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248

Fine Arts-Mr. Westall's Gallery.

from four to five hundred quarto pages; and Mr. Marshman has it in contemplation to add as an ap pendix, a vocabulary containing the characters in the whole of Confucius, which, as he conceives, will render it a complete key to the language. The passages in Chinese characters contained in these works, are printed with moveable metal types, which Mr. Marshman and his coadjutors have had the merit of bringing, by the most laudable ingenuity and perseverance, to a state of perfection, perhaps not known before. The governor-general declared that he had very sincere pleasure in bring ing the literary merits of Mr. Marshman

[Oct. 1,

and the other different members of the Serampore Mission, to the notice of the public, and in bearing his testimony to the great and extraordinary labours which constancy and energy in their numerous and various occupations, have enabled this modest and respectable community to accomplish and that he was equally gratified by the opportunity which their literary achievements have afforded of expressing his regard for the exemplary worth of their lives, and the beneficent principle which distinguishes and presides in the various useful establishments which they have formed, and which are conducted by themselves.

REVIEW AND REGISTER OF THE FINE ARTS. Publishers and Artists who may be desirous of having their productions impartially noticed, are requested to address copies of them to the Editor, to the care of the Publisher, Mr. Colburn, Conduit-street.

"L'onore conferito da Grandi à bravi artisti dà vita e vigore alle Belle Arti; come il poco incoragimento, e le critiche severe, le fanno languire."

The COTTAGE DOOR, engraved by MEYER, after a Picture by W. OWEN, Esq. Ř. A.

THIS elegant little composition forms a suitable companion to "The Road Side," by the same artists, and publisher, which we reviewed in our last. It is highly interesting, from its simplicity and truth of expression: the female figure is one of those naturally graceful forms frequently observed in rural retirement ; the child, the healthy offspring of uncontaminated rusticity. The easy composure with which he sleeps on his mother's knees, and the artlessness of his position, make the scene truly interesting. As a work of art, it is commendable for its force and delicacy, the lights being so finely softened in the demi-tones of the foliage, as to become highly ornamental, while it gives energy to the general effect.

Elements of Drawing, in a Series of Examples extracted from Pictures painted by and in the Gallery of BENJAMIN WEST, Esq. engraved by EDWARD SCRIVEN.

This is a very judicious selection of the elementary principles of drawing the human figure, from the works of the President of the Royal Academy, and does equal credit to Mr. Scriven for his selection and for his engraving.. It commences with eyes, noses, hands, arms,

Condivi, vita di Michel Angiolo Buonarotti.

legs, and proceeds to entire faces, heads, &c. and thus gradually leads the pupil onward, till he is qualified to commence copying from the plaster cast or marble statue. We can have no hesitation in characterizing this work as one of the very best elementary drawing-books of the human figure that has ever been published.

MR. WESTALL'S GALLERY.

Having discharged our duty as far as our limits will permit towards the oil pictures in Mr. Westall's gallery, we shall now proceed to examine his water-colour pictures; a branch of art to which he has given a new and decisive character, being among the first, with the late lamented Royal Academician Hamilton, who elevated the art of historical and poetical composition in water-colours above the meagre common-place productions of the Wales and Gwynns of the last century, and imparted to illustrative book prints a higher character than they had before obtained in this country. In saying this our graphic readers may be assured that the inventive Stothard has not escaped our memory.

Our labour is here lessened, as most of the drawings are well known through the multiplying influence of the graver: they consist of a variety of subjects from our most popular dead and living anthors of celebrity. Among the principal

1814.]

İntelligence in the Fine Arts.

must be particularly noticed a portion of the series of biblical subjects, to which we shall advert as a separate publication in a subsequent number. Nor should we forget the beautiful illustratrations of Marmion and the Lady of the Lake, from the graver of Mr. Charles Heath.

