PORTRAIT OF STRAFFORD.
A very interesting work, which we were invited to view, will remain for a short while in the hands of Mr. Anthony, of Duke Street, St. James's. It is a half-length life-sized portrait of the famous Earl of Strafford, habited in armour ; and it purports to be from the hand of Vandyck. The head has great dignity, spirit, and meaning, and the whole is finely painted. As a matter of artistic opinion, we have not the least doubt of its being a genuine Vandyck ; how far the materials may exist for confirming this opinion by direct evidence, is of course another question. We understand that the picture has been for about half a cen- tury in the possession of the family of its present proprietor, Mr. An- drews, of Guildford ; and that there is a story of its having come from Bushy Park. It is at present in very satisfactory condition; having been cleaned and restored by Mr. Anthony, and showing only slight and par- tial traces of the restorer's hand.
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