ΤΟ

PHILIP JOHN MILES, ESQ.

M. P.

THIS WORK

IS

MOST RESPECTFULLY AND GRATEFULLY INSCRIBED,

BY HIS OBEDIENT AND

OBLIGED SERVANT,

JOHN YOUNG.

ALTHOUGH this Collection is too remote from the Metropolis, to share with its splendid Galleries the frequent visits of the amateurs and patrons of Art,-yet, the Pictures of which it is composed can never fail to excite the highest interest, when it is considered that many of them were the ornaments of the magnificent palaces of Italy, which were, for a long period, almost the sole receptacles of the finest works produced by the chisel and the pencil. To the animating example of the ancients, we owe the present flourishing state of the Fine Arts in this country; and those who distinguish themselves by collecting and exhibiting their works, are entitled equally to the gratitude of the professional artist, and to the thanks of the British public.

Among the highly meritorious individuals who have enriched the country with works of ancient art, we are, in an eminent degree, indebted to Richard Hart Davis, Esq., Member for Bristol, by whom this Collection was principally formed; and whose refined taste led him to select the finest specimens of the Italian School. During the late period of revolutionary spoliation, many of the most splendid works of art were removed from Italy to

this country; and they excited a competition which was at once an indication of our national wealth, and a proof of the judgment, taste, and liberality of our Collectors.

When these Pictures had been for some years in the possession of Mr. Davis, his friend, Mr. Miles, being desirous of adorning his noble mansion, at Leigh Court, with a splendid Gallery of Paintings, contracted with him for the purchase of the whole; and, actuated by the ardent spirit of his predecessor, he has added many very fine Pictures from various Collections, and especially from that of the late Henry Hope, Esq. Every facility of introduction is afforded by the liberal proprietor to those whose taste induces them to visit Leigh Court; and many of the finest Pictures in his Collection have, at different times, appeared in the exhibitions at the British Institution; Mr. Miles having very liberally acceded to the wishes of the Directors in this respect, notwithstanding the inconvenience attending a distant removal.

In this Catalogue, as in those which have preceded it, all attempt at critical discussion has been carefully avoided; but no opportunity has been neglected of procuring such biographical and other notices as were deemed to be useful and interesting. The Drawings, of which the Etchings are faithful imitations, have been made with every possible attention to expression and character; and I trust that this Catalogue will not disappoint the expectations of those who have patronised my former works.