Mr. DOUGLAS GUEST'S Picture, "The Banquet of Plato," and Crowning
of Socrates.
The subject of the picture is the meeting of several of the Greek philosophers, amongst whom are Plato and Socrates, at the house of Agatho ; where, after the banquet, they are discussing some philosophical question. The various speakers are supposed to have concluded, and Socrates is in the act of speaking, when he is interrupted by the entrance of Alcibiades, who, flushed with wine, rushes in, embraces and congratulates Agatho ; on his perceiving Socrates he snatches the fillets from the garland of Agatho, and places them on the temples of Socrates. The centre and principal group consists of Alcibiades leaning on Agatho, and in the act of crowning Socrates, who is remonstrating with him. Plato is in the foreground a spectator. The other guests are disposed at the table in the back- ground. The apartment and the accessories are in classical taste.
As a representation of the subject, the picture is deficient in unity of design, as well as in action and expression. Alcibiades is represented perfectly calm, in a graceful attitude while Socrates is equally serene. Plato stands like a statue, and the remainder of the guests are engaged in earnest conversation, as though not only no interruption had occurred, but they had been occupied with separate subjects of discussion in distinct groups. As a picture, viewed independently of the subject, it is pleasing. The composition is academical, the design classical, the drawing correct, and the colouring harmonious. The draperies are tastefully cast and beautifully drawn. The style is chaste and neat, and the grouping skill- ful and appropriate. Theprincipal group is eminently beautiful, and merits the highest praise. The figures stand out well from the canvass, and the whole is in excellent keeping. The almost naked figure of Alcibiades is extremely well drawn, and the flesh is faithfully and naturally painted. The face of Socrates is softened down, from the rugged philosopher with a Silenus cast of countenance, to that of a sleek, respectable old gentleman. Alcibiades is not the wild gallant
or the hardy soldier that he is described, the only point of resemblance between
the figure and his nature being the beauty of his form. Agatho is 'a handsome and elegant young man, to whom Alcibiades bears too close a resemblance. Two very modern looking faces are perked in the right of the picture. The heads of the figures in the background are not in so good a style of drawing as those of the principal group ; and the colour and touch of the flesh of the attendant in the right foreground is not like nature. The tone and general effect of the picture is quiet, subdued, and free from anything approaching to meretricious colouring, while there is sufficient variety to prevent a monotonous effect. It will delight the classical taste of those who admire correctness and propriety rather than energy. As a whole, it reflects great credit upon the patient skill and subdued taste of the artist ; and it is a good specimen of an attempt to produce a well- finished cabinet picture of an historical circumstance.
Notices of new Lithographic Prints in our next.
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