FINE ARTS.
PORTRAIT OF PRINCE ALBERT.
As the time appointed for the Queen's nuptials draws near, the curi- osity of the fair sex to behold the Bridegroom elect becomes more and more ;impatient ; and as it cannot possibly be gratified by a sight of Prince ALBERT himself for some days, the printsellers, with a laudable desire to allay the feverish anxiety of the public mind, deluge the town with his effigies engraved on copper, wood, and stone, in every variety of likeness and unlikeness. Among such a number, people are puzzled which to choose ; nor can we assist them, not having been more fortunate than the generality of our neighbours in getting a peep at the Prince : thus much, however, we may venture to say, that LANE'S lithograph of Ross's portrait of his Highness is an authentic likeness, and the best, if it be not the only good one extant. The original miniature—together with those of the Queen, the Dutchess of Kent, and some other members of the Royal Family, painted by Mr. Ross for her Majesty—has been exhibited at Messrs. COLNAGIII and PUCHLE'S, in Cockspur Street, who will publish engravings from these of the royal pair : meanwhile, to appease the public impatience, Mr. LANE has litho- graphed the portrait of Prince ALBERT, on a larger scale than the paint- ing. Ross's miniature represents a remarkably handsome man, with a ruddy complexion, dark blue eyes, and brown hair; a fine, broad, open forehead, aquiline nose, and a well-formed mouth shaded by a thick moustache : a somewhat grave and thoughtful cast of countenance makes the Prince appear older than he is said to be ; but the firm and quiet intelligence of the look is tempered by a mild and amiable ex- pression indicative of sensibility, frankness, and good temper. If this is really a characteristic likeness—which, judging from the fidelity of Mr. Ross's miniature of the Queen, we are willing to take for granted— and any thith is to be placed in physiognomical denotements, we may congratulate the Royal Bride upon her choice. Mr. LANE'S lithograph has a more sweet and engaging expression even than Mr. Ross's miniature ; and the eyes appear more full and brilliar,t. No doubt, the ingenious draughtsman has aVisedly heightened the winning smile and beaming glance, to countervail any effect of coldness in the lithographic sketch—or perhaps as being appro- prjate to the occasion.
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