1S?3.] 



ture, it really did continue along l!ic 

 back, it woukl consequently alter the 

 configuration of the tin at tlio end of 

 the tail ; which, being formed on an 

 elonf^atiou of that bone, nuist necessa- 

 rily have a corresponding; arrange- 

 ment : whereas the tail-fin of the exhi- 

 bited monster is evidently formed like 

 that of all other fishes on a central 

 spine. I. C. P. 



For the Mmithly 3Titgazine. 

 L'APE ITALIA NA. 



NO. XXXI, 



Dov* npe sasiirramlo 

 Nci iii.iltutini albdri 

 Vola suggendu i rugiaJosi uniori. 



Giiariiii. 

 Where the bee, at early dawn, 

 Muimuriui; sips tlic Jews of moni. 



SALVATOU r.OSA. 



IT has been observed by a great 

 modern genius, whoso Miirks are 

 well known, that tlic suljj<et of our 

 memoir was the Shakesj^eare of paint- 

 ing; and, if we consider how few men 

 could boast the same versatility of 

 powers in so high a degree as Salvator 

 Rosa, we sliall feel inclined to a<Iniit 

 the justness of the remark. The poet, 

 the painter, and the scholar, were sel- 

 dom seen so happily united, while 

 the lighter qualities of the mimic 

 and the wit, every-where recommend- 

 ed him as one f>f a few choice spirits, 

 and most amusing comjianions. That 

 which in conniKjn minds is often a 

 cause of failure, was in Salvator the 

 source of the highest fame and success, 

 — opi)0site and almost incompatible 

 powers, and the utmost variety in his 

 pursuits. 



'Iheso were confined to no single 

 branch, — in the study of history and 

 jiortrait, j>aintiiig of landscape and 

 figures, — combining grandeur of con- 

 ception with freedom of touch, and 

 bold and glowing, rather than correct 

 colouring; he excelled, though it 

 would be too much to say ccpially well 

 in all. His genius, jjeihaps, soared 

 liigher, and his productions are more 

 surprising and origiiial, in lamlseapc 

 than in any other separate brunch. 

 Thus, though standing high as a sati- 

 rist, a polile .scholar, and historian, it 

 is by no means improimbh; (hat he will 

 owe his lasting repntalion to the frci;- 

 dom and beauty of his landscapes. 



He was born :it Naples in \G\[>, 

 and bred to a learned |)rof(!Ssion. His 

 father, who had some little property, 

 bestowed much pains on bis early edu- 

 cation, and instructed him in Ihc cle- 



VApe Italiana, No. XXXI. 21 



mcntarj' jirinciples of the sciences. 

 Soon discovering his son's genius, and 

 avowed predilection for the art by 

 which he became afterwards so dis- 

 tinguished, he rather attempted to 

 check its indulgence; till, finding tliat 

 the young Salv;itor exercised it in se- 

 cret, and knowing that several of his 

 relations among his ancestors had fol- 

 lowed it with some success, he deter- 

 mined no longer to control him. To 

 this he was the rather led, as he per- 

 ceived liis son, jealous of his inter- 

 i'ercuce in his favourite study, never 

 allowed it materially to interrupt his 

 progress in scientific and classical 

 learning. 



A more favourable circumstance for 

 the enltivalJon of our young artist's 

 taste, was his sister's marriage with 

 Ciecio Fracanzaiio, a [jaintcr, and 

 native of the s;>.t!ie city, whom lie 

 found kind enougli 1o give him advice 

 v.ithout discouraging him, and instruc- 

 tion without exacting a reward. He 

 jjointcd out to him in the neighbour- 

 iiood of Naples scenes which amply 

 provided him with subjects fitted for 

 ills pencil ; and was soon gratified to 

 perceive, in the rapidity, truth, and 

 power developed in his sketches, and 

 in the facility and correctness with 

 whicii he completed them, that he had 

 not been mistaken in his young kins- 

 man's genius. From drawing, with 

 equal success he proceeded to colours; 

 and Iiis first sm;l! pictures in oil exhi- 

 bit the same original character of fire 

 and beauty, of ease combined with 

 spirit, that we perceive in his larger 

 pieces. These he gradually extended 

 as he felt his ripening powers; and, in 

 a short time, found no diflicnlty in 

 disposing of them, — though at very 

 insignificant prices, — to the various 

 collectors, dealers, ami picture-shops, 

 with which Naples abounded. 



On the exhibition of his picture of 

 Ilagar and Ishmael, the famous Lan- 

 franco, engaged at that tim ; in Naples 

 in painting tlie cupola of the church of 

 Christ, — being struck vvitii it as he 

 was passing, enquired the price ; and, 

 expressing his surprise at its very mo- 

 derate terms, immediately purchased 

 it. He was so nuudi pleased, that Ik^ 

 shortly after returmul, to buy all the 

 remainder lie could meet v/itli by tiie 

 same artist, eonfirmin.g the good oj>i. 

 nion of several of the first citizens 

 respecting his surprising talents. This 

 V. as soon followed by ircsli demamls 

 upon bis pencil ; and had the happy 

 clfeet; 



