viii

referring to this catalogue, observes : “ Many opinions
on pictures to which we cannot assent, proceed more
from a regard to the possessors, than from want of
better judgment.” This charge, being of a personal
nature, and coming from so respectable and highly
gifted a writer, is much too serious to remain un-
noticed ; and the author therefore avails himself of
this opportunity positively and unequivocally to dis-
avow the insinuation, and to assure the doctor and
his readers that no inducement of a personal consi-
deration could ever influence him to forfeit that con-
fidence which above all things he most highly values,
and which alone can give interest and stability to his
work.
The author feels that he would not do justice to
his own sentiments, were he to conclude this brief
preface without acknowledging his deep sense of
obligation to the numerous noblemen and gentlemen,
both in this country and on the continent, who have
in every instance afforded him, in the most kind and
liberal manner, that ready access to their collections
which has enabled him to complete this Supplement;
nor are his best thanks less due to the many con-
noisseurs and others connected with the commerce
of pictures, to most of whom he has had occasion to
apply for some favour, either of information, or the

written with intentions dictated by the purest integrity, and evinces
in numerous passages the amiable character of the author.—quali-
ties opposed to every idea of a sinister motive in the opinions and
criticisms contained in the work.
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