FINE ARTS.
Characteristic Sketches of Animals. Drawn from the Life, and engraved by THOMAS LANDSEER. Parts I. and II.
These are " Characteristic Sketches of Animals," in the true sense of the term; and they are admirable for truth of delineation and a feeling for nature. 'l'he etchings are remarkable for force, spirit, and effect ; the furs and horns of the animals are made out with great skill ; and the introduction of appropriate backgrounds gives additional character to the plates. The most striking specimens in the parts before its are the Bison, Thibet Dog, Musk Os, anti Elk. They are • principally portraits of living animals, some of them in the Jardin du Roi at Faris, and others in the Zoological Gardens. That of the Thibet Dog, at the latter place, will be recognized by visitors as a very faithful resemblance. A brief and lively account of the animal accompanies each plate, with a vignette portraying some scene or incident in which the subject of the description is introduced. The work is handsomely got up, and as a series of graphic illustrations of zoology, must be valuable to the naturalist, and cannot fail of becoming popular. The design of the work and its execution are excellent, and worthy of Mr. Turmas LANDSEER'S high rqutation as a draughtsman and engraver of • animals.
Select Views of the Principal Cities of Europe. From Original Paintings by Lieutenant Colonel BATTY. Part I. Oporto.
The plan of this work is good, and its execution, judging from the first number, worthy of it. Colonel BATTY'S Views of Continental Scenery have been extensively popular, on account of the accuracy of his drawings, and the neatness of their style. They were, however, felt to be tame in their exactness and were remarked, by artists, to want that variety and wealth of beauty which the grand and sublime character of the scenery Ike pourtrayed gave room to expect. In the present work, the Colonel has taken a sten in advance of his first works and it accordingly displays more feeling and effect, which give. additional value and merit to the accuracy of his pencil. The views of Oporto, in the present number, are eminenny beautiful ; and appear to have been taken from positions commanding the most striking and comprehensive features of the place. A more artist-like character belongs to the drawing, and a freedom and boldness of style are observable,—which shows that Colonel BATTY has not studied TURNER'S forceful combinations in vain. We remark, however, a want of keeping—a cutting-up of the broad effect, with a view to produce prettiness and brilliancy : this, if it is attained, is at the expense of the general tone of the print, and painfully distracts the eye by a confusion of objects. We also dislike the manner in which the water is indicated in the engravings ; it is too solid, and more like thatch than water. The views from Monte d'Arabida and Fontainbas are most beautiful, and they are all remarkable for the finished execution of the engraving and the richness of the scenery. An outline plate of reference accompanies each engraving: this novel and useful arrangement also bespeaks our faith in the accuracy of the views. Letter-press notices in French and English are added to each part,—which, containing views of one city separately, is complete in itself; a great advantage to many purchasers.
Joshua commanding the Sun to stand still. Engraved by T. Wow, NOTH, from a picture by CARLO MARATTI.
An excellent engraving, in the chalk manner, from a picture more striking than pleasing. We could have wished Mr. WootNcrrn had made a better choice; for as an illustration of the sublime subject, the design is beneath criticism, and as a print merely, it is not calculated to please the public taste. In the figure of Joshua consists the main feature of the picture ; and that, though it may he very skilfully foreshortened, is in a position unsuited to the event, and otherwise constrained and unnatural. It reminds us too forcibly of the bald prints of the old Dutch Bible, to succeed in impressing the imagination.
The Holy Family, from a Picture by Sir JOSHUA REYNOLDS. Engraved by J. G. WALKER.
As the production of a young artist, which we take Mr. WALiten to be, this line engraving is a specimen of great promise. The faces of Joseph and the infant Christ are faithfully expressive, and denote a feeling for the beauties of the original that promises well for the engraver's future success. We would call his
attention however, to the hands of the Virgin, and also to that most difficult accomplishment of his art—the running of the lines in the flesh. The effect; of the picture is well preserved, and the whole is in good keeping.
Mrs. WAYLETT, of the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. Engraved by T. HODGETTS, from a Painting by F. MEYER.
A pretty bead, but rather a sombre likeness of the arch original. The neck and shoulder we must protest against, as out of nature. The mezzotint is scratchy, foggy, and brown.
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