" MAN PROPOSES. GOD DISPOSES:' s7 



than 1,000 gTiineas for it: one publication, usually well informed on such subjects, 

 stated it as high as ;^ 1,700. It has been engraved as a large print by Mr. S. Cousins, 

 R.A., and much smaller by Mr. G. Zobel. 



Another picture of the year left a far different impression on the mind of the 

 spectators. " Man proposes, God disposes," the title given to it, is a tragic poem on 

 canvas. The scene lies in the arctic regions, where " Franklin and his companions 

 found, in death, snow for their winding-sheet and their grave." Two hungry bears, 

 prowling about in search of food, have discovered the relics of the unfortunate 

 expedition — some human bones, a fragment of a mast, a piece of sail-cloth, a tele- 

 scope, and a flag. One of the savage brutes, as if enraged at finding no more 

 acceptable prey, is tearing the union-jack of England into pieces, while the other 

 ferociously crunches the rib-bone of one of the sailors who lost their lives in that 

 inhospitable climate. The cold mountains of ice, vast and desolate, are illumined by 

 gleams of sunlight. A scene more impressive for its pathos and terror it is scarcely 

 possible to imagine ; and it is all the more so for being represented on a large scale. 

 It became the property of Mr. Coleman, who paid, it is said, 2,500 guineas for it. 



The other two contributions were " Windsor Park," with deer, afterwards engraved 

 by Mr. T. L. Atkinson; and " Pensioners," also engraved, by Mr. F. Stacpoole. 



Among the pictures and drawings belonging to Messrs. Fores, printsellers and 

 publishers in Piccadilly, which were sold in 1864, in consequence of a dissolution of 

 partnership, were two drawings by Landseer ; one was called " The Death of the False 

 Herald," a scene from Scott's " Quentin Durward," and described in the catalogue as 

 a " most elaborate and unique miniature example in water-colours, painted thirty years 

 ago." It was bought by Messrs. Agnew for 250 guineas. The other, entitled " The 

 Critical Moment," realised 185 guineas. In 1870 the former work was sold, m the 

 collection of the late Mr. W. Delafield, of Knightsbridge, for the same sum it fetched 

 six years previously, the purchasers again being Messrs. Agnew. 



The engraving-" War "-here introduced, is from the picture painted as the 

 companion work to "Peace," to which reference has just been made. As we 

 contemplate the horse and his rider suddenly struck down in their gallantry and 

 strength, the ruined cottage and the devastated garden, they speak to us of what, 

 practically, our country knows nothing ; and the horror of the scene forcibly recalls to 

 memory the words of Bishop Porteous :— 



«« War is a game which, were their subjects wise, 

 Kings would not play at." 



For more ftan a centu^ England has been mercifully spared the c^-^- J* 

 miseriesof war. as experienced by the nations of the C— - -P-^ ^^^^ 

 armies has burst on her green and peaceful fields. Th.s is a blessmg 



