FINE ARTS.
DRAWING OF THE PICTURE-LOTTERIES.
THE drawing of the Art-Union prizes having taken place, it is gene- rally supposed that this and other picture-lotteries have been legalized by act of Parliament. Such is not the case, however : the act, as its preamble states, is simply "an act to idemnify persons connected with Art-Unions, and others, against certain penalties." It discharges from all penal liabilities those connected with Art-Unions until the 31st of July next year ; the parties concerned with distributions and other schemes of private individuals being only allowed till the 1st of October ensuing. Lord MONTEAGLE'S bill originally contained a clause legaliz- ing the Art-Unions, and providing for their regulation ; but this was struck out by the Commons, and not restored by the Lords, on the understanding that a special act should be introdnced early next session.
There is little doubt but that Art-Unions will be legalized on certain conditions ; and the report of the Committee will probably influence Government in laying down the restrictions under which these associa- tions are to be sanctioned. The report is not yet printed; when it is, we shall return to the subject. Meanwhile, it seems desirable that the managing Committees of Art-Unions should consider the best means of carrying into effect the purposes of these associations to the satisfaction of subscribers, and so as to disarm the opposition of the printsellers. This opposition is chiefly directed against the distribution of prints ; and it would be well to take the opinion of the mass of subscribers as to the value set upon these prints, before deciding upon making ene- mies of the printsellers, who were at first the best friends of Art- Unions, and have latterly become rivals in self-defence. We do not counsel any truckling to opposing interests ; we only question if the prints are generally appreciated, or if the possession of those already circulated has had such a beneficial effect as is supposed. A medallion in bronze, or a small plaster-cast, well-finished, from some fine piece of sculpture, would be preferred by many persons of taste to a mediocre and uninteresting print. The Committee intend offering a prize of 5001. for the best cartoon for an oil-picture to be painted for the purpose of being engraved from. This is well-meant liberality ; but pictures of such universal and lasting interest as to bear multiplying by thousands without losing their charm, are not to be had to order. A line-en- graving of surpassing excellence from the work of some great master would be acceptable to most people, and exert a beneficial influence on the popular taste. The Cartoons of RAPHAEL might be carefully copied and engraved : there is not a set of perfect copies extant ; therefore they would be valuable.
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