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                            "The portrait of Francois Snyders ........ one of the most

pure jewels of art, was considered amongst the best canvases of Van Dyck at the Exposition at Manchester in 1857. According to the testimony of the best judges that work of Antoine eclipsed all others without exception - even the large paintings apart and the celebrated equestrian effegy of Charles I - was the portrait of Snyders belonging to the Count of Carlisle. One should read the enthusiastic description by W. Burger. The closest critics do not hesitate to place this canvas alongside of the productions of the greatest genius, and to place it among the marvels of painting."

                         The portrait is also described in Smith's Catalogue Raisonne, 

Vol. 3 page 95. as follows:

                        "Portrait of Francis Snyders when about forty-five years

of age. His fine oval intelligent countenance is seen in a three-quarter view, and the head inclines to the right shoulder; the dress consists of a black silk figured vest, relieved by a lace collar, and a large cloak covers the right shoulder and hangs on the back of a chair which stands in front, on which both the hands are placed; a hat hangs on the corner of the chair. 4 ft. 2 in. by 3 ft. 1 in. C. Engraved by Dequevauviller. This is an example of perfection in portraiture. The above is etched with variations by Van Dyck, and engraved with the left hand crossing the body by Meyssens. Col- lection of the Duc d'Orleans, 1798, 400 gs. Now in the collection of the Earl of Carlisle. There is also a print of the preceding, in which the right hand is placed on the left upon the back of a chair, engraved by Neefs."