MR. HATTER'S PICTURE OF THE QUEEN'S MABZIAGE
Hes been so long in band that Nature has produced two living results of the Royal union before Art could accomplish one lifeless record of the sacred rite. However, the painting is at last completed ; and it is now exhibited by Messrs. GRAVES, who are to publish the print. It is a clever and striking picture in point of composition and colour, and doubtless a faithful representation of the ceremony : as regards costumes and decorations, it seems accurate to a button ; stars and garters, collars and trimmings, shine forth resplendent in lace and jewellery. The portraits of the Royal pair are like, and the distinguished personages present may all be recognized ; bat the heads have a commonplace look, that degenerates occasionally into exaggeration, us in the in- stances of the Queen Dowager and the Duke of Wellington. Some of the figures are ill-drawn, the Duke of Sussex in particular ; and Prince Albert, though of symmetrical proportions, is wooden in form. The painting is clean and bright, but smooth and teaboardy ; and there is an absence of refinement both in the style and execution. But what appears to us the grand defect, is an utter want of sentiment ; the spec- tators look as indifferent and unmoved as if the most trivial Court form was going forward : the Royal Bride looks up at the Bridegroom as much as to say, "Why, Albert ! 'what makes you so bashful, man ?1' and Lord Melbourne gives a knowing leer from behind the Sword of State.
Previous page
