FINE ARTS.
Orm recent notice of the new-formed Classes for Model-drawing has in- duced two correspondents to remind us of the existence of the oldtst Drawing Academy in London—the one established and for many years con- ducted by Mr. Sass. We had not forgotten the "Charlotte Street School of Art," which has more than once been honourably mentioned in the Spectator; but a notice of class-teaching was not the most fitting occasion for alluding to a private school where the pupils pursue their studies in- dividually. Our attention having been called to this Academy, however, we paid it a visit, to ascertain the method of teaching pursued by its present director, Mr. F. S. Cary—a son of the translator of Dante; and we are glad to be- - able to bear testimony to his efficient plan of instruction, and the sound principles of art he inculcates. Mr. Cary is decidedly opposed to the old' copying system, as futile and injurious: and he advocates the study of form, perspective, light and shade, as exemplified in real objects; though he makes use of fine pictures as well as casts as illustrations. Mr. Sass's:- system of teaching is continued, with some slight modifications; but sea think there is still room for improvement in the method of working with the crayon: the bold, free, decided style of the French school, as shown in their lithographs, is preferable to the minute elaboration that characterizes most English draughtsmen. Thorough knowledge of form is at the bottom- of this mastery.; though command of hand can only be acquired by- a - much longer and mere assiduous practice than English students will submit
to. The only body who could ettArcs the acquirement of proficiency is she Royal AcademY; and there little is taught and less required.
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