A HUNDRED YEARS AGO THE SPECTATOR, FEBRUARY 2ND, 1839 BRITISH
INSTITUTION-PRIVATE VIEW THE private view of the Modem Pictures at the British Institution took place to-day. This exhibition is getting worse and worse; there is not a single new work of elevated character (Mr. HENSEL'S " Miriam " excepted, and he is a German artist) ; and the choice subjects of common life are few and unimportant.
In Landscape, TURNER blazes forth in a chromatic fantasy, where a fountain produces the effect of a prism on the sunlight; C.REswIcx has three or four sweet home scenes, with transient effects of light dappling the verdurous shade; EDWARD COOKE has painted a view of "Rembrandt's Mill," and an interior of each floor separately, with Dutch minuteness; LEE has two or three pretty green nooks, though rather too cold for the fancy to nestle in • STARK pleases as usual by the literal truth of his landscapes, notwithstanding their feebleness ; and SIDNEY COOPER makes us overlook the poorness of his scenery by the living truth of his cattle.
In the Animal kingdom, however, EDWIN LANDSEER reigns supreme ; the mastiff and terrier looking out of a kennel are living realities—though only the heads are seen; and a cow's head in miniature is alive.
LANCE has surpassed himself in a triad of Fish, Fowl, and Fruit ; and LEE has two beautiful pictures of similar subjects.
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