A Specimen of Ink Lithography, from R. MARTIN'S, 124, High
Holborn.
Mr. MARTIN sends us a most elaborate specimen of pen and ink draw- ing on stone ; consisting of a sort of pasticcio, composed of a group of lithographic stones with drawings on them of various subjects, such as landscape, portrait, architecture, antiquities, armour, plans, &c., exe- cuted in imitation of engraving ; and it is the most extraordinary work of the kind we have seen. The labour that has gone to its production must have been immense ; and although from its nature it has neither brilliancy nor effect, it is remarkably clear in the impression, and will bear the closest examination. It is only valuable as a tour de force, and useful as an advertisement of Mr. ManTIN's establishment. As a spe- cimen of lithography, we had much rather see a spirited crayon sketch by the hand of a master, than the closest imitation of either copper or wood engraving : in the former, lithography is not only superior to every other mode, bui. is the only one of multiplying original drawings ; in the latter, it but imitates the defects of another art. Considered, how- ever, in relation to its immediate object, the specimen before us is com- pletely successful. The merit of the artist being at least equal to that of the printer, we think his name ought not to have been withheld : and we accordingly venture a guess, that it can be no other than Mr. BAKER, of Sydenham ; whose curiously elaborate works we have before seen and admired.
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