420 Fine Arts. 



A method of engraving is said to have been 

 lately invented by Mr. AVestall, an artist of Lon- 

 don, more nearly resembling Drawings than v^as 

 before known. In 1799 he exhibited a drawing, 

 and the year following a print taken from it, which 

 was so close an imitation as to deceive the eye. 



The art of Engraving on Wood had been prac- 

 tised for several centuries before the eighteenth, 

 but degenerated, and became little used. At the 

 close ot the seventeenth century it was in a very low 

 state, and had almost sunk into forgetfulness, when 

 Thomas Bewick, of Great-Britain, a few years 

 ago, revi\'ed it. He is said by some, indeed, to 

 be entitled to the honour of re-inventing the art; 

 and has certainly brought it to a degree of elegance 

 and perfection unknown to former artists. His pu- 

 pils, Nesbit and Anderson, also of Great-Britain, 

 have been for a considerable time distinguished by 

 their taste and skill in this branch of engraving. 

 To these names may be added that of Dr. Ander- 

 son, of New- York, who has much signalized him- 

 self by his genius for the same art. 



A method has been, within a few years, devised 

 of taking off an impression of any figures or writing 

 drawn on the surface of Marble. The advantages 

 of this invention are great ease and promptness of 

 execution, and the facility of multiplying, to a 

 great extent, the number of copies. 



The eminent engravers of the eighteenth cen- 

 tury were numerous. Among those who have 

 either improved the art, or produced specimens 

 very honourable to their characters, it will be 

 proper to mention a few names. Wqollett,'' 



9 William Woollett is said, f)y some, to have been the greatest en- 

 graver that ever lived. Morgan has the character of being the most ac- 

 complished now living. His print of the Last Supper holds a very high 

 place in the estimation of connoisseurs. Bartolozzi also stands near the 

 head of the fiist class of living artists. 



