PEEPS AT THE PRINT-SHOPS.
THE quick succession of Exhibitions of Paintings has left us little space or opportunity to examine the new Prints as they appeared ; nor, indeed, have there been many of interest or importance to attract notice, except those which we have spoken of individually.
The windows of the printsellers exhibit numerous engraved copies of LAWRENCE'S Portraits ; amongst which Mr. COUSENS'S splendid mezzotint of the Pope, Master Lambton, Mr. Croker, Prince Metternich, and the Painter himself, are most remarkable for brilliancy of effect and fidelity of resemblance. Messrs. LEWIS and LANE have each finished several imitations of sketches by Sir Ttroatas LAWRENCE, in their respective modes of chalk engraving and lithography. Their works are on the eve of publication, and will receive due attention from us on their appearance. Mr. LANE has put forth an interesting and striking drawing on stone, of a front and two profile views of the plaster cast of the face of LAWRENCE at the age of thirty. His well-formed features, in that state of calm deathlike repose, are a fine study of dormant expression, and will be examined with much curiosity by the physiognomist : they are full-formed and massive, and have somewhat of a grand character. The change which refinement of manner, harassed feelings, and courtly habits wrought upon the boldly-developed features of the young man, will be strikingly apparent to those who knew him in the latter part of his life.
Mr. TURNER'S splendid work of Views in England and 'Wales, is proceeding in a manner to satisfy the expectations of the subscribers and the anticipations of his admirers. We observe also a pair of Views of Chatham and Gravesend, from STANFIELD'S vigorous pencil Which are cleverly etched—we cannot say engraved—by ALLEN; the effects are rather raw and cold, but the merit Of the compositions carries off this fault. "Views of Interiors of Churches and other buildings." Drawn on Stone by Janis, from Drawings by the Chevalier Botrrom—Twelve exquisitely-finished miniature pictures, selected apparently with a view to their striking effects of light and shade. They are from the vivid pencil of the painter of those splendid pictorial illusions, the architectural interiors of the Diorama, which have been the theme of admiration both among artists and the public. The lithography is admirable for neatness and delicacy of drawing, and brilliancy of effect ; which latter, in one or two of the plates seems to have been heightened beyond nature. We observe a deficiency of outline, and an occasional smuttiness in the dark, and rawness in the light tints. These defects are, however, exceptions to the general Purity and mellowness of tone and completeness of effect, which are remarkable in the impressions. Among the most perfect are the Interiors of the Church of St. Laurent at Rome; of the Palace of Justice ; Staircase of a house in Paris ; and the Convent of St. Migniata at Florence; the latter being the most beautiful of these gems of lithography. Though the productions of French artists, they are from the press of 11 IJL LMANDEL, to whose already high reputation as a lithographer they add in an eminent degree. We cannot pass over without commendation the very moderate price (10s. 6d.) at which this work is published. Landscape Illustrations of the Waverley Novels.—Part II. sustains the character of the first ; and contains a brilliant View of Skiddaw, by DEwrwr ; Dunottar Castle, by DANIELL ; Loch Ard, by Roasox ; and the Waste of Cumberland, by COPLEY FIELDING. The pecular effect of the painter's manner is well rendered in the engravings, which are remarkable for neatness of execution.
"Miss Mordatnit." Drawn on stone by W. Stunt', from a Sketch by Jons HATTER.—A very pleasing portrait of this promising young actress; gracefully composed, and sketched with great taste and elegance. The arch sweetness and intelligence of the countenance are expressed with extreme felicity in the lithograph; and the delicacy of the outline and harmony of effect render this print excellent as a work of art, as well as an interesting likeness of Miss Mordaunt. The drawing and modelling of the face, and the rich softness of the hair, are particularly beautiful. Indeed, Mr. SHARP'S lithographic copies appear the very reflection of Mr. HATTER'S original drawings.
"The Playfellows." By the same.—A pretty group of a fine little fellow playing with a small Italian greyhound ; cleverly designed, but the left arm appears strangely out of drawing.
"Son of W. Fisher, Esq." By the same.—The portrait of an interesting child, sketched with much taste and feeling, and forming a very pleasing picture. These two last prints have equal merit with the fuat as regards the lithography. "The King, in his Pony Phaeton."—Another of Mr. DOYLE'S striking and characteristio portraits, drawn on stone in his accustomed neat and spirited style. The likeness is extremely good, and the drawing, particularly of the horses, masterly. It cannot fail of being a popular Pmt.
Previous page
