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 (Band 9): Supplement (London: Smith and Son, 1842)

2

GERARD DOW.

feeble rays illumine the cell: and the subject of his previous
meditation is denoted at the heading of the chapter in the
open book, on the opposite page to which is a print of a
Repose of the Holy Family. The subordinate parts of the
picture have evidently allusion to the transitory nature of
all sublunary things. The bones of man and beast,—the
withered tree,—the ruined arches, resembling the baths of
Dioclesian,—the extinguished light of the fallen lantern, &c.
Amidst these emblems of decay and desolation, the thistle
ssourishes in luxuriant vigour. Every part of this admirable
picture is finished with the most elaborate care. Signed,
and dated 1660. See Vol. I. No. 78, for information as to
its history, &c.
26^ in. by 19^ in.—P.
Collection of the Rt. Hon. Lord Ashburton. Worth 1500Z.

2. A School by Candlelight. The master of the seminary,
a man in years, wearing a fur cap, is seated on the right,
holding a ferula in one hand, and in the other a compass,
with which he points to the letters in a book, and which a
girl who stands in front of a table appears to be repeating;
two other children are waiting at the table to say their
lessons, and two more are seen in the back of the room.
The subject is illumined by a candle on the table, and a
lantern placed on the ground. Painted in a freer manner
than is usual with this Artist.
13^- in. by 14^- in. P.
In the Florence Gallery.

3. Portrait of an Aged Woman, represented in nearly a
profile view. She has on a fur cap, girt with a white
kerchief, and is dressed in a fur mantle.
9 in. by 7^ in. P. oval.
In the Royal Musee, Berlin.