FINE ARTS.
CHALON'S PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN.
WE have enjoyed the gratification of seeing a whole-length miniature portrait of the Queen, painted in water colours by ALFRED CH ALON ; which is in the highest degree admirable, not only as a likeness but as a picture—it is a most superb production of art.
The Queen is attired in her robes of state, with a diamond circlet on her head, as she appeared at the prorogation of Parliament ; and stands, in an easy and graceful attitude, on a sort of terrace raised on a flight of steps, with one arm leaning on the base of a column. Her Majesty's full face is presented to the spectator, the eyes being directed to one side : her look is full of animation and sweetness, and her air at once simple and commanding. The resemblance is strikingly characteristic ; and if the beauty of the features be a little heightened, the pictorial flattery is so delicately managed, that the artist cannot be accused of falsifying the truth ; for the natural expression of the royal countenance is most felicitously preserved. As we have had occasion to remark a tincture of affectation in CHALON'S style, it is but justice to him to say that he has entirely avoided that defect. He has surpassed himself in this instance.
As a water-colour painting, it has never been excelled in power and brilliancy. The execution is free and masterly—neither slovenly nor overlaboured : the colouring is rich and glowing, and moreover pure, fresh, and transparent—not heightened by gum or other factitious modes of increasing the force of water-colour painting. The treatment of the gorgeous costume—the velvet and ermine, gold embroidery and jewels—is consummately skilful ; and the arrangement of light and shade, and the general effect, evince transcendent taste and refinement. The steps, besides giving appropriate elevation to the figure, serve to display to advantage the massive folds of the crimson velvet train ; while the white damask fringed with gold that covers them, and the ermine lining of the robe, are the means of diffusing the principal light in one broad and brilliant flood of splendour, which a few scattered flowers prevent from being oppressive. It is not only the chef d'cearre of CHALON, but a triumph of art in a style of painting that is peculiarly English.
The picture is, we understand, a present from the Queen to her mother. We saw it at Mr. MooN's, the publisher, in Threadneedle Street ; who privately exhibited it for a day or two, previously to its being placed in.the hands of SAMUEL COUSINS, to be engraved in the mixed mode, line and stipple,—the style best calculeited to do it justice. We heard that the publisher had given the enormous sum of one thousand guineas for the copyright. Certainly it is the characteristic likeness of Queen VICTORIA; and we cannot expect or wish for a better.
The Queen is also sitting to WILKIE for her portrait he is to paint two,—one in state robes, the other as her Majesty appeared at her first Council. We hope Sir Davtu will be sparing of asphaltum.
Previous page
