Velasquez. By R. A. M. Stevenson. (George Bell and Sons.
es.) —For a series now being produced by these publishers Mr. Stevenson has reduced and rearranged his large work on Velasquez. Those who have not already made acquaintance with the larger book will enjoy it in its present form. The promoters of the series are to be congratulated in obtaining anything so good as the present volume, as it is not merely a record and catalogue of the work of the great Spaniard. In this book the author discusses with great power the principles upon which the art of Velasquez rests, and which have influenced modern painting so profoundly. Those people who think that they know all about impressionism after a visit to the New English Art Club should read what Mr. Stevenson has to say. The author is acquainted with the practice of painting as well as the theory, and so his discussion of modern painting in the light of the art of Velasquez is most valuable.— Another volume of this series deals with Andrea del Sarto, by Miss Guinness (George Bell and Sons, 5s.) The work is by one who sympathises strongly with the art of Andrea, and we are justly reminded how marvellous was his technical accomplish- ment. Indeed, the art of this painter seems to be nearly fault- less ; and yet how cold we are left by his pictures. Nothing really is to be added to that wonderful poem in which Browning makes the painter criticise himself. Where Andrea del Sarto is seen to perfection is in such a work as the youthful "St. John the Baptist" in the Pitti, a picture painted with extraordinary dash and vivacity. In such works as the" Cenacolo" we see that greatness of spirit was not possessed by the husband of Lucrezia
"Raphael did this, Andrea painted that,
The Roman's the better when you pray, But then the other's Virgin was his wife."
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