ts. Frequently, indeed, they
are the same jolly drinking parties, or the meetings of boors; but in
other masters the object is, for the most part, to depict a certain
situation, either quiet or animated, whilst in Jan Steen is generally to
be found action more or less developed, together with all the
reciprocal relations and interests between the characters which spring
from it. This is accompanied by great variety and force of individual
expression, such as evinces the sharpest observation. He is almost the
only artist in the Netherlands who has thus, with true genius, brought
into full play all these elements of comedy. His technical execution
suits his design; it is carefully finished, and notwithstanding the
closest attention to minute details, it is as firm and correct as it is
light and free."

FROLICS OF MIERIS AND JAN STEEN.

Sandrart says that Mieris had a real friendship for Jan Steen, and
delighted in his company, though he was by no means fond of drinking as
freely as Jan was accustomed to do every evening at the tavern.
Notwithstanding this, he often passed whole nights with his friend in a
joyous manner, and frequently returned very late to his lodging. One
evening, when it was very dark and almost midnight, as Mieris strolled
home from the tavern, he unluckily fell into the common sewer, which had
been opened for the purpose of cleansing, and the workmen had left
unguarded. There he must have perished, had not a cobbler and his wife,
who worked in a neighboring stall, heard his cries and instantly ran to
his relief. Having extricated Mieris, they took all possible care of
him, and procured the best refreshment in their power. The next morning
Mieris, having thanked his preservers, took his leave, but particularly
remarked the house, that he might know it another time. The poor people
were totally ignorant of the person whom they had relieved, but Mieris
had too grateful a heart to forget his benefactors, and having painted a
picture in his best manner, he brought it to the cobbler and his wife,
telling them it was a present from the person whose life they had
contributed to save, and desired them to carry it to his friend
Cornelius Plaats, who would give them the full value for it. The woman,
unacquainted with the real worth of the present, concluded she might
receive a moderate gratuity for the picture, but her astonishment was
inexpressible, when she received the sum of eight hundred florins.