2 JUNE 1838, Page 20

CASTS FROM THE ANTIQUE.

THE want of a tine collection of casts from the antique, so long felt by artists in the country, and particularly regretted by Mr. Rt. NIE in his evidence before the Committee of Arts and Manufactures, has been supplied, so far as it is in the power of individuals to dolt by the successors of Mr. SARTI in his extensive galleries in Dna Street, Soho. Messrs. LOFT amid Company, themselves artists, have made the whole of their collections available to students drawing from the antique. This, already numerous. is now enriched by casts from the Elgin Marbles ; and will from time to time be increased by additions from foreign galleries,—Mr. SARTI being engaged to procure moulds of statues not before seen in this country. We are glad to hind that museums of casts are springing up in some provincial towns ; and, considering the beauty and interest of a good collection of casts well arranged, and time cheapness and facility of pro. curing them, we are only surprised that they are not more numerous No representation of beautiful forms appeals so potently to the sense as those of sculpture; and its noblest creations are readily multiplied, with little loss of the fine qualities of the original. For the sum that would be paid for a copy of any one great picture, the Transfiguration for instance, a gallery of casts qf ti.tnr.i%oe sraws ismtts.2 In some " flints for the formation of Provincial Galleries of Art" that we threw out, (Spectator, No. 443.) a few of the principal statilell were mentioned, and the casts of the Elgin Marbles were alluded to as in progress. The moulds are now finished ; and sets of the casts complete, or any portions of them, !nay be had from the British Mu. scum, through the moulders, Messrs. LOFT, who have published a priced list of the frogments. We would suggest to Messrs. LOFT, that a priced catalogue tab sound of a museum of casts, containing specimens of sculpture, corn. mencing with the Egyptian, including the early as well as the perfect Greek styles, and the best modern and contemporary examples, would be an improvement on their present list ; which is so numerous as to embarrass the choice of those who are not well acquainted with the relative value of the statues and groups composing it. A sketch of a smaller collection, for popular gratitieation;'as well as a more complete one for the purposes of study, might be given also.