly be styled a
good painter than a fine one. He caught most of the pecu-
liarities which distinguish the school, and could doubtless
copy his master’s works with considerable fidelity, but nothing
more ; for neither his historical compositions, nor his portraits,
possess the properties for which his master’s are so justly
esteemed. Feeble in expression, smooth and laboured in
execution, frequently false in colouring, being either too
hot or too cold, particularly in the shadows and half tones,
which sometimes partake of a purplish tinge; his works,
therefore, are rarely attributed to the name of his master.
One of his finest productions, representing a lady receiving
from the hands of her companions a wreath in honour of her
superior skill in archery, is in the collection of the Right
Honourable Sir Charles Bagot, K.C.
Ferdinand Bol was born at Bort, in 1611, and died
in 1681.
Govaert Flink was born at Cleves, in 1616, and was
instructed in the first rudiments of the art by Lambert Jacobs,
a painter of no reputation ; he afterwards entered the school
of Rembrandt, in which he acquired such a proficiency in
the system pursued there, that he may be ranked among
the best imitators of his master’s works, so far as relates to
portraiture, in his more finished manner. In this branch of
art he was chiefly engaged, so that his historical works and
fancy subjects are of rare occurrence. His colouring in general
is fresh, and true to nature, his effects broad, and his execution
smooth and melting. He took great delight in his profession,