3 JULY 1830, Page 20

lUlL MARSDEN'S PICTURE OF PAUL BEFORE AGRIPPA.

IF Mr. MARSDEN'S large historical picture fails at all in its impression upon the spectator, it assuredly is not owing to any want of the advan- tages of light and situation ; for the scenic effect of the picture, as it is exhibited in the Saloon of the Colosseum, is in the highest degree favour- able. Indeed, so completely is this the case, that the steps, pedestals, and draperies of the room, harmonize with and extend the picture. With these " appliances and means to boot," and with great merit in the arrangements of colour and effect, as well as in the composition of the picture, it is but a bold attempt by a feeble hand. Mr. MARSDEN has evidently bestowed great labour and pains upon his work ; and, by means of a broad light, he concentrates the attention upon the principal figure of the Apostle, thence to his judge Agrippa, and next to Fetus and Ber_ nice, and the surrounding persons. All this is well : the drapery of the Apostle is massive and well thrown, though not original. But his figure wants dignity, his action energy; and his countenance is not only not apostolic, but it is a mere modern physiognomy,—intelligent enough, and with a high expansive forehead aud black hair, but the head, placed in a pert, familiar attittele, and with an air any thing but impressive or partaking of the character or style of the Apostle of the Jews. This part of the picture is, indeed, a decided failure. Agrippa's dark iron 2:musk of a face, seen in profile, is characteristic, tliough rather hard ; and his expression and attitude are those of a man anxious to hear what Taal has to say: but his legs seem not to belong to him. The face of Festus is nimbly, turgid, and undecided. Bernice is a modern piece of female insipidity, in a rich costume ; the splendour of which is well car- ried off by the dress of the black female slave below her,—who, by the by, is literally ebon in hue and in substance. The picture is appro- priately filled up, but with very modern.looking heads in antique >.>;ar.. ments. The drawing, especially of the faces, is not good ; it wants both truth and vigour, and is generally indecisive and feeble. The colouring is too theatrical in detail, and the handling is deficient in force and clear- ness. As a whole, however, Mr. MARSDEN has succeeded in producing a more attractive picture than we should have supposed him capable of. The colouring., as seen reflected in a mirror at the end of the room, is very rich ; and the contrivance is ingenious, and useful to show the general effect, which is seen to best advantage at a distance.

The height and size of the Saloon, and the silence of the place, as well as the excellent light it affords, render it peculiarly well adapted for the exhibition of large paintings ; and we would recommend artists to see the fine effect of the room and the picture, as affording the best re- commendation of' the advantages which the Saloon of the Colosseum Offers for the exhibition of works of art.