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76 painter of merit, and therefore qualified to judge critically of the performances of others; far though an amateur may have the highest possible relish for this art, it is probable beauties will escape him, which a painter alone can discover and appreciate.

The first chamber of this collection is allotted to pictures and portraits illustrative of the history of the United Provinces, and contains a succession of the princes of Orange; from William the First to William the Third.

William I. prince of Orange, and Maurice, by Miervelt; Frederic-Henry, and William II. by Hondhorn; and Frederic-Henry by Palamedes; are portraits of uncommon merit: those of Maurice and his brother William I. are perhaps the best.

The portrait of M. de Ruyter, by Ferdinand Bol, cannot be sufficiently admired; and the same praise is due to Admiral Van Ness and his wife, two exquisite pictures by B.Vander Helst.

The Duke of Alva, by D. Barns, is a most characteristic likeness of that cruel man. He