We have particular satisfaction in observing the progress of that very interesting publication by BOYDELL and Co. of a Collection of Picturesque Views and Scenery of Norway, which at this moment are rendered doubly interesting by passing political events. Four parts are already published, and the fifth is an nounced as nearly ready. Among the contents of the work are views of the principal sea-port towns from Naye (by the route of Christiania) to the magnificent pass of the Swinesund, including nearly the whole of the western and southern parts of the country, from drawings made on the spot by JOHN WILLIAMS EDY. It is accompanied with descriptive remarks and observations by the artist, made on his tour. Eight such parts as those now published, will complete the work. The views chosen by the artist not only consist of admired and romantic scenes, hitherto unknown to the public, but also of the sea ports frequented by the shipping of this and other countries; and not confining himself to the principal roads, but frequently traversing the country in different directions, he has thereby been enabled to add the fertile and beautiful parts to the scenery of the coast: thus rendering the work both useful and picturesque, and presenting to his countrymen, and all Europe, a continuation of those magnificent productions, le Voyage pittoresque de la Grèce, de la Suisse, &c.

North East View of Eaton Hall, near Chester, the seat of the Earl of Grosvenor. South West View of do. drawn by BATTENHAM, engraved by D. HAVELL, published by CLAY, July,

1814.

These are two coloured aquatinted etchings, of one of the finest modern structures in the Gothic or Old English style of architecture that has lately been erected; and although upon too small a scale to afford much satisfaction to the architect, are very pleasing and interesting views, giving an excellent general idea of this splendid mansion.

INTELLIGENCE.

We have not had during our labours so important, so gratifying a piece of intelligence on art, as what has lately NEW MONTHLY MAG.-No. 9.

249

reached us relative to the intention of Sir William Elford and J. Tingcombe, esq. the liberal purchasers of HAYDON'S sublime and original picture of the Judg ment of Solomon. These gentlemen, with unexampled liberality, and a truth of feeling that marks them as genuine patrons of the fine arts, have announced to the inhabitants of Plymouth, (Mr. Haydon's birth-place,) that they will exhibit the picture to his admiring townsmen for a certain time, that the overplus collected above the cost of the picture shall be presented to Mr. Haydon, conceiving that although they paid him his required price, they gave him too little for it, and that they will then present it to the town of Plymouth, making the mayor and corporation perpetual trustees, as a lasting memorial of the transcendent talents of their countryman.

Mr. CHARLES HEATH, with other eminent engravers, is engaged to execute a series of illustrations of Lord Byron's works, from pictures by the veteran Stothard.

The Committee of Directors of the ROYAL IRISH INSTITUTION have given notice that the four following premiums are proposed to be given for pictures by artists resident in Ireland, painted in the present year, and exhibited in the next exhibition of the Hibernian society of artists:

1. For the best picture in historical or poetical composition, one hundred pounds.

2. For the second best picture in historical or poetical composition, fifty pounds.

3. For the best landscape or sea piece, fifty pounds.

4. For the best picture on any other subject, portraits excepted, fifty pounds.

The directors reserve to theinselves the power of withholding any of the premiuins, if they see reason for so doing. No artist to be entitled to more than one of the above premiums.

G. GARRARD, A. R. A. has issued proposals for an Equestrian Statue of his Grace the Duke of Wellington, to be erected in London, under the direction of a committee of the subscribers. This work is intended to equal in magnificence any thing hitherto erected in this country; the whole to be 43 feet high: the Duke of Wel lington, in the costume of a Roman general, resting on his truncheon; the horse in the gallop; under which the Furies are represented sinking to the earth; the pedestal to be decorated

VOL. II.

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with emblematical figures of the nations of Europe united in anity, the happy effects of the valour and conduct of our illustrious hero; the situation to be fixed upon by a committee of the subscribers of the first class, of 25 guineas each, all of which class will be entitled to a small inodel of the subject, on a scale half an inch to a foot (about two feet high.) The work will soon be ready for the inspection of subscribers; and it is proposed to be completed in 12 months; the group to be partly in metal, and in a composition to resist the weather. The figure will be in the proportion of 10 feet 6 inches. The plan of the subscription admits of three classes: First class, of twenty-five guineas each, to receive a model of the whole subject (except the battles on the base) upon the scale half an inch to foot, and a print. Second class, of ten gui

[Oct. 1,

neas each, to receive a model of the statue upon the same scale, and a print. Third class, of five guineas each, to receive a bust of the Duke of Wellington, half the size of life, and a print. The whole to be delivered within three months after the work is finished. The print will be an outline of the subject, with a description, and a list of the subscribers.

