The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 20, No. 557, July 14, 1832Various
General
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 20, No. 557, July 14, 1832
Various
Popular literature -- Great Britain -- Periodicals
A catalogue of Bewick's various works will not be expected in this brief
sketch. He did not confine himself to animal engraving; for in the years
1795 and 1796, were published by Mr. Bulmer, of Newcastle, the _Traveller_
and the _Deserted Village_, by Goldsmith; Parnell's _Hermit_; and
Somerville's _Clara_; with cuts by Bewick. In 1797, appeared the first
volume of his _History of British Birds_: in 1818, he completed his first
volume of _Fables of Aesop_ and others. In 1820, Mr. Charnley, of
Newcastle, published a volume of Fables, as a vehicle for the impressions
of the earlier blocks, both of head-pieces and vignettes, engraved by
Bewick when very young, all previous to the year 1785, and for various
publications. This collection amounted to upwards of twelve hundred.[4]
This volume contains an impression of the celebrated Old Hound, and five
portraits, on wood, copies at different periods of Bewick's portrait; that
facing the title, from a painting of James Ramsay, is considered the
nearest likeness.
It may now be interesting to note a few traits of the genius and personal
habits of Bewick, as they have been sketched by his friend, Mr. Dovaston.
This gentleman observes:
"It has been said that Linnaeus did more in a given time than ever did any
one man. If the surprising number of blocks of every description, for his
own and others' works, cut by Bewick, be considered, though perhaps he may
not rival our beloved naturalist, he may be counted among the
indefatigably industrious. And amid all this he found ample time for
reading and conviviality. I have seen him picking, chipping, and finishing
a block, talking, whistling, and sometimes singing, while his friends have
been drinking wine at his profusely hospitable table. At nights, after a
hard day's work, he generally relieved his powerful mind in the bosom of
his very amiable family."
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