SiR ROBERT PEEL, AS PAIXTBD BY LAViRENCE, ENGRAVED BY CpUS1NS.
Messrs. Coinaglsi have prepared, and are about to publish,' a new en- graving by Samuel Cousins, in his most forcible and coloured style, of Laws renee's picture. After all, Lawrence's is by far the best portrait of Peel, be- cause it conveys a more real idea of the character of his:countenance. It was painted before Peel attained his position as a great statesman; 'and other artists have been enabled to add the stronger lines, the more massive forms, the graver expression which time added to the living orikinaL But Lawrence alone caught with accuracy the peculiar conformation of the broW —its elevated outer angle, and the other structural peculiarities, which were the material basis for that air of force and of expansive gayety which was.so highly characteristic of Peel's bearing. No wonder that this was his fa- vourite portrait not only because it had his more juvenile and comely as- pect, not only because it Was the most favourable view of his mood, but because at was most truly-Stimuli': it was therefore most satisfactory to the sense of individualism which is in us all, and which makes the least vain of us feel a gratification at seeing our own portrait well painted. This gayer and more amiable part of Peel's character was long regarded, by politieal,prejudice as a mere gloss pat upon it by his consummate artifice : later in his life, it was found to be a large essential in his nature—a distinguishing trait which . time did not dim. Therefore is it that Lawrence's portrait has. never 'been put out of dates though wanting-in the weight of-PeePs. enius—as all' the portraits areittia the most accurate on essential material facts, the tnrest to the spirit of the man.
Previous page
