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 8) (London: Smith and Son, 1837)

175

CLAUDE GELEE,

CALLED

LORRAINE.
Upwards of two centuries have elapsed since the
birth of this enchanting Painter, and during this long
period, no successful rival has appeared to compete
for the wreath of Fame, he therefore stands alone pre-
eminent in excellence, the admired of all beholders.
A reputation so based, and so universal, can receive
no augmentation from the encomiums of writers, and
all that their pen can offer in the cause of such high
merit, is a faithful record of the works which have so
raised the Artist, and thereby render still more durable
his well deserved fame.
This illustrious Painter was born in the obscure
Town of Chamagne, situate in the diocese of Toul in
Lorraine, in the year 1600. His parents, Giovanni
Gellee and Anna Podosa, had several children, of
whom, according to Baldinucci, Claude was the third
of five sons. Of the nature of their occupation and
situation in life, no mention is made; but from the
events which attended their decease, it is reasonable to