NEW PUBLICATIONS.
31A3OR's Cabinet Edition of HOGARTH is now completed, by the publi- cation of the Fourth Part ; and we can bear witness, that the spirit and meaning of the originals are preserved with a fidelity which renders this edition quite unique. We have rarely found ourselves dis- appointed in the expression of any particular face, while the general appearance of the old engravings is also kept up. The execution of some plates might lave been less coarse ; but there is no lack of the essen- tials of vigour and truth. HOGARTH is now made a hand-book, which used to be an atlas, of human life and character; and there is no longer any excuse for its being missed in the most moderate library. TRUSLER"S moralizing commentary will be a recommendation of the plates to some, and will be tolerated for its good intention by others : it makes the vo. lume a reading-book, to those who forget that though we only look at other prints, we read those of Ho oAn.rx.
The ENGLISH SCHOOL of PAINTING and SCULPTURE is also drawing to a conclusion. Numbers XXII. and XXIII. present their accustomed variety of subjects. These outlines are very trying to indifferent com- positions; for, being destitute of the charm of effect, arid hardly sus- ceptible of the delicacies of expression, they make the picture rest. wholly on its composition, except where the memory serves to convey the filling-up of the original. It would therefore be unfair to the artists. to judge of their works from these slight and reduced outlines, which only serve to assist the recollection. We think, however, that a nearer approach to the physiognomical character and expression of the originals might have been made, even in these small outlines„ had the low price- of the work allowed of additional care in the execution of the plates.
Part V. of the WATERING PLACES shows no improvement in its en- gravings ; which are the means of spoiling what seem to be very clever drawings of pleasing scenes. Of Part IV. of the BIBLICAL Series of the CABINET ATLAS, we have only to repeat what we have said of the previous Numbers.
A Mr. H. illEmaso has published a print, painted and etched by him- self, of "The Retreat of a Baggage-Waggon at the Battle of Naseby.. " We are at a loss to discover why he chose a subject so devoid of interest. There is some merit in the print on the score of effect, and a certain de- gree of spirit in the design ; but the drawing is not extraordinary, and the etching is extremely coarse.
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