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1814.]

Dramatic Register-Drury Lane.

that she should have selected, or the manager fixed for her first appearance. -She managed the balcony scene, and those with her father and her nurse, but particularly that in which she swallows the dose given her by the friar, with great skill and effect. Before she slept under the influence of the lethargic potion, and when she awoke, and arose, and came out of the tomb of the Capulets, her conception and execution, in those scenes, were touching and impressive. She is no mean addition to the company of this theatre, for she certainly need not shrink from comparison with any tragic actress on the London boards. Miss O'Neill has since appeared in the character of Belvidera, in Otway's Venice Preserved, and added considerably to her fame.

The opera of The Maid of the Mill has been revived, with much attention to the arrangements, and was well received by the audience. There is a natural feature in this drama which will always make it a favourite with a British audience, while it continues to be upheld with talent, as the story is probable, and the moral good.

The return of Mr. Kemble to the stage, on Saturday, Oct. 22, was hailed by the amateurs of the drama with extraordinary marks of welcome. The most enthusiastic burst of applause on his appearance expressed the general sentiment of the company; and branches of laurel, wove into the form of a crown, were flung from the pit on the stage. He made his appearance in Coriolanus, the character of all others for which he is so liberally endowed by nature. We have never seen Mr. Kemble more animated and striking, more truly classical and yet more burning, than on this occasion. He was more fortunate than ever in his modulation; for he gave to passages and single words a most re markable emphasis by the adroit inflexion of his voice. We do not think it neces sary to descend to minute examples of a performance which has been so often witnessed with admiration; but will venture to say, that it was never seen before to the advantage, and with the merit, that it possessed on this occasion.

DRURY-LANE.-Mr. Kean made his first appearance for the season on Monday, Oct. 3, in Richard. The expectation excited by his former displays exhibited itself on this occasion in the unusual concourse which filled the house from its opening. The prefatory address being recited, the curtain drew up, and the first advance of Mr, Kean was the

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signal for the most unanimous and clamorous plaudits. He bowed frequently, and seemed as much embarrassed as he was doubtless flattered by these proofs of public approbation. The commencing soliloquy sufficiently repaid his applause. It was among the few faults that even gentle criticism ventured to discover in this actor, that he paid an inferior attention to the early scenes. Something might have been alleged for this comparative carelessness, from its relief for the deeper portraitures of the performance. However, general opinion seems to have produced its impression powerfully; and his commencing efforts could not have suffered any loss of interest, contrasted with even those in which the poet and the performer have hitherto gone on triumphing together. Our limits will not allow us more than generally to observe, that Mr. Kean's skill appears to have decidedly matured. His fine and flexible countenance could, perhaps, have received no higher addition of force or flexibility; his spirited and nervous ges ture was already equal to all that it could have been summoned to effect; his impressiveness, where he found it requisite to call out his strength, extorted involuntary admiration: but the general effect, the power by which the great actor vivifies and invigorates the whole mass of a character, continued through a variety of action,-that dextrous facility by which he makes the incongruous, and the oblique, and the extravagant condense, and shape themselves into a form of probability and nature,—had obviously not attained its entire growth in this promising performer; and there were those who felt the scenes which developed the soul of Richard a burthen on the interest which sprung almost of itself out of his closing struggles. This deficiency struck us as being supplied on this occasion; and for the admirers of the graver and more serious eloquence of Shakspeare, a higher gratification has been seldom provided, than in the three first acts which exhibited Mr. Kean.

Oct. 15, a new comedy, called "Policy," was brought forward at this theatre, the production, as we understand, of Mr. H. Siddons, This piece, though it possesses sprightly dialogue, sportive and elegant sarcasm on the prevailing foibles, quick turns of repartee, not tainted by vulgar allusions, is still deficient in the interest which a well-woven story is sure to excite. The three first acts were received with considerable applause, but the two last were not so fortunate; at the fall of the curtain, however, the ayes prevailed.

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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."

Portrait of the Duke of Wellington;
engraved from a Painting by HOME,
and dedicated by permission to Mar-
quis Wellesley. By JAMES MINASI,
Historical Engraver to His Sicilian
Majesty and the Duke of Susser.
IT seems to be generally admitted
that this portrait of the great Welling-
ton is the most faithful likeness of
the hero that has yet appeared;-a cir-
cumstance that Mr. Minasi may congra-
tulate himself upon, as so great a num-
ber of engravings of him have been pub-
lished since his distinguished services in
the peninsula. We are surprised how
this great commander, occupied as he
has been in most arduous and incessant
service for the last six years, could have
found time to have afforded any artist
the opportunity of even sketching his
visage; but it has been said of him as
of some renowned military characters of
antiquity, that they could always create
an opportunity for any object upon
which they were determined. We are
borne out in this observation as it relates
to the Duke of Wellington, by his con-
descension to Mr. Heaphy, who went to
Spain in the summer of 1813 to take
portraits of the most distinguished offi-
cers under his command, when he rea-
dily complied with the wishes of that
artist; an act the more grateful, as his
Grace made no difficulty of conceding
the favour.

