The Express.
London, England, 1863-05-01 00:00:00

FINE ARTS.

THE ROYAL ACADEMY.—(THIS DAY.)
The customary private view of the exhibition
given to-day, previous to the banquet of to-morrow
and the opening of the exhibition to the public on
Monday, enables us to give some account of the'
pictures, and briefly to characterise the exhibition
generally.
We notice that the academicians, mindful of
their recent regulation, have restricted themselves
to painting few pictures, and those generally of
small size, though certainly not of lees merit.
The result, however, is to render the exhibition
rather one that requires to be looked into closely
to discover its interest ; but we can promise those
who take this trouble that they will be rewarded
by finding many very excellent works by the asso-
ciates and some of the younger painters not yet
within the select circle of the academy. On the
whole, the exhibition derives its chief interest from
these pictures. On ertering the large room we
find Mr. Phillip's picture of the House of Commons
in 1860. This is a work on which the artist has
been long engaged, and the result, it is gratifying to
say, is most sucoessf uL The picture is, we believe,
a commission from the Right Hon. the Speaker of
the House of Commons—and he occupies a promi-
nent position in the picture ; Lord Palmerston is
addressing the house in his accustomed easy
manner, while immediately below him sits the
late Sir Cornewall Lewis, notebook in hand
and an admirable portrait. Earl Russell, then in
the lower house, and Mr. Gladstone are sitting
together, and opposite are Mr. Disraeli, Sir Bulwer
Lytton, Sir John Pakington, and other distinguished
members of her Majesty's opposition. The artist
has managed this difficult subject with excellent
taste and skill.

Mr. Phillip has only one of his Spanish pictures
(23), " Aqua Bendita," a Spanish mother letting
her infant play with the holy water and sprinkle
the hand of her little sister. A richly-coloured and
very pleasing group.
Mr. David Roberts, R A., exhibits his full com-
plement of four pictures of interiors, all in his
more sketchy manner, but full of vigour and pic-
turesque feeling.

K K Ward, R.A., has made a very
pleasing variation from his elaborate historical
pictures in his " Hogarth's Studio in 1739 "
(No. 199). The subject of this delightfully
fresh and natural picture is seen at the first
glance at the well-known portrait of good old
Captain Coram that stands upon the easel occu-
pying ► principal place in the composition, and sur-
rounded almost with a group of pretty foundling
girls in their clean white drama, and boys in their
sober brown, all come to see the picture of their
benefactor as a holiday treat. Hogarth, palette in
hand, having heard the children's voices as they
entered the house, has taken Capt. Coram hastily,
behind the picture for the simple and humorous
purpose of hearing what they will say about the
likeness. Blooming Mrs. Hogarth, as she listens
to the prattle of the children, is preparing some-
thing much more after their hearts in the cake and
oranges upon the table, and a black servant boy is
bringing in some of her home-made wine. A very
pretty incident in the picture is the poor
little invalid, wrapped in her warm red
cloak, her crutches laid aside, as she sits
before the portrait, while the governess, a
lady in a very fine blue flowered gown,
joints out the meaning of the globe in the picture.
The painter has made this group the focus of the
colour of his picture, and it has a very brilliant
and agreeable effect in contrast with the masa of
white and brown in the groups in the background,
and it composer. well with the chair in which Captain
Coram has been sitting, the globe and the cocked
hat and cane lying neer it. "La Toilette des
Morns " (No. 124) is a charmingly treated episode in
the sad history of Charlotte Corday, which has
already furnished Mr. Ward with the subject of
one of his first pictures of importance. We see her
now is the prison of the Couciergerie, sitting before
her portrait, which M. Hauer has just put the last
touch to, and looking at herself with an expression
of pathetic admiration as she submits to have her
lovely hair out off by the rude hand of the prison
barber. She is habited simply in her white satin
petticoat, the gown having been laid aside for the
horrid red surplice lying ready to be put on
before she goes to the guillotine. This small work
will, we think, be named amongst the painter's
most interesting pictures.

Mr. Zlmors, lA., exhibits only one picture of
importance, and this is on a much smaller scale
than he bas generally adopted, though remarkable
for the very rich and powerful tone of colour in
which it is painted. It is called " Lncrezia
Borgia " (130), and represents Lacrezia, the
beautiful and cruel, superbly dressed in crim-
son and blue velvet, as if staying the hand
of her murderous minion, who stands ready
for the blow, dagger in hand. She seems to
be saying, "Let there be no blood—take this,"
as she holds out the small jewelled phial that
contains some deadly concentration of her ven-
geance. " A Nun " (324) is a soft and sweetly
painted bead of a pretty creature, well fed and well
taken care of, whose whole stock of intelligence
would be easily exhausted with the telling of beads
and such like exercises.

Mr. F. R. Pickervill, R. A., exhibits only one
small work (140), " Isabella Duchess of Clarence
urging her husband to abandon the cause of the
House of York," A.D. 1470. An elegantly painted
picture of the lady in green velvet and fur, entreat-
ing Clarence, encased in complete steel.

. -
Mr. Horsley, A.R. A., has a clever picture abn,
"The Morning of St. Valentine's-day ;" and near
this is a remarkable work of Mr. J. F. Lewis,
A.R. A. (158), "A Frank encampment near Mount
Sinai," finished in his most minute and accurately
studied manner.

Mr. J. C. Hook, R. A., has three pictures, all of
his favourite fisher subjects. (335.) "Leaving at
Low Water," the fisherman's pretty wife has walked
ashore from the boat, and is putting on her shoes,
while the little child dives into the basket of pro-
visions, and the father is seen wading to the boat,
carrying a bigger boy on his back.

