Royal Acudemij. 30.5 



fulst; Proplu't. — This extensive composition is a work of 

 great merit. The union of eflect, in spite of the heteroge- 

 neous parts of which it is tbrniccl, deserves high praise. 

 The principal figure is however defective both in dignity and 

 beautv. 



Mr. Westall, No. 23. Hcfirif HI- replying to flic Bishop.^. 

 — ^This subject, which is nut an easy one, is well treated. 

 The artist has civen that variety of character to his ecclesi- 

 astics, which preserves the picture from monotony. They 

 all feel abashed and disappointed, but each feels according 

 to his peculiar character. Had there been more of sarcasm 

 thrown into the face of the king, it would have improved the 

 picture. This, though not suited to his general character, 

 certainly suited the occasion. , The composition is siuspie 

 and chaste, and there is a richness and sobriely in the co- 

 louring, with much depth of tone. 



Among the drawings by Mr. Westall, are four portraits, 

 which, c'oming from an artist hitherto cniploycd in the 

 higher walks of the art, may perhaps be justly esteemed the 

 greatest novdty oi i\\c present exhibition. The subjects are 

 all highly favourable, and the artist has diversified the 

 scenery so as to give each of the drawings a character pecu- 

 liarly its own. — No. 363, Portrait of Miss Bonnet, is di- 

 stinguished by the !)eauty and elegance of the figure, and 

 the luxuriance of the landscape. — No. 30S, Portrait of Miss 

 Esten, as Una, strikes by the patient gentleness of the 

 fiirure, opposed to the fierce watchfulness of the lion, and 

 the ruegcd trrandcur of ihe forest scene. — No. 374, Portrait 

 of Mrs. Esten. This drawing is characterized by the grace- 

 fulness of theli'Ture, and the rich sobriety of the landscape. 

 — No. 377, Portrait of Miss Hamilton. There is an infan- 

 tine simplicity mixed with great archness in the Iigure; and 

 the landscape, which js of the park kind^ unites the cliarms 

 of simple and cultivated nature. The colouring of each of 

 the drawings is as distinct as the design, and is admirably 

 suited to thediflcrent subjects. 



As our artists are condemned to xn-^kz portrait their chief 

 object, itffives us pleasure to see that Mr. Westall has join- 

 ed the coalition we before mentioned in our critique, as wc 

 hope for a continued gratification in this kind from his pen- 

 cil. Wis portraits, independent of correct and graceful re- 

 semblance, arc viewed with satisfaction as pictures by the eye 

 of taste. 



Mr. Opie, No. 71. Gil Bias taking the Key from 

 Dame Leonora. — Beautiful in efiect, but truth is sacrificed 

 to produce it. The intended source of light is the torch held 