The Prince Regent, we understand, has expressed his entire approbation of the likeness before us, and complimented the artist upon his success. We know also that the foreign potentates and distinguished officers who lately visited this country, declared that it was one of the few portraits they had seen which depicted the mind of the original.

Condivi, vita di Michel Angiolo Buonarotti.

artist calls the Wellington grounds, from the circumstance of the nrst perfected experiments being given to the public in this portrait.

We learn that Mr. Minasi is preparing another work of considerable merit, to be printed in the same manner, which we shall duly notice in a future number.

Preparation d'une poule entre Cing Chevaux de Course. Dessiné par C.VERNET, de la ci-devant Academie de Peinture; gravé par P. L. DEBUCURT, Agent de la ci-devant Academie de Peinture.

This is an engraving in a singular mixed style, partly composed of etching and a species of mezzotint and aquatint, producing a tolerably good effect; but it deserves attention from the extraordinary beauty with which the horses are arrayed, that would have shown doubly resplendent had they come from the graver of Scott. The painter is a son of the celebrated landscape painter of the same name, and certainly stands unrivalled as a painter of horses. La Battaille d'Austerlitz. Dessiné par GERARD, et gravé par JEAN GODE

FROYE.

The vanity of the ex-emperor led him to encourage no art or artist that did not eulogize this disinterested patron of the fine arts. Gerard has produced a fine picture, and given a proper air, dignity, and character, to every actor in the scenc; nor has the engraver fallen any thing short in rendering his master ample jus tice in his transcription. This eminent artist is an Englishman, and formerly studied here under Simon, but went early to France, where success led him to remain as his adopted country. The Hettman Count Platoff. Painted Mr. Minasi has printed some proof by THOMAS PHILLIPS, Esq. R. A.; impressions of this portrait on silk, preengraved by WM. SAY, Engraver to pared by a very ingenious process of his H. R. H. the Duke of Gloucester. own invention, and which, when co- Mr. Say in this print has displayed loured, have the appearance of highly-much address in copying the style of the finished paintings in oil. We understand that the venerable president of the Royal Academy has expressed his unqualified approbation of this process, which the

painter; and the portrait is altogether, both as a work of art and a correct like ness, the best resemblance that has been yet published of this Hero of the North.

1814.]

Review and Register of the Fine Arts.

Progressive Lessons, tending to elucidate the Characters of Trees, with Instructions for Sketching and Painting them, and One Plate of Outlines, shewing the peculiar feature of the leaf, its connexion and arrangement on the branch, and its general characteristic appearance on the tree; also Twelve Plates, exhibiting seventeen specimens of different trees, neatly coloured. By L. FRANCIA.

These pages present to the student an excellent elementary work on landscape painting, and are peculiarly valuable for the fidelity with which they delineate the characters of the foliage. Mr. Clay, the publisher, has evinced by this and other valuable elementary works on art, a liberality of feeling towards the junior students, that deserves much commenda

tion.

The Battle of Salamanca, from authentic Documents and Information furnished by Officers of the Staff who were present in the Action; with a Key to the Portraits, and Map of the Country adjacent, Gratis. Engraved by G. LEWIS, from a Picture by L. A. AT

KINSON.

Mr. Atkinson, for whose talents in this species of composition we feel the highest respect, has imparted to this proud national subject an interest that it_amply deserves; nor has the engraver been backward or unsuccessful in his exertions to make it a pleasing record of this great event.

Recueil des Dessins de differens Batimens construit a St. Petersburg et dans Interieur de l'Empire de Russie. Par LOUIS Rusca, Architecte de su Majesté Imperiale. Dédié à sa Majesté Alexandre I. Empereur et Autocrate de toutes les Russies.

This is a work worthy of a great Emperor and a great nation; we are not speaking of the style of the architecture, which is certainly not of the first order, but of the splendour in which this noble and sublinie art is encouraged by the wise and munificent Alexander. The Spanish Peasant Boys; engraved by SAY, from a picture by MURILLO, published by M'Donald, at the Poet's Gallery, Fleet-street.

