7 SEPTEMBER 1839, Page 20

BEHNES'S BUST OF CLARKSON.

Wa have been gratified with a view of the marble bust of CLARKSON, the liberator of slaves, sculptured by BERMES for the Corporation of London. It represents a venerable head of intellectual and bene- volent character ; its nobleness rather increased than impaired by the tnrrows of age, which do not destroy the bland serenity of the counte- Mance. Energy, and impatience of injustice, have ruffled the brow, and slightly dragged down the corners of the mouth ; but the expression is that of a mind suffering for the wrongs of others, not a splenetic temper embittered by thwarted self-will. The stamp of philanthropy is on the features ; and these are preserved in the veteran of ninety, as though it were but a green old age, by the invigorating influence of an active spirit of benevolence and an enlarged sympathy. The chiselling of the head is free and masterly : the lineaments of the face are all indicated with scrupulous regard to the individuality of the original, but subordinate to the general effect of the mass ; and the Marble assumes the softness and flexibility of flesh. The bust is covered with a simple fold of flat drapery, which brings out the•de- licate markings of the countenance : it is altogether a fine piece of Sculpture, highly honourable to the talent of the artist.