ELSHEIMER, or ELZHEIMER, ADAM, was born at Frankfurt in 1574, and, according to the most probable account, died in 1620 ; but the statements of writers on the subject differ extremely. Finding that he was not likely to acquire in his own country that knowledge of the art which he saw to be necessary, he resolved to go to Rome, where he soon formed an intimacy with Pines, Leaman, Thomas of Landau, and other eminent painters. Having carefully examined the curiosities of Rome and the works of the greatest artists, both ancient and modern, he formed a style of painting peculiar to himself ; this was the designing of landscapes with historical figures on a small scale, which he finished in so exquisite a manner that he was not only far superior to all his contemporaries, but is probably unrivalled in his own line by any artist of subsequent times. He designed entirely after nature; and a retentive memory enabled him to recollect every thing that had struck him, and to make a judicious use of it in his compositions. Allowing for a certain conventionalism, it is difficult to speak in too high terms of the rare union of excellences iu the works of Elsheimer ; he is equally admirable for the fine taste of his design, the correct drawing of his figures, the lightness, spirit, and delicacy of his touch, the beauty of his colouring, the high finishing of his works, ao that the minutest parts will bear the closest inspection.
and his skilful management and distribution of light and shade, and thorough knowledge of the principles of chiaroscuro, which was manifested in his pieces representing scenes by torch or candlelight, moonlight, sunrise, or sunset. Even during his lifetime his pictures bore a very high price, but the price was considerably increased after hie death. Yet it is said that he was unable to acquire even comfort by the exercise of his talents. He had a large family ; and though he received high prices for his works, he spent so much time and labour upon them, that he could not subsist by what he earned. He was at length cast into prison for debt ; and though very soon released, the disgrace of the confinement preyed on his apirita, and he sunk under his misfortunes. Tho Italians, who highly honoured and esteemed him, deeply regretted his untimely death; and his friend Thomas of Landau was so grieved at his loss that he could no longer bear Rome, but retired to his own country. Old Teniers and Bamboecio are considered to have been indebted for great part of their excellence to their study of the works of Elsheimer.