The original picture from which this print is taken, is in the distinguished collection lately bequeathed by Sir Francis Bourgeois to Dulwich College, and has been ever ranked among the chefs d'œuvres of the master. On com paring the print with the picture, we were struck with the truth and delicacy

355

of the transcription. The fine deep tone of Murillo, the archness and simplicity of character by which his peasants are distinguished, and the harmonious arrangement of the component parts, are most happily preserved. It may be adduced as a proof of the force and energy that can be given by the style of engraving termed mezzotinto, and will add much to the already acquired celebrity of Mr. Say.

Hebe, after the late IIVET VILLIERS, by

TURNER.

For grace of action, and beauty of figure, few portraits can excel this new engraving from this much admired picture; and Turner has communicated to the print all the softness, delicacy, and sweetness so conspicuous in the drawing. It is published plain and in colours; so that those who admire coloured engravings will have an opportunity of procuring, at a comparatively moderate price, an elegant embellishment for their parlours, not much inferior to the highly finished, but very expensive, drawings of modern artists; and those who select for the portfolio will be able to add another to their collection, worthy to rank with the finest specimens in this effective style of engraving. Grand East Front of Eaton Hall, pub

lished at the request, and under the patronage of the Right Hon. EARL GROSVENOR.

This aquatinted plate, of large dimension, being two feet by 1 foot 5 inches, is drawn by I. Haiton, of Chester, pupil of Mr. Cuitts' and engraved by Mr. Medland, of the East India College, Hertford, and certainly affords us a better idea of this most magnificent Gothic mansion, than any print as yet offered to the public.

Among the many works recently imported from France, are several architectural publications on that branch of the art which has been cultivated with so much ardour of late years in this country, namely, Designs for small Villas, Cottages Ornées, and other Buildings and Ornaments for Parks, Pleasuregrounds, and Gardens. In these works there is a most fantastic display of the Chinese, Hindoo, Grecian, Roman, Gothic, Moorish, French, and English style; and we may say without prejudice, that in these matters of taste and fancy, however justly we may have censured a great deal of what has been done at home, the French style is beneath comparison, we might almost say, with the worst specimens. The Gothic, which

356

New Acts of Parliament.

has been revived in England in our time, and applied to domestic dwellings, preserves here some character of the style and fitness in the ornaments; the French, on the contrary, exhibit the most puerile conceits, and a total disregard or ignorance of that species of architecture which they pretend to imitate. It is not a new discovery, that these people have (to use a familiar term) frenchified all the styles in every department of art whether in painting, sculpture, or architecture: but it is due to many of their former artists to say, that there was always a spirit and fire in their works which claimed admiration, even from those who could not approve. If we are to judge of the taste of a people from such works as these, Heaven forbid that French fashion or French taste should ever again acquire that ascendancy which they have heretofore enjoyed.

Mr. WILD's next number of his Cathedrals is in a considerable state of forwardness.

A well known artist has nearly completed a satirical story, against those deadly fungosities on the stem of the foe arts, the middle men between the artists and the public, which will appear

[Nov. 1,

in the course of the winter under the title of "The Literary Quixotte."

The library and schools of the Royal Academy have all opened to the students since our last, and the lectures will commence early in November. The attention of the academy should, however, be called to the very limited use of the library, and the entire want of a school of architecture in a professed academy of the fine arts.

Most of our artists have now returned to their easils from Paris and other summer excursions. GLOVER is gone to Switzerland, after revelling on the beau ties of Claude, to make sketches. HAYDON is making considerable progress in his new picture on the same magnificent scale as his Judgment of Solomon. LONSDALE has finished his great picture of King John signing Magna Charta, which is to be copied in glass for the Duke of Norfolk's new and magnificent Barons-hall, now building at Arundel.

Among our principal artists who have visited Paris to examine the works of their rivals are,―Dawe, Soane, Haydon, Callcott, Owen, Glover, Wilkie, Tor nerelli, &c,

NEW ACTS,

PASSED IN THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTH PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.-53 GEO. III. (1814.) [The figure which follows the date of each Act, denotes the number of sheets of which it consists: each sheet is sold for THREE-PENCE.]

CAP. LIII. An act to enable the commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury to issue exchequer bills, on credit of such aids or supplies as have been or shall be granted by parliament for the services of Great Britain for the year 1814. May

4, 1814.-1.

Exchequer bills to bear an interest not exceeding 3d. per 100l. per day. They may, at the expiration of four months after the date, be taken in payment of the revenue. -Bank of England authorized to advance 6,000,000l. on the credit of this act.

LIV. An act to discontinue proceedings in certain actions already commenced, and to prevent vexatious suits against spiritual persons, under an act passed in the forty-third year of his present Majesty, and further to continue until the 20th day of July, 1814, an act of the present sessions of parliament, for staying proceedings under the said act. May 18, 1814.-2.

