FINE ARTS.
Ma. Harnom delivered his concluding lecture on Painting, at the Mechanics' Institution, last evening. It was a recapitulation of the lead- ing points of the course; and was chiefly remarkable for soundness of opinion, clearness of view, and the demonstrative character of the illus- trations. At the close of his lecture, Mr. HAYDON answered the Spectator's inquiry as to what had been done relative to the establish- ment of the National School of Design, by expressing his fears that it would be made subservient to the Academy, as the only artists on the Committee appointed to consider its plan and formation were members of the Royal Academy,—namely, Sir FRANCIS CHANTRLY, Messrs. EASTLAKE, CALt.corr, and COCKERELL, each representing one of the four departments of art, Sculpture, Historical Painting, Landscape, and Architecture. What he is most apprehensive of is, that the study of the human form will not be made the basis of the course of instruction. We can hardly suppose that men of such high character as artists will so stultify themselves as to preclude the study of the human figure from a course of instruction in the art of design, though Academie in- fluence might prevail even to the adoption of such a monstrous ab- surdity. If they do come to such a resolution, however, we shall have something to say on that point to the Committee, as well as on certain other points to Mr. POVLETT TnoitsoN.
Mr. DAYDON, by the way, would be a very proper person to be at the head of one department of education in the School of Design. Whatever difference of opinion there may be as to the merits of his style as a painter, his thorough knowledge of his subject, his tact as an instructor, and his zeal for the art, admit of no doubt. Indeed, we should now almost prefer to see him devoting his energies to teaching rather than to painting : lie would do more good to others, if not to himself.
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