DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.22422#0017
Letter XIII,
DUTCH AND FLEMISH PICTURES.
5
which approaches nearer the warmth of his later works. On can-
vas, 3 ft. 10 in. high, 8 ft. 6 in. wide. In 1810 this picture was sold
for 16,500 florins at the sale of the collection of Smeth Van Alpen.
2. The entrance of the sepulchre, within which the two angels
are perceived, with Mary Magdalen worshipping Christ, who ap-
pears in a white robe, with a straw hat on his head and a spade
in his hand, in the figure of a gardener. This composition has, in
a high degree, that strange originality which is peculiar to Rem-
brandt. The dawn of morning has given full scope for his deep
chiaroscuro. Very carefully executed, and inscribed with his
name and the year 1638. This fine picture, which was purchased
in the year 1736, by the Elector of Hesse Cassel, of Madame de
Reuver, was taken in 1806 to Malmaison, and brought to England
in 1816. On panel, 2 ft. 0^ in. high, 1 ft. 8 in. wide.
3. His own portrait, at the age of about thirty-six. This pic-
ture is very advantageously distinguished from most of Rem-
brandt's portraits of himself by a subdued light golden tone, and
delicate careful modelling.
4. The wife of the burgomaster Pancras, in a yellow silk dress
and rich ornaments, looking at herself in the glass, and fastening
an earring. Her husband, standing by in a hat and feathers,
holds a string of pearls. Whole-length figures the size of life.
The composition is not interesting, but the clear golden tone in
the woman, and the delicate drawing and great animation of the
man, are worthy of admiration. Inscribed with his name. On
canvas, 5 ft. 1 in. high, 6 ft. 5 in. wide.
5. The portrait of a fair, middle-aged woman, almost a front
view. She is standing at a window, in a rich dress. In a delicate
full golden tone, most tenderly blended. Inscribed 1641. On
canvas, 3 ft. 5^ in. high, 2 ft. 8^ in. wide. This picture was
purchased of Lord Charles Townshend for 1000 guineas.
6. The Adoration of the Kings ; a rich and very peculiar com-
position. One of the kings, with two of his attendants, is kneeling
before the infant, which is in swaddling-clothes, in the Virgin's lap.
The expression of reverence and devotion in the heads of these
three figures, though the countenances are commonplace, is very
true and natural. The whole group glows in the fullest golden
tones, and the impasto is in some places so strong as to approach
relief. The effect is increased by the two other kings and their
DUTCH AND FLEMISH PICTURES.
5
which approaches nearer the warmth of his later works. On can-
vas, 3 ft. 10 in. high, 8 ft. 6 in. wide. In 1810 this picture was sold
for 16,500 florins at the sale of the collection of Smeth Van Alpen.
2. The entrance of the sepulchre, within which the two angels
are perceived, with Mary Magdalen worshipping Christ, who ap-
pears in a white robe, with a straw hat on his head and a spade
in his hand, in the figure of a gardener. This composition has, in
a high degree, that strange originality which is peculiar to Rem-
brandt. The dawn of morning has given full scope for his deep
chiaroscuro. Very carefully executed, and inscribed with his
name and the year 1638. This fine picture, which was purchased
in the year 1736, by the Elector of Hesse Cassel, of Madame de
Reuver, was taken in 1806 to Malmaison, and brought to England
in 1816. On panel, 2 ft. 0^ in. high, 1 ft. 8 in. wide.
3. His own portrait, at the age of about thirty-six. This pic-
ture is very advantageously distinguished from most of Rem-
brandt's portraits of himself by a subdued light golden tone, and
delicate careful modelling.
4. The wife of the burgomaster Pancras, in a yellow silk dress
and rich ornaments, looking at herself in the glass, and fastening
an earring. Her husband, standing by in a hat and feathers,
holds a string of pearls. Whole-length figures the size of life.
The composition is not interesting, but the clear golden tone in
the woman, and the delicate drawing and great animation of the
man, are worthy of admiration. Inscribed with his name. On
canvas, 5 ft. 1 in. high, 6 ft. 5 in. wide.
5. The portrait of a fair, middle-aged woman, almost a front
view. She is standing at a window, in a rich dress. In a delicate
full golden tone, most tenderly blended. Inscribed 1641. On
canvas, 3 ft. 5^ in. high, 2 ft. 8^ in. wide. This picture was
purchased of Lord Charles Townshend for 1000 guineas.
6. The Adoration of the Kings ; a rich and very peculiar com-
position. One of the kings, with two of his attendants, is kneeling
before the infant, which is in swaddling-clothes, in the Virgin's lap.
The expression of reverence and devotion in the heads of these
three figures, though the countenances are commonplace, is very
true and natural. The whole group glows in the fullest golden
tones, and the impasto is in some places so strong as to approach
relief. The effect is increased by the two other kings and their