364 ^^ FINE ARTS. 



These are matters which will always he judpfed of according to the taste 

 and fancy of individuals. Undoubtedly, wherever the imitative skill of 

 an artist is carried to a very high degree of perfection in the still-life 

 accessories, we look for equal, or superior, excellence in the dramatis 

 personae. 



I have a great pleasure in stating, as a proof of the extraordinary 

 piower of impression, which this picture possesses, when the Directors of 

 the British Institution exhibited it at the Gallery in Pall Mall, they 

 l\ung it most conspicuously, close to the top of the grand staircase, on 

 the right-hand wall, so that it was next the eyes of the visitors as they 

 entered ; a place in which none but pictures that are considered of the 

 highest merit and attraction, are hung. I admired it there during many 

 days, and it was generally beset by admirers. Some time after, I was 

 assured that several amateurs, and among others, a noble Duke, lately 

 deceased, had been anxious to purchase it, but while they were making 

 up their minds, the present noble possessor stepped in and carried off 

 the prize. I repeat this latter from hearsay only, but I know it was 

 very much admired, when lately exhibited in the Worcester Athenaeum, 

 and is, now, an object of general attraction in the Birmingham Exhi- 

 bition. I here insert, with much satisfaction, the following extract from 

 observations on this performance of Fraser's, published by some very 

 warm advocate of British art. ** His painting-room of Teniers is one of 

 those fortuitous productions of the Art, which, like a comet, is the 

 surprise of some, the admiration of others, and the wonder of all." 



** 357. — The Antiquary," the property of the Right Hon. Lord North- 

 T^ick, by J. Eraser. — The particular incident is not mentioned in the 

 catalogue, which leaves the spectator at a loss, without a clue to the 

 interest of the scene. There are four figures introduced, a lady seated 

 at a table, with a pen in her hand, ready to write from the dictation of 

 the Antiquary, who sits opposite to her; a portly military-looking vete- 

 ran standing beside him, apparently waiting for some decision, and a 

 servant lad stooping down, emptying a trunk. The three latter are 

 coloured with a Ruljenesque force and richness. The carnations of the 

 lady are rather chalky, and her person and aspect have not all the deli- 

 cate freshness of youth. The apartment is very large, and abundantly 

 stored with matters of antiquarian research. The eye is attracted by 

 curious articles of ancient furniture, and rare mechanism ; a massive old 

 bookcase, filled, as we may suppose, with unique volumes, in black 

 letter ; richly carved ornaments, terrestrial globes, a huge black brazen- 

 clasped folio, literally in boards ; fire-arms of all constructions, military 

 weapons, ancient and modern, of various nations; embossed shields, 

 armour, and many other collected treasures, in wood, ivory, glass, and 

 metal. These are disposed with judgment to the best advantage for pic- 

 turesque effect. As a very detailed notice of this picture was recently 

 published in my critical letters, it is not necessary for me to extend my 

 observations. I may safely add, that the principal of these accessories 

 are executed with as much spirit and truth as those in the preceding 

 painting. Tlie artist's eye and hand have been equally diligent and 

 successful. There is a surprising depth and transparency in the shadows, 

 ind the general effect is very brilliant and powerful. 



** 13 — Portrait of Mr. Martin," by J. Hill; a very clever head, correctly 

 drawn and marked, without any great depth of shadow on the face. 

 Some gray half-tints in the carnations would have a happy effect. At 

 present there is a little indication of what artists term foxiaess in the 

 flesh ; but this so very slight as to be barely discernible. As there 

 are no very dark touches on any part of the features, to bring them up on a 

 par with the black silk neckerchief or stock, the forcible black mass of 

 the Utter detracts, in some degree, from the relief and effect of the face. 