LAWRENCE is painting a whole length of Blucher and Platoff for the Prince Regent. They are remarkably faithful in likeness, and when finished, will most probably equal the best productions of the artist. He is also painting, for the same illustrious patron, a whole length of the Duke of Wellington, in private dress, but he is to execute another for the Prince, in which the great British hero is to appear in military attire, with all the orders which be so gloriously ac quired.

NEW PATENTS.

BAZILL LOUIS MERTIAN, of Threadneedle-street, gent. for a method of extracting or separating jelly or gelatinous matter from substances capable of affording the same, in order that it may be used in the arts, or for domestic or other purposes. Communicated to him by a foreigner residing abroad.-Dated July 12,

1814.

JAMES DAWSON, Dublin, esq. for cerain means of producing or communicating motion in or unto bodies, either wholly or in part surrounded by water or air, or either of them, by the reaction of suitable apparatus upon the said water or air, or upon both of them.--July 16. JOSEPH SMITH, London, plater, for a spring hinge for doors and gates.-July 16. GEORGE DUNNAGE, Upper Mall, Hammersmith, esq. for a method of rowing or propelling boats, or any other vessels-July 26.

HENRY WILLIAM VANDERKLEFT, High Holborn, gent. for a method of purifying and refining Greenland whale and seal oil-July 26.

ANTHONY HILL, of Plymouth Ironworks, Glamorgan, ironmarter, for certain improvements in the melting and working of iron.-July 21.

WILLIAM JOHNSON, of Hall Farm, Heybridge, Essex, gent. for an improved process of making salt. July 26.

WILLIAM DONCASTER, Charles-street, Cavendish-square, geut. for improvements in the construction, uses, and mode of navigating ships and other vessels of various denominations, in marine and inland navigation; and for abstract

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THOMAS SYKES, Sheffield, gunsmith, for various improvements in the construction of guns, pistols, and other fire-arms; and of implements used for loading them. -August 4.

JAMES COLLIER, of Upper Thornhaugh-street, engineer, for a machine for combing wool, henip, flax, waste silk, cotton, hair, or any other substance or material capable of being reduced to a sliver by combing -Aug. 4.

JAMES THOMPSON, Yarmouth, Norfolk, master mariner, for a method of assisting to render a ship, vessel, or craft, govern able in all the cases of her motions.Aug. 4.

EDWARD CHARLES HOWARD, of Not tingham-place, St. Mary-le-bone, esq. for certain means of separating insoluble substances from fluids in which they are suspended - Aug. 4.

TOBIAS MITCHELL, Upper Thamesstreet, gent. for a machine for raising water with less power than has hitherto been experienced, for the impelling of machinery, and for other purposes.— Aug. 4.

JEAN SAMUEL PAULY, Little Charlottestreet, engineer, for improvements in the

construction and use of fire-arms.-Aug. 4.

GEORGE COURTAULD, of Braintree,

1814.]

Dramatic Register-Drury-lane Theatre.

Essex, silk-throwster, for a spindle for the manufacture of silk thread.-Aug. 4. SEBASTIAN ERARD, Great Marlbo

DRAMATIC

DRURY LANE THEATRE.-So large a share of public gratification is contained within the capacities of a theatre, that the opening of one in the metropolis becomes almost an object of public importance. We are thus glad to announce the commencement of the season at Drury Lane, and under auspices, and with advantages, which ensure all the success within the powers of industry and liberal expenditure. The house was crowded before the rising of the curtain; and shortly after, places were scarcely to be obtained. On its rising, the company appeared, and "God save the King" was sung. Mrs. Edwin then came forward to recite the following Address, by Mr. Arnold, on the opening of the Thea

tre:

ADDRESS.

At length, War's desolating banner furl'd, Sweet Peace descends to bless the weary world!

Welcome, dear stranger, from thy realms of bliss,

Ton long a stranger from all lands but this! To all but BRITAIN, round whose chalky sides

Roll Ocean's subject, yet protecting tides!
To all-but this our highly favour'd isle,
Where, midst surrounding War, thou still
hast deign'd to smile!

Now parting tears are turn'd to joyous greetings,

Now stern alarms are chang'd to merry meetings,

Auspicious moment, hail! when Peace re

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rough-street, musical instrument maker, for improvements in musical instruments. Aug. 4,

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Now, when those efforts would your cares beguile,

No smother'd sigh shall half repress the smile!

