FINE ARTS.
LE PETIT LOUVRE.
THIS is a choice selection of pictures principally from the Danoot Gallery, and not one of which but is deserving of, and will repay attentive examina- tion. They are of sterling value, and we think undoubted originals. We can only find room to notice them generally, though they are so various in their excellence that we would fain remark upon all of them individually.
There is a portrait and landscape by REMBRANDT, both fine specimens of that master of shadows. The landscape—early dawn, with cold watery sky and clouds clearing off, twilight effect—evinces the genius of the painter, in giving the tone and atmosphere of this striking appearance of nature, with an Imaginative power in the representation. There is a most delicately- coloured portrait by RUBEN'S, of the Duke d'Albert, a pure and beautiful specimen of his most delicious manner ; combining vigorous representation of the life with airiness of pencilling and transparency of colouring. A grand altar-piece of the "Return from Egypt," by the same master, is admirable for the character and expression of the heads of the Virgin, Joseph, and young Christ. It was originally in the Jesuits' church at Antwerp. Three beautiful compositions of WILsox—the Niobe, Meleager, and Apollo and the Seasons. We admire the feeling of the artist for nature, the truth of his effects, and the spirit of his compositions in all these pic- tures; and we also lament the slough of oil and varnish in which his colours have sunk. A splendid specimen of Cuvr,—a view on the Rhine' the whole landscape steeped in a transparent haze of yellow light, with horse. men, cows, &c.—reminds us of the fine picture by this master in the Na. tional Gallery. Three pictures of Boors, by young TENIERS, are of first- rate excellence in their line. There are also some delightful specimens of 1VouvEnmAxs, elaborately finished and brilliantly coloured, in the best manner of this pleasing artist. A portrait of the Marquis of Mantua, by RAPHAEL, is most highly finished, and exhibits a countenance where sub- tilty and sweetness intermingle in a remarkable manner. The physiogno- mical expression is intense, and the picture is brightly coloured. It formed part of the collection of Charles I. at St. James's, we are told in the catalogue.
We cannot conclude this brief notice without expressing regret at the var- nishing of the pictures. They are too excellent to need any • making up" of this kind, which not only prevents the spectator from getting a sight of the picture uninterrupted by the polish of the surface, but leads him to think of the "dealers" and their tricks ; which association would not exist either with the intelligent proprietor or his collection, were it not for the varnish. We ought not to omit a favourable mention of the Catalogue, which is full of information, and characterized by good taste.
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