Romney. By A. B. Chamberlain. (Methuen and Co. 12s. 6d.
net.)—There seems to be no particular reason why there should be a new Life of Romney except the desire to add to another of the many series of artistic biographies. Mr. Chamberlain has done Isis work well, and takes a reasonable view of Romney's place in art. This is not so low as the level to which the painter's works sank in public estimation soon after his death, nor so high as it is now. Romney's present reputation, to judge by the prices which rich people, advised by picture-dealers, pay for his works, far exceeds his real merits. We think, however, that the writer does not lay enough stress on Romney's two besetting sins, his innate love of prettiness and his tolerance of empty and vapid forms. Many of his portraits would be beautiful if they had less so-called charm.
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