ANDREW'S CHAPEL. QUERY. 69 



displays all the softness of her sex and the sincerity of 

 her love. , The Saviour,, on the , contrary, whose figure 

 is finely delineated, bears the agony of death with 

 calmness, and expresses his last commands with a dig- 

 nified countenance. 



Thus the whole composition forms one grand and 

 simple action ; the energetic obedience of the young 

 disciple contrasting finely with the languor of Me ry 

 Magdalene, and on the other side the sublime pathos 

 of the mother of Christ with the active benevolence of 

 the other Mary ; all excited into movement by the 

 words of the Redeemer. 



These figures designed on a scale considerably above 

 the human are supported in the back ground by the 

 flight of Roman Soldiers terrified at the portentous 

 appearance of the Heavens; and by the gates of Jeru- 

 salem overtopped by the porticos and colonnades of 

 the temple. Such is the interpretation which sound 

 and cognizant criticism may adopt on studying the de- 

 sign of the composition. As the subject required, the 

 outline, though flowing, is executed with somewhat of 

 severity, and the tone of colouring supports the same 

 intention. Viewed as a production of art Mr. Ball's 

 Crucifixion is deserving of considerable commendation; 

 it may be assumed that no Altar-piece in the West of 

 England painted by a native artist can be compared 

 to it, and that its reputation will rise with coming 

 years. If a good engraving were executed of this 

 composition it would undoubtedly find purchasers, 

 and add considerably to the reputation of the artist. 



C. H. S. 



QUERY. 



Is it a fact that the mean temperature of England 

 has been increasing of late years? If so, what is the 

 cause ? Has cultivation any thing to do with it ? 