Licence granted with certificate, stating, that cause for granting them existed at any

specified antecedent period, valid, as exempting from penalties from such antecedent period.-Such license and certificate to be registered. Notification by nonn-residents, made and registered before July 1, to be deemed good and valid for the purposes in

tended.-Persons sued under recited act may apply to the court, if sitting, or to a judge, if conditions.-Facts stated in certificates to be not sitting, to stay proceedings upon certain verified on oath.-The court may make or der for discontinuing actions without pay. ment of costs.-No penalties for periods anvered in any action previous to Dec. 6, 1813. tecedent to December 31, 1811, to be reco-Not to affect any action commenced before Jan. 1, 1812.-Certified copies of li cences and certificates deemed sufficient proof.-Not to affect any verdict, &c. given under 43 Geo. III. c. 84.54 Geo. III. c. 46. further continued till July 20.

LV. An act for fixing the rates of subsistence to be paid to innkeepers and others on quartering soldiers. May 18, 1814.-1.

Allowance of 1s. 2d, for the diet of non

1814.]

New Acts of Parliament.

357

commissioned officers and soldiers.-Further 39 & 40 Geo. III. c. 89, extended to cordage allowance of one halfpenny per diem.-For worked with worsted threads. horses quartered 1s. 2d. per diem to be paid for hay and straw.-Regulations with respect to dieting non-commissioned officers and soldiers on their march.-Persons paying money to non-commissioned officers or soldiers on the march in lieu of furnishing diet and

small beer liable to be fined.-When halted

on a march, non-commissioned officers and

soldiers entitled to diet and small beer as after arriving at their destination.-And if such halting be only for a day after arrival and that be a market day, their diet and small beer shall not be discontinued.

LVI. An act to amend and render more effectual an act of his present majesty for encouraging the art of making new models and casts of busts, and other things therein mentioned, and for giving further encouragement to such arts. May 18, 1814.-1.

The sole right and property of all new and original sculpture, models, copies, and casts, vested in the proprietors for 14 years.-Works published under the recited act, vested in the proprietors for 14 years.-Persons putting forth pirated copies or pirated casts, may be prosecuted.-Damages and double costs.Purchasers of copyright secured in the same. -An additional term of 14 years, in case the maker of the original sculpture, &c. shall be living.

LVII. An act to repeal the schedule annexed to an act of the 45th year of his present majesty, by which the drawbacks and bounties on sugar cxported are to be ascertained, and substituting another in lieu thereof; and to permit the importation of sugar, coffee, and other articles, the produce of Martinique, Mariegalante, St. Eustatia, St. Martin, and Saba, under the same duties and regulations as similar articles of the British Plantations; to continue until the 5th day of April, 1815. May 27, 1814.-1.

LVIII. An act to continue during the present bostilities with the United States of America,-an act of the 43d year of his present majesty for the better protection of the trade of the united kingdom. May 27, 1814.-1.

LIX. An act to allow ships taken and condemned for being used in carrying on the slave-trade, to be registered as British ships. May 27, 1814.-1.

Ships condemned for breach of the law relating to the slave-trade to be entitled to the privileges of prize ships.

LX. An act for the better preventing the embezzlement of his majesty's cordage. May 27, 1814.-1.

Provisions of 9 & 10 Will. III. c. 41, and NEW MONTHLY MAG.-No. 10.

LXI. An act to amend an act of the 22d year of his present majesty, intituled an act to prevent the granting in future any patent office, to be exercised in any colony or plantation now or at any time hereafter belonging to the crown of during such time as the grantee thereof, Great Britain, for any longer term than or person appointed thereto, shall discharge the duty thereof in person, and behave well therein. May 27, 1814.-1.

the

Governors of colonies to report the leave of absence granted by them to the secretary of state, for confirmation.-If not confirmed, person is to return forthwith to the coony-A return to be annually laid before This act not to prejudice subsisting grants. the House of Commons of persons absent.-

LXII. An act to amend several acts for erecting or establishing public infirrelates to the surgeons and apothecaries maries or hospitals in Ireland, so far as of such infirmaries or hospitals. May 27, 1814.-1.

Grand juries may present a sum not exceeding 1001. in addition.-Certificate of good conduct of the surgeon shall be previously laid before the grand jury; as also a copy of his letters testimonial.-When an additional infirmary shall be necessary, it shall not be built within 10 miles of the other, and a surgeon and apothecary shall be appointed to attend it.-Governors may give a salary to an apothecary for making up medicines found by the governors.

LXIII. An act to amend several acts for enabling his majesty's postmastergeneral of Ireland to purchase premises for the enlargement of the general postoffice in the city of Dublin. May 27,

1814.-1.

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