Napoleon Musing at St. Helena. Painted by B. R. HAYDON.
Engraved by J. E. Commas.
This is a very pleasingly effective mezzotint of the small painting that was exhibited by Mr. HAYDON, along with his "Endes" and " Punch." As a picture, it is a palpable begging of the question to give the portrait of a remarkable person en arriere; but it is perhaps excusable in por. traying such a man as Napoleon, whose air, attitude, person, and cos- tume were alike strikingly characteristic. Mr. HATDON'S idea of re- presenting the fallen conqueror standing on his solitary rock, gazing on the sun setting in the sea—objects emblematical of his fading glory and his boundless ambition—is in itself good. For its execution we cannot say much that is favourable. The figure of Napoleon wants that vigorous compactness, and his attitude that firm and decisive station, which were marked characteristics of the outward man. His feet should seem, as it were, planted on the ground, like a standard. The tone of the sea is too flat and monotonous ; the distance is too heavy; and the part immediately below the foreground wants greater depth. The effect of light in the sky and on the figure is very well managed ; and as a whole, the plate is creditable to the young engraver, Mr. COOMRES ; whose name we see for the first time, and shall be glad to meet with again.
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