FINE ARTS.
PICTORIAL PERIODICALS.
THE Second Part of the Engravings of Pictures in the National Gal:- lery, by the Society of Engravers, is an improvement upon the First, and brings the work very near perfection. The subjects in this num- ber are that sweet little landscape by CLAUDE, called " The Annunci- ation," engraved by PYE ; the Canaletti, by LE KECK ; the delicious Cuyp, by GoonALL ; and VANDYKE'S portrait of Rubens, by J. H. ROBINSON. The last is a finely pictorial engraving, in which the ex- pression of the original is rendered with great truth and feeling. The- Cuyp is perfect as an engraving ; for though the transparent brilliancy of CITYP'S effects cannot be adequately represented in black and white, all is done that could be expected. The Canaletti is elaborately and delicately finished, but wants the brightness of the original, and it is also somewhat deficient in atmosphere. The figure of the woman in the foreground is exquisite. The picture is an extremely difficult one to engrave, on account of its numerous details and various lights, which it is necessary to harmonize in a broad general effect. The CLAUDE iS all that could be wished.
This is really a national work, and worthy both of the pictures themselves and the artists who engrave them. We only regret that the Society of Engravers should be a little knot of eight or nine pri- vate individuals, self-constituted, and accountable to themselves only. In fact, they form a "joint stock company" to work upon the property of the nation ; of which we understand they have secured a monopoly. They are only private speculators, and as such have no right to such an exclusive privilege. There are many engravers who are worthy and would be glad to share the labour and profit.
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