4 JULY 1835, Page 20

FINE ARTS.

TILE LAWRENCE GALLERY.

THE second exhibition of the Drawing; by the Old Masters, collected by Sir THOMAS LAWRENCE, opened this week, and will continue open for a month only. It consists of the sketches of VANDYKE and REM- BRANDT. These are neither so choice nor so numerous as those of RUBEN& To the artist and the connoisseur they will be more inte- resting than to the public generally ; whereas the Rubenses possessed attractions also for the uninitiated picture-seer. REMBRANDT'S slovenly scratches with pen and ink, and his drawings in bistro, look like the first vague dawnings of the creations of his wizard pencil. We fancy how they would appear when wrought up to the solemn tone of his chiaroscuro, whose mysterious gloom is height- ened by brilliant lights, that seem as if reflected through amber.

VANDYKL'S sketches in pencil and pen and ink do not display the same power of hand as those of Re-BENS. They are more laboured in their elegance. The best are the finished drawings in sepia, oil, and

body colouis, of heads and pictures for engravers, which are wrought up with greil care. The engravings are cold, black, and metallic be- side them. These first thoughts of great painters possess an inde- scribable charm, which it is difficult to communicate to those who have not seen them. In the original sketch of a tine artist, every line —even a false one—has its value. We seem to trace the process of his art—we are admitted behind the pictorial curtain.

We shall endeavour to take another look at these rarities before the scene shifts. We had intended to do so with those of RusENs, but were too late. Let us advise all who would not be disappointed, to see them in time. The next display will consist of the sketches of CLaum: and POUSSIN. Micuat:r. ANGELO and RAPHAEL are the two last : they :we properly reserved as the crowning glories of the collection. But there some fine treats in the interim.