FINE ARTS.
A YOUNG sculptor, Mr. STEELE, of Edinburgh, whose fame has not yet spread beyond the circle of his immediate connexion, has been for. tunate enough to obtain the honour of' several sittings from the Queen for a bust of her :Majesty, which he has just completed in marble. We had an opportunity of seeing it for a few moments on its way to the Palace,—though the light being unfavourable, it was not shown to due advantage ; and from this cursory glance we are disposed to form the very highest opinion of the talent and skill of the sculptor. The like- ness is beautifully characteristic in feature, contour, and expression— especially the upper part of the face. What struck us as a peculiarity in the mouth, is probably a correct representation of the form of the lips when slightly parted and animated by a transient emotion of in- terest. The varying character of this feature of the Queen's counte- nance—in all eases the most difficult one to represent, and particularly so when sensibility is the prevailing quality of the expression—makes it the most delicate part of the artist's task, especially to the sculptor.
The drapery is of the simplest kind, and a tiara is the only ornament of the bead-dress: the bust is designed in pure taste, and an air of chaste and classic elegance pervades it. The modelling is firm and delicate, with a broad effect of light and shade ; and the chiselling of the flesh is exquisite.
Previous page
