DIORAMA. OF A TOUR THROUGH EUROPE.
The Diorama by Mr. Marshall, opened on Monday at the Concert-room of Her Majesty's Theatre, claims to occupy a higher position in this line of art than any other we have seen for a considerable while. The exhibition is on a large scale in the number no less than the proportions of the views ; and these possess qualities of fine design, of truth united to vividness of colour and effect, the like to which are seldom attained. The most strik- ing features of three main European routes are presented to the spectator : through Germany by the Elbe and Danube to Constantinople; through Italy and Switzerland ; and down the Rhine. The views in Venice are distinguished by highly picturesque combinations of colour ; the Iron Gate and the Lurleiberg by wild and solemn grandeur ; the Rhine-raft by life and atmospheric truth. We recognize a fine and educated hand in the sky of this picture, and of Montanvert and the Mer de Glace,— a fair test of artistic ability; and Mr. Marshall shows special skill in the rock scenery of the Alps,—broadly and massively painted, yet with a varied effect of detail. Indeed, those views are but rare which do not afford some particular grounds for commendation.
Previous page