Nor, as the Tragick Muse shall here rehearse Her well-wrought woes in mournful-mea

sur'd vers,

When some lov'd hero falls, or patriot dies, No more shall kindred claims demand your sigus!

No more her sorrows to your hearts [be known,

To make, by sympathy, her pangs your own. Here, then, with hope elate, once more

we come

And bid you, like our warriors, welcome home.

Long have we gladly labour'd in your cause; Long may this dome re-eche your applause. For such reward this brilliant temple grew; Which now we dedicate to PEACE and YOU.

The appearance of the house bears strong evidence of the activity employed during the vacation. The whole interior has been newly decorated. The pillars which excited so much disquisition last season are removed; the lamps and

252

Covent Garden Theatre.

their gryphos are gone; the small pavilions on the stage have been altered, and in their places four boxes, roomy and handsome, substituted; a new creation exists in stage doors opened beyond those boxes, and surmounted with balconies; and the whole theatre exhibits an aspect of lightness, elegance, and fertility of ornament which cannot easily find a rival. The shape of the house and the more solid features of the architecture remain unchanged, but the fronts of the boxes have received all the change that could he given by decoration and colour. The lower tier is covered with hexagons of gilded frame work, each with a golden rose in the centre. The tier above has given up its shells for the more classic volute. As it ascends, the system of ornament is pursued with increasing simplicity. The roof is rich with golden compartments pointing to a central rose. The prevalent hue is green, but the richest and most vivid green of vegetation. The boxes on the stage are as sumptuous as probably they could be made, and the balconies above the stage doors are almost of oriental costliness. A delicate touch of Persian taste and Persian worship was perhaps meant to be implied in the triple plume that has found its way to the summit of those doors. The saloon has received the easy alteration of a new colour, and is now brown; but for its purposes of reception no improvement was to be expected or required. No alteration appears to have been made in the avenues. The house is, on the general view, perfectly sumptuous and dazzling. The character of

[Oct. 1,

the edifice is light and almost fantastic beauty, and it has possibly now found all that could give the final grace to its gorgeous and native architecture.

COVENT GARDEN THEATRE. -- This Theatre opened on Monday, the 12th of September, in precisely the same condi tion as the close of last season left it, (its elegance and judicious ornament, however, at that period, scarcely admitted of improvement,) with the exception of a new drop scene, in the place of the customary green curtain; this change we do not by any means think an improvement. It is a large sheet of dingy canvas, dotted over with roses to correspond with the decorations of the front of the boxes, the Prince Regent's arms in the centre, and the bottom bound by a deep border of gilding, representing the orders of the Bath, &c.

Although the interior has undergone no change, a very judicious alteration has taken place in that important part of the house devoted to the promenaders, by which the very great inconvenience arising from the narrowness of the staircases on crowded nights is obviated. From the corridor of the second row of boxes, a gallery, or staircase, has been made, which communicates by a double flight of stairs with the saloon on the first tier.

Nothing new has been brought forward at the LYCEUM or HAYMARKET THEATRES. Since our last, with the exception of the benefit nights, Frederick the Great and a Pantomime Proposed have been performed at the one, and Love and Gout and Harlequin Hoar at the other, every night. They are now both closed.

REPORT FROM THE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, ON PETITIONS RELATING TO THE CORN LAWS.

The Select Committee to whom the several petitions which have been presented to this House, in the present session of parliament, upon the subject of the Corn Laws, were referred, to consider so much of the said petitions as relates to the trade in foreign

corn, and to the duties now payable thereupon; and to report the same, with their observati ns, to the house; and who were also empowered to report the Minutes of Evidence taken before them; have considered the matters referred to them, and have agreed to the following report:IN taking into their consideration the important subject referred to them by the House, they have proceeded, in the first place, to examine into the state of

1

the growth of corn at home, and the circumstances which affect the same. The laws which regulate the importation of foreign corn, and the duties payable thereupon, having been altered from time to time, with a reference to these cir ing corn in this country, it appeared to cumstances, and to the expense of rais your Committee, that such an inquiry must necessarily precede, and form part of any consideration of the trade in foreign corn."

Under this first head, therefore, your Committee have turned their attention to the following points:

1st. The recent extension and improvement of the agriculture of the united king dom.

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