FINE ARTS.
THE CITY STATUE OF WELLINGTON.
THE equestrian statue of the Duke of WErrAtiomx, erected in front of the Royal Exchange, is of colossal proportions, and is placed on a lofty pedestal of granite ; with the face looking towards Cheapside, the proper position for that site, which, if not very appropriate, is the most con- spicuous. The group was modelled by the late Sir FRANCIS CHANTREY, and cast at his foundry; but was finished by his assistant and successor, Mr. WEEKES. In style it resembles that of GEORGE the Fourth at Tra- falgar Square. The likeness is excellent : the characteristics of the Duke's physiognomy are correctly expressed, with animation and ele- gance; avoiding the two extremes of flattery and exaggeration. The figure sits the horse with soldier-like erectness, the chest ex- panded, and the legs well thrown forward. The horse rests upon all four feet, and is well proportioned ; the small lively head preventing any appearance of tameness. In short, both man and horse are admirable. The costume is the only objectionable part ; and being similarly treated with that of GEORGE the Fourth, it is equally ob- noxious to criticism. The discrepancies caused by the epicene prae- fice of this sculptor are obvious, and have a ludicrous effect. The Duke wears his short cloak ; but it hangs on his shoulders like a tablecloth, and is closed round the throat so as to give a mean and contracted look to the bust. The military frock-coat is indicated; yet the legs are clothed in pantaloons and slippers, instead of trousers and short boots. The sword-belt is visible, but no weapon hangs by it ; the horse is bridled but not saddled, the saddle-cloth has no girth, and the rider's legs dangle-without stirrups. The Field-Marshal's baton is held like a riding-whip, the pistol-holsters are only budding, and the military hat is nowhere. In short, it is a case of compromise. Modem costume and trappings Are pared down to the classical model, instead of being boldly pronounced ; and the consequence is, that historic correctness is lost, while classic beauty is not attained : the sculpture is neither real nor ideal. But it is a noble statue nevertheless.
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