The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 3, June, 1851Various
History
The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 3, June, 1851
Various
Art, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals
Mr. LANG'S No. 44 is a very large likeness of a very comely lady, but
the work will hardly live long in the spectator's memory. Mr. ROSSITER
takes the field boldly with "The Ideals, Types of Moral, Intellectual,
and Physical Beauty." Except for the brilliance of color, and a
certain sentiment, by which the light proceeds from the moral type, we
do not much admire the picture. The difficulty with the spectator will
be, we are sure, that he recalls within his own circle of friends
types more beautiful for each ideal. Mr. Rossiter's portraits of his
brother artists, Messrs. DARLEY and DUGGAN, are admirable likenesses,
each somewhat mellowed in expression by the artist. The sharp
intellectual precision of Mr. Duggan's countenance, and the bright
nervous sensibility of Mr. Darley's, are both somewhat subdued upon
the canvas. What we candidly say of these pictures we say boldly,
because we recognize and appreciate the fine feeling which animates
the artist. Mr. GRAY'S No. 54, "King Death," attracts much attention.
But is it the "Jolly Old Fellow," or the "King of Terrors," or the
"easeful death" of which the poet was enamored? There is something
fine in the picture--a strain of Egyptian placidity permeates the
features. And such colossal placidity is full of fate. There is a
latitude allowed the artist in these themes. Yet we do not feel
satisfied, much as we like the picture. Mr. ROTHERMEL'S No. 5,
"Murray's Defence of Toleration," is a very pleasant picture of the
Düsseldorf style. We like one thing in this work, and that is its
preservation of the balance of history, by showing that the Catholics
were not always the persecutors. The contrast of the religious repose
of the rear with the jangling fanaticism of the foreground is in
harmony with the differing qualities of light. It is a thoughtful and
beautiful picture, Mr. FREEMAN'S 359, "Study for an Angel's Head," has
a Titianesque fascination, and the earnest regard of the faces is
extremely lovely. It is none the less charming that it has a mortal
loveliness--if we might say so without treason to the immortality of
all beauty. We have no doubt, in our own critical mind, that any
beautiful woman would make a beautiful angel. Mr. MOUNT'S No. 118,
"Who'll turn Grindstone?" is one of his characteristic Yankee
incidents. It is very true and genuine in feeling, but the picture is
too white and streaked. No. 344 is a natural and spirited portrait of
the poet Stoddard by Mr. PRATT.
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