EMBELLISHED PUBLICATIONS.
THE Second Number of the Gallery of Portraits, published by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful knowledge, contains Flaxman,
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Copernicus, and Milton. The head of Milton s from a miniature by FAITHORNE, painted at the time, which represents him in mature age,
and with the beauty for which he was remarkable. The calm com-
pressed lips, the brow slightly knit, and the expression of the eyes, denote habitual thought, and something of a splenetic character, which
is observable in most of the portraits of Milton. This miniature was
painted nearly two hundred years ago, when painting was an art little practised ; but it cannot be surpassed by any, and equalled only by a few, modern works. The engraving by WOOLNOTH is delicate, and (doubtless) faithful. Copernicus has a vigorously-marked physiog- nomy, powerfully and quaintly delineated : the square forehead is more characteristic than the expression of the face. The head of Flaxman is engraved by WOODMAN, from JACKSON'S fine portrait (the chef d'auvre of the painter), with the nicest fidelity both as regards the likeness and the pictorial effect. The accuracy with which the resem-
blances are preserved in this work, gives it a value that belongs to no other collection in an equal degree, LODGE'S Portraits excepted ; and we owe this advantage not less to judicious superintendence than to the merit of the respective engravers.
The first number of a new periodical, elegant, cheap, amusing, and original, entitled Tales, Historical and Domestic, by W. H. HARRI- SON, has just appeared. It is to be embellished with line engravings
from designs by popular artists, whose names promise to furnish some more interesting than the present one by RICHTER, illustrating the
story of The Lost Deed. This artist appears to think character and
expression are superfluous in a picture. Mr. HAanisoN is a clever hand at "weaving the web of fiction," though his materials are not
very recherche, nor does he regard little obstacles in his progress : he has a taste for the humorous, with which he enlivens his stories ; and they are brief and sufficiently amusing for a leisure hour. The old ballad of The Beggar's Daughter of Bethnal Green, as edited by Dr. PERCY, has been reprinted in a size and style corresponding with that of The Children in the Wood, with wood engravings by HARVEY, who illustrated that pretty little publication. HARVEY is of the highest class of designers ; and were his works on a larger scale, or engraved on copper instead of wood, his merits would be more duly ap- preciated. His style is perhaps too ambitious in historic compositions ; and the grouping and action of his figures would be improved by greater naturalness and less effort. His illustrations to Miss EDGEWORTH'S Tales, now republishing in monthly volumes, are not obnoxious to these objections, the subjects being of the familiar class. PratEnnvo, a new name, is added to the list of poetic designers ; and his talent, judging even from the engraving to the Prairie (Standard Novels), is of a high order. We expect great things from him ; he pos. sesses all the appliances and means of a skilful artist. The wood-cnts in the Saiurday Magazine (a new penny publication, published under the auspices of the Society for Promoting Christian Anowledge) are admirable for the clearness and spirit of their exe- cution. In this particular, they are superior to those of the Penny Magazine; which, partly from attempting too much finish, have been rnade heavy and confused. In wood-cuts, the less work the better, provided the figure is made out ; and a skilful artist can do a vast deal means of a few lines. The Illustrations of Gothic Architecture, in the First Number, are sketched in a free and masterly style; and are very effective.
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