It is this picture which deprives even Hals of some of his divinity, and makes Van der Helst a dull dog.

If ever a picture of Dutch gentlemen was painted by a Dutch gentleman it is this.
Having seen the "Night Watch" again, it is a good plan to study the Gallery of Honour.

To pick out one's favourite picture is here not difficult: it is No.

1501, "The Endless Prayer," by Nicolas Maes, of which I have said something in the chapter on Dordrecht, the painter's birthplace.

Its place is very little below that of Elizabeth Bas, by Maes's master.
It is always interesting in a fine gallery to ask oneself which single picture one would choose before all others if such a privilege were offered.