NORWEGIAN SCENERT.*
Though Englishmen have a tolerably definite general notion of the aspect of Norwegian nature, it is not often they see accurate representa- tions of its particular scenes. Mr. West has hitherto been, we think, the only exhibiting painter who makes it his stock subject.
The large and handsome volume before us presents many scenes of picturesque grandeur. It contains twelve plates and a vignette, prefaced by some general remarks, and each subject accompanied by a few words of description. Gousta Fjeld, the highest mountain in Norway, is the first ; and of this the original picture now hangs on the walls of the British Institution. Krogleven, Vossevangen, Borgund Church, the River Lierdal, are other mountain-scenes. The first portrays with effect a pros- pect of fair water, field, and hills, saluting the eye through the opening of the rocky gorge. The church, built in 1134 entirely of pine, is one of the oldest in Norway. The last-mentioned subject has more of an English aspect than others, were not the mountains on so great a scale. Of the Fjords, or intersecting inlets of water which form so prominent a feature of the scenery, three plates are given—Hardanger Fjord, Sor Fjord, and Oifjord Vand ; and of the Waterfalls, or Foses, three also, each of dis- tinct character. The Riuckan Fos, or Smoking Fall, justifies its name by the blinding ferment of spray into which it dashes itself for ever. • The Skjarven Fos, falling in grand gradation from one ledge to another, is the most picturesque in the common sense. The Wiring Fos pours itself in one thin stream 900 feet long down a precipice horribly perpen- dicular.
The artistic merit of the views is considerable. Though not strikingly original or peculiar in manner, they are well treated, both by Mr. Randell and by the thoroughly-trained French lithographer to whom he has prudently intrusted their execution : every part is finished with care, and the whole bears evidence of consideration and skill.
* Views in Norway : from Original Pictures by James Handel., Esq. Drawn on Stone by Eugene Ciceri. Published by Colnaghi.
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