Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Elsum, John
ELSUM, JOHN (fl. 1700–1705), was the author of a collection of 'Epigrams upon the Paintings of the most eminent Masters, Antient and Modern, with Reflexions upon the several Schools of Painting, by J. E., Esq.' (8vo, London, 1700). The similarity of initials has caused this work to be sometimes ascribed to John Evelyn [q.v.] Some of the epigrams are translations from Michael Siloa's 'De Romana Pictura et Sculplura.' Elsum also published in 1703 'The Art of Painting after the Italian Manner, with Practical Observations on the Principal Colours and Directions how to know a Good Picture;' and in 1704 'A Description of the celebrated pieces of Paintings of the most Ancient Masters, in verse.' No details are known of his life.
[Brit. Mus. Cat.; Universal Catalogue of Books on Art.]