8 JANUARY 1842, Page 19

FINE ARTS.

THE ART-UNION.

THE Committee of Management of the Art-Union of London, not unmindful of the increased responsibilty that attaches to them in consequence of the large amount annually subscribed to promote the objects of the society, appointed a Sub-Committee to consider the most efficient mode of employing their enlarged means for the benefit of art. The Sub-Committee, of which Mr. Dostai.nsoz the architect is Chairman, have made a report, which has been printed, embodying the following suggestions,—namely, that the prizes of 100/ and upwards be announced a year previous to the time of choosing ; that two of the larger prizes should be appropriated for the purchase of Scriptural or Historical pictures; that one such picture should be presented to some public building; that two large prizes should be appropriated for the purchase of Scalp. ture, from one of which a reduced model should be made for taking casts in bronze,—an excellent suggestion, made by Mr. HARDIN° ; that a prize should be set apart for the purchase of a specimen of gem-engraving, or mosaic work ; and that 100/. should be annually expended in the execution of a medal commemorative of British art.

The Sub-Committee do not venture to recommend the Committee to assume the right of selecting any one prize for subscribers, not even the picture to be engraved : they venture to suggest, however, that a gold medal should be annually awarded to the artist who produced the best of the works exhibited during the year : all of which might be accomplished for one out of the ten thousand pounds subscribed for the current twelvemonth.

We are decidedly averse to the giving of commisions and the bestowing of medals : the best way to encourage art is to buy good works, without defining their nature ; and to do this effectually, the choosers should possess enlightened judgment. No reward is so sweet to an artist as selling his work ; for that sets the seal of success on his efforts, without either laying him under obligation or trammelling him in working to another's idea.