FINE ARTS.
MR. MACDONALD'S SCULPTURES.
Wa have been much gratified by a sight of these highly meritorious productions of a sculptor, celebrated in Edinburgh, but not yet known to the London public, who promises to become one of the greatest orna- ments of his profession. They are exhibited in a commodious gallery, No. 80i, Pall Mall. Mr. MACDONALD displays a thorough mastery of his art, and an intimate knowledge of Nature, with an acquaintance with and a feeling for the beauties of the antique. There are two colossal groups of " Thetis and Achilles," and " Ajax bearing the dead body of Patroclus ;" the latter in particular is very fine. The relaxed state of the muscles of the dead body is very beautifully expressed ; the limbs droop powerless, and appear as though they would sway to the touch: This is a difficult as well as an original effort of art. The Ajax and the Achilles we seem to have seen before ; which, however, in nowise mili- tates against the originality of the models, being incidental to and almost inseparable from the subjects. The figures are not the less to be admired for the correctness and vigour of the anatomy, the truth and delicacy of the modelling, and the grandeur and propriety of the attitudes. As compositions, also, they have the merit of simplicity and harmony, and the expression is characteristic. A colossal figure of a " Fallen War- rior" also deserves equal praise. A life-size figure of a " Nymph imploring," is a graceful and beautiful composition, but not happily named : the gesture is too artificial and the attitude too easy for the action of entreaty—they belong rather to a calm appeal or remonstrance. A "Boy slinging," in marble, is remark able for youthful grace and freedom of limb, and the position is natural and appropriate. The marble statue of a child feeding a bird, is a de. licious piece of nature and infantile character : the sweet expression and almost the manner of the child are given, with a truth and simplicity quite delightful. These qualities, indeed, are the prevailing character- istics of the works of Mr. MACDONALD ; and he avails himself of his knowledge of the antique, in these subjects, only to add to their beauty and grace, not to convert representations of nature into academical models or mere statuary ware. The busts are such as might be expected from one who not only looks so frankly at Nature, but is so able to embody her best appearances. Those of the females are eminently feminine and natural. That of Mrs. Balfour has a sweetly innocent character, and the classical style in which the hair is arranged by no means interferes with the gentle grace of the head. A bust of Mrs. Brougham, the Lord Chancellor's vener. able mother* is a fine head, and full of character. That of Miss Kiemble appears too literal a resemblance; though it is a strong likeness, we think it does not do her justice. The bust of her father is admirable for truth of resemblance and character, not at all idealized, but bold breathing nature ; it is a noble and manly face, fit for a Roman soldier. The bust of Professor Wilson possesses fine character and expression ; those of Mr. James, Six J. Sinclair, Sir David Baird, the Misses Dung combe, &c., are also striking, and a marble bust of a lady with a Gre- cian head-dress is particularly beautiful. Mr. MACDONALD works in marble with great delicacy and finish, and his female faces especially are very fleshy ; his style of arranging and manner of representing hair are tasteful and excellent. We have not for a long time seen an exhi- bition of the works of one artist that has afforded us so much pleasure, where we have had so much to praise and so little to except to.
Previous page
