A remarkable addition to the number of fine line'engravings has
been made by W. H. Warr, in a brilliant and effective plate of Litst.tes picture of Yorick rescuing his remarks from the wife of the chaise.vamper who had converted them into papillottes, called The Manuscript. The anger and vexation of the poor author were increased by the cool indifference of the Frenchwoman, whose very alacrity in resigning the fragments is an aggravation of the wound to his self.love : he sits on the bench at the door mechanically holds ing his cocked hat between his knee to receive the precious scraps, and poring fondly on the contents of the bit that he holds in his hand; thinking perhaps how much the world might have lost but for its timely discovery. The physiognomy of Yorick is rather weak the face of the woman is too doll-like; and her raised brows and strained eyes imply a feeling of interest or surprise that is inconsistent with that utter heedlessness of the circumstance which constitutes the point of the joke. The effect of the painting, as represented in the engraving, is bright and forcible, and less crude than LEsuE's recent works. The colour and texture of the parson's black suit and leather gaiters, and the woman's chintz boddice and white petticoat, are the perfection of the line manner—it is painting with the burin. The flesh tints are not so successful; the dots and lines do not harmonize well; but the glancing light with transparent shadows is beautifully imitated in the faces as well as the dresses—it sparkles with sunny brightness, bringing out the black clear and rich. As a whole, it is one of the masterpieces of modern line engraving, as regards expression as well as executive skill and striking effect.
Previous page
