FINE ARTS.
PORTRAITS OF SIR WALTER SCOTT.
SOME information with respect to the several portraits of Sir Warn SCOTT will doubtless be acceptable to those who may wish to possess a good likeness of the great Genius of Scotland, and who, in contemplab ing the features of the man, would like to know how far they are faide fully portrayed by the limner. The first that we remember was one by RAMIllitN, representing the poet sitting on a rock with his dog beside him. This was painted for the late Mr. CONSTABLE, we believe, at the time of the appearance of his first poem. An engraving from it formed a frontispiece to the quarto edition of the Lady of the _Lake. It has also been engraved on a larger scale in mezzotint ; and the bead only . of this portrait has been likewise engraved by RAIMBACH. There was another painted about this time, by SAXON, which was more than once engraved ; but we have no recollection of having seen it. The next is a head, also by RAEBURN, taken a few years afterwards : the face is more massive, and its matured expression forms a striking contrast to the comparative crudeness of the younger countenance,—which bas an ingenious and somewhat speculative look. There is in the older head, however, a cast of sadness, which is not characteristic of Sir WALTER'S countenance : it is merely a manner of the painter's, who invested all his sitters more or less with this sorrowful tone. This portrait, which has been admirably well engraved by WILLIAM WALKER, has been ge. nerally considered the best and most authentic likeness of the poet. Next in chronological order, come the clever sketches by SLATER aid GEDDES ; which represent him in middlelife. We have then the portrait by Lestie ; which we think the truest and best of all. It successfully portrays that mingled expression of shrewdness and humour windless so characteristic of his physiognomy ; and blends the simplicity of the country gentleman with the thoughtful air of the author. This pic- ture has only been engraved in a miniature size for one of the Annuals as yet; but we have no doubt that it will be engraved on a larger scale. Its merits entitle it to euch a distinction. Sir Thomas LAWRENCE about this time painted a full-length portrait of Sir WALTER SCOTT, for the late King; which, by permission of his present Majesty, granted to MOON, BOYS, and GRAVES, is now being engraved. We do not remember the picture, and cannot therefore speak to the likeness. WILKIE painted an interesting picture of Sir WALTER and his family, as Scottish rustics ; which was engraved for one of the Annuals; and also a profile portrait, with a bust-like air, which has been likewise en- graved. ALLAN, too, has represented the author writing in his study; which is better as a picture than as a portrait. The latest portrait, it believe (save one, which represents him in the last stage of his exist. ence), is that by WATSON GORDON, engraved for the new edition of the Waverley Novels. It is forced in attitude, and has too fixed a look; otherwise the features and the expression of the eyes are accurate ; its want of ease and animation detracts from its value. HAYDON nude a slight but vigorous sketch of Sir Warren, the expression of which, especially of the eyes, is full of life and character : we believe it nil be engraved; as, doubtless, will numerous others, which we shall notice as they appear. In the mean time' we recommend those who wish to purchase a portrait of Sir WALTER SCOTT, to wait awhile : those Set in the field are seldom the best.
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