FINE ARTS.
RESULT OF THE CARTOON COMPETITION.
THE Cartoon competition has afforded such satisfactory evidence of the ability of British artists in historical design, that the Royal Commission now invites them to send in specimens of their skill in fresco-painting, "for the purpose of assisting the Commissioners in the selection of persons to be employed in the decoration of portions of the Palace at Westminster." The advertisement, after stating that "frescoes of moderate dimensions can be conveniently executed on portable frames composed of laths and other materials,' goes on to specify, that each artist is allowed to send in "three specimens, not less than three nor more than eight feet in their longest dimension." The subjects are left to the choice of the artists ; but the figures, or portions of figures, in at least one of the three, must be the size of life ; and " each specimen is required to be composed of not less.than two applications of the superfi. cial mortar, so as to exhibit the skill of the artist in joining the work of two or more days." "Each specimen in fresco may be surrounded by a fiat frame or border, adorned with painted arabesques, which may be executed either by the artist himself or under his direction, and either in fresco or any other method."
The Commissioners also invite artists to exhibit specimens of other methods of executing paintings, "free from a shining surface," and fit for the decoration of walls ; the dimensions of such specimens being left to the choice of the artists.
Each exhibiter is at liberty to send a cartoon also, as a proof of his ability in design and composition ; the subjects, dimensions, and mode of execution of the cartoons, being in accordance with the conditions specified for the cartoon competition.
The specimens to be sent in on the first week in Jane 1844; and notice of intention to exhibit to be given on or before the 15th March 1844.
It is also intimated, that the claims of candidates for employment in oil-painting, and in other departments of the art besides historical painting, will be duly considered. The landscape and portrait painters may therefore look for an opportunity of distinguishing themselves.
This, then, is the real trial of strength, which will determine what artists and what style of painting are to be employed. The reward of success will be commissions for executing paintings ; and those who succeed best will doubtless be most encouraged. The artists should now strain every nerve, and lose no time in making trial of the new material, fresco, that they may be able to work in it with facility and expertness. The present opportunity lost, the chances of sharing in this great national undertaking will be very uncertain. The strength of the Royal Academy will now be put forth; and the young men will have able and experienced artists to contend against. It matters little who gained the premiums, or how they obtained them ; the highest talent and the greatest skill will be preferred in this case. It is gene- rally felt that some of the "additional premiums" have been un- worthily bestowed for private reasons ; as, for instance, by way of a sop to the Royal Academy, or to soothe the wounded vanity of a superannuated R.A., and to reward the flattery of those artists who introduced the likeness of Royal personages. In Mr. F. HOWARD'S prize cartoon, Queen Vicroat& figures as the " Faery Queene "; in Mr. HIPPINGILLE'S, Mercy appears in her likeness ; and the fancy of Sir W. Ross was so possessed with the lineaments of Prince ALBERT, that he could give no other countenance to the great progenitor of the human race I These censurable deviations from the strict rule of jus- tice and fairness have naturally created strong dissatisfaction, and thrown discredit on what should have been an unimpeachable act: but such follies are not likely to be committed in the ensuing competition, for the disgrace would be conspicuous and permanent. Invitations are also held out to designers in other branches of deco- rative art. Designs and Specimens of Ornamental Metal-work for Screens, Gates, Railings, &c. in a suitable style to the building, are re- quired; the materials and dimensions being left to the choice of the
artists.
Arabesque Paintings and Heraldic Decorations for the enrichment of panels, friezes, &c. in colour and gold, in a style according with the
architecture, are also required : the designs may be executed in water- colours, in tempera, in oil, or in encaustic; the dimensions being left to the exhibiters.
Designs and Specimens of Ornamental Pavements for halls and cor- ridors are also desired : the specimens are not to exceed six feet in the longest dimension ; the materials are left to the discretion of the exhi- biters.
All the specimens to be sent in during the first week in March 1844; and the exhibiters to signify their intention on or before the 1st of January.
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