FINE ARTS.
NEW SOCIETY OP PAINTERS IN WATER COLOURS.
THIS young Society is making steady progress in public estimation : every season has been marked by an increase of numbers and of talent ; but this year they have taken an immense stride onwards. The re- moval from Exeter Hall to Pall Mall is a great improvement as regards locality. The new Gallery, which is next door to the British Institu- tion, is commodious and well lighted ; and, what is of more impor- tance still, it is well filled. The present is a very attractive exhibition, and much better than any previous ones. All the members have exerted themselves to give eclat to their new position ; and in support- ing the character of their body, they have also benefited individually ; in almost every instance we perceive an advance on former efforts. Though this is but the fourth year of the existence of the Society as now constituted, it is firmly established; and its future prospects are most promising. Already it has been joined by some who have been knocking at the doors of the old Society in vain : and we are much mistaken if the present display does not bring others who are tired of waiting the pleasure of the elders. We cannot quarrel with the deter- mination of the juniors to prevent their gallery from being a mere nursery whence the goodly plants are to be removed at maturity : in the soil where the germ of talent is first unfolded, there they wish it to strike root and flourish.
In going through the rooms, there appear on the line of the eye several large and striking pictures, evincing power and refinement of no common order ; and among them, we are glad to find some histo- rical subjects cleverly treated. Foremost in splendour of colour and elevation of style, is a grand composition of Egyptian architecture, in- troducing the story of Joseph and his Brethren—" The Sons of Jacob before Joseph" (192), by IL WARREN. Joseph, enthroned in the portico of a temple, and attended by his officers of state, receives his brethren, who supplicate his clemency. The gorgeousness of the polychromatic decorations of the architecture is borne up by the rich and varied co-tumes, and the golden sunlight ; and the scene is ani- mated by the spirit of the incident. The contrast between the fea- tures and complexion of the Egyptians and the Israelites heightened the dramatic character. This is one of the most remarkable productions of the day. The same artist has one or two other designs, and a charming English landscape.
"A Dominican Friar Preaching a Crusade" (269), by L. HICKS, is a most brilliant and powerful piece of water-colour painting : the composition, drawing, and costume are admirable, arid the character of the scene is well conveyed—though the crowd is scanty and the listeners want animation. Front such a beginning, we shall expect great things. EDWARD CORBOUED has a number of clever designs ; the most promi- nent being a scene from Anne of Geierstein, very forcibly painted : but his style is rigid and academical ; his cavaliers too much resemble the equestrian heroes of Astley's. " The Assassination of Thomas i'Becket " (98), by WEIGALL, is a vigorous representation of a death- struggle, though it hardly attains to the dignity of history. The same qualification applies to " Augustin's Mission to the Anglo- Saxons " (206), by W. H. KEARNEY : the zeal of the saintly Mis- sionary, and the rustic state of the Saxon Monarch, are well repre- sented. H. JOHNSTON evinces perception of character in his sketch of " A Brazilian Slave-dealer" (185), and in one or two studies ; but his painting wants solidity and clearness. F. ROCHARD, the miniature- painter, shows a talent for composition in " L'Entretien Gallant " (198); and Miss LOVISA CORRAUX'S pretty groups of children have something more than mere likeness to recommend them ; H. B. GREEN'S portraits, too, are improved in pictorial qualities ; and there are some nice studies of rustic character by RIVIERE. One of the most picturesque scenes and cleverest pictures is an in- terior, by Louts HAGHE, of a" Hall in the Palace of Justice, Bruges" (177), with the " Magistrat " presiding at a trial, and groups of Burgo. masters. The beautiful sculpture of the immense chimney-piece, and the fine oak carvings that surround the apartment, form a picture of themselves. The execution is masterly ; the tone of colour is rather cold; but, as the artist in a frost piece (63), has shown that he can represent ice and snow without excluding the sun's influence, lie may remedy this in future. There are other admirable productions by the same talented hand, that we have not space to notice. In landscape and marine subjects, DeNCAN takes the lead : in his large sea piece, "Dutch Boats—a Squall coming on,, (129), the waves are liquid and the vessels are in buoyant motion. Not less true to nature are his land views ; where the green turf and foliage under the passing shower look as fresh as out of doors. He also exhibits one or two capital interiors. G. SIMS'S verdant landscapes have a chaste dewy tone—one of the most charming effects of our moist climate. Howsn's peculiar touch is a mannerism, that, combined with inharmonious and untrue colouring, takes from the merit of his street scenes: he makes " Antwerp Cathedral " (236) look like a filagree model. His interiors are only a degree less objectionable on this score. FAIIEY is the COLLINS of this exhibition : "Sunday Morning" (11), and "The Beggar's Prayer" (218), are pleasing and characteristic pictures of rural life and scenery. LINDSAY only wants greater breadth of style to give due effect to his delicate perceptions of the beautiful in nature. CAMPION'S style is grandiose, and his execution somewhat vapour: nevertheless, his picture of "Goodrich Castle" (15) is very effective. NEWTON'S large landscape illustrative of "The Lady of the Lake" (41), is too cold and formal. SIDNEY SHEPHERD should of -- beware of a tendency to coarseness in his gayly-tinted portraits the day, and our limited .. . s_pia,cive.E, itp;recAlooduenaTemoomr: streets andalnadtenhoesusseosf. particular notice of some clever architectural views by PENRON sni
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one or two pretty bits of landscape by w 11
mountain scenery; the Gothic interiors by KEARNAN arid Coast; studies of trees by H. W. EuRGESS ; HanDwica's broad and mellow. toned sketches of boats and buildings ; two large landscapes by MA1SEY; the laboured coast scenes of PENLEY ; LAPORTE'S horses. and Mrs. HARRISON'S fruit and flowers.
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