A new series of the Library of the Fine Arts
is announced to commence next month, under the auspices of another editor, aided by fresh contri- butors. Its late editor, who was also the projector and proprietor of the publication, states, in a valedictory address, his reasons for retiring from the work, to be bad health, the pressure of other engagements, and (which we suppose to be the principal reason) the uncertain and par- tial assistance of a literary kind which he received. He perhaps cal- culated, as he had a right to do, upon the contributions and support of artists ; but to impart that knowledge of his profession which is the fruit of practical experience, asks a labour for which the leisure of the artist is not always sufficient, even if he possess the inclination and re- quisite ability. Beyond the circle of artists, there are few writers prac- tically acquainted with the arts of design ; and those who profess a taste for and a theoretical knowledge of them, are rarely qualified for treating the subject in a manner that would make their writings ac- ceptable to artists. The Library of the Fine Arts has been most distinguished for tbe excellence of its articles on Architecture. Its criticisms and essays on the other branches of art were not of the highest order. Gossip and anecdote formed the most amusing part of its contents. The editor, Mr. KENNEDY, of Lincoln's Inn, had no other object to serve than the cause of fine art; and we regret that his labours have terminated so un- satisfactorily. If the New Series is what it should be, and what we think it might be made, it will be a permanent benefit to the world of art. It has a good foundation to build upon, and is without a rival in the field. Although the number and importance of pictorial works have rendered the notices of them in miscellaneous newspapers of more prominent interest, sufficient space cannot be afforded in a journal of general news to discuss the abstract principles and practical details of art, or to enter as minutely as is desirable for the artist into the merits and defects of the numerous pictures that appear from time to time. Indeed, in endeavouring to do justice to works of painting, sculpture, and engraving, even we have sometimes not escaped censure for de- voting so large a share of our columns to these subjects, by those of our readers who overlooked our object,—which has been to draw public attention to arts that are but imperfectly understood and appreciated in this country.
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