2-888-202 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Picture Gallery of the late King of Holland, in the Palace of the Hague, [Netherlands], 1850. '...William II. was a man of refined taste, and of considerable judgment in works of art. He purchased liberally, whenever opportunities offered of acquiring fine works of the old masters...Almost all of the most rare and valuable [ancient drawings] were collected, at a vast expense, by the late Sir Thomas Lawrence...It was deeply to be regretted that these beautiful and rare specimens of art were ever allowed to leave England; for among them are a great many studies and designs of Raphael, Michael Angelo, Leonardo da Vinci...Carravagio &c...by their being so unexpectedly again to be sold, it is to be hoped that the English Government will...secure at least all the most valuable of these drawings, to place in the National Gallery'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.