Mr. Millais, A.KA., contributes three pictures.
(287) " The Eve of St. Agnes," • subject taken
from Keats, showing the lady undressing in the
dark chamber in the light of the moon, a
very striking picture for its sombre and super-
natural air. (498) "The Wolf's Den," is a most
delightful picture of the artist's own children, play-
ing at wolf under the grand piano, the biggest boy
being the wolf, wrapped up in a shin and looking
very fierce, with his hand put out like • claw.
(7.) " The First Sermon," a little girl at church, is
an equally beautiful work, extremely interesting
from the natural expression of the child's little
cherub face.

Mr. O'Neil, A.P.. A., has only one subject picture
(398), "The Power of Music." The romantic story of '
Alessandro Btradella, the young composer, who fell 1
is love with his beautiful pupil, Hortensia, the
mistress of • vengeful Venetian noble, must be
well known to every reader of musical history.

The lovers were followed for years by hired assas-
sins, and the incident Mr. O'Neil has painted is
when these ruffians, having tracked Stridella to
Rome, entering the church while he is singing one of
his compositions and playing the organ, with the
devoted Hortensia at his aide, are so struck by
the beauty of the music, that they renounce
their cruel purpose, and, as the story
goes, actually waited in the street to warn him of
the fate he afterwards met. This is a rather small
picture, with whole-length figures ; Stradella, in
a black velvet dress, rich with yellow lining, and
point-lace collar and cuffs, and the lady, in blue
and yellow, leaning her Sue Italian head upon his
shoulder as he sings, the group being lit by a bright
and warm light from the candles upon the organ,
and coming out powerfully in contrast with the
cold shadow of the church, through which are
dimly seen the two assassins listening. Mr.
O'Neil's portraits of Mr. B. B. Cabbell, a
life-size picture, and a small portrait of Mr. Kee-
ley, the eminent comedian, will not fail to be noticed
as admirable likenesses.

Mr. Herbert, R.A., has painted one work only
(509), " Judith," a picture of fresco-like colour, re-
presenting Judith about to strike, the only indica-
tion of her victim being the strong hand seen at the
corner of the picture.

Mr. F. Goodall, A.R.A., has chosen a very
touching subject from his studies of life in the
desert, which he has rendered admirably in his
picture. "The Palm Offering" (515), an Egyptian
or rather Copt woman at the grave of her husband,
about to lay upon it the palm branch, according to
their custom. She carries on her shoulder her
little naked child perched like a bird, and
looks down with a sad and tearful face. The
figures in this picture are life size and very beau-
tifully painted. Mr. Goodall has also gone to his
very clever and life-like studies for his capital
little picture of the " Opium Bazaar at Cairo,"
(No. 166) and some single figures, admirable for
their accurate study of the Oriental type and
costume.

Mr. T. Faed, A.R.A., exhibits three pictures.
Two of them are cottage subjects, in his happiest
vein of sentiment, and very beautiful in their
artistic pointa. (No. 377), " And ye shall walk
in silk attire." The laasy has been busy at her
spinning-wheel and thinking of Donald, when the
old " mither " shows her the 6ne new dress, which
she little heeds, that the gude man has bought for
her. In a little room beyond are the father and
the expectant husband seen talking matters
over. `(No. 213), "Train up a child in the way
it should go" is the title of the other picture, and
the training is not in the severe moral lessons, but
simply to make a useful body of this pretty little
creature, who is pricking Ler fingers trying to sew
her father's button on his shirt sleeve, while the
mother stands by, highly amused. The contrast
of the hale and rough form of the man, a fine
specimen of the north country cottier, with the
delicate modelling of the children and the pretty
srife, has been brought out with all the effects of
colour and texture that the artist so delights in.
"The Orange Girl" (No. 273) is a slighter work,
scarcely more than • study, but a very charming
one in colour and picturesque character of the
figure.

Mr. Lindell, A.R.A., exhibits four pictures,
of which (No. 430), " Going to the Feats," is the
result of his tour in Spain. This is in every re-
spect • charmingly picturesque and characteristic
work A dashing contadino, in his gayest
dress, mounted on his still more gaily dressed
white barb, bright as a star, with his
wife sitting behind him, is just lifting his
sombrero as they come to the roadside moss.
Another of the party is a comic looking travelling
minstrel riding his donkey, and around the cross
are clustered the usual beggars of the country.
The day is hot, and the flock of mountain sheep
are raising a blinding cloud of dust, which the oxen
dragging the cart load of oranges seem to care
very little about. In the distance Granada
glows upon the lower slopes of the Sierra
Nevada. (No. 533), " Coming out of the Mist," a
Highland scene, iu the artist's more accustomed
style, is also a very effective picture, and not so
common in its subject of shooting the white hare in
the mountains. The landscape in this picture is
particularly wall painted, and the misty effect of
the figures, coming as it were down out of the
clouds, is most artistically rendered. " The
Wrecker" is merely • man, in a red frock ani
souwester cap, with his old broken-down grey horse,
which he has led down to the shore in hopes of
getting a good load of plunder washed up from
the sea.

Mr. Leighton's " Elijah rebuking Ahab and
Jezebel" (No. 382) is certainly the most striking pic-
ture he has ever painted, not excepting the large
work of the Cimabue procession, which first made
his reputation. The prophet, clothed in rich sombre
robes of red and brown, stands at the gate of the
vineyard, a grand and solemn figure—not of the
old, worn-out type, of the bald head and white
hair—but with thick black hair, and strong beard,
and stern eyes, looking with awful import from
under dark beetling brows. Ahab literally crumples
up before the presence of the intssenger of God,
and falls upon his wife's more bold and cruel arm
for support, while she darts a look of angry defiance
from her face which still betrays the terror at her
heart. When we say that the figures in this picture
are life-size and full-length, it will easily be
imagined that, powerfully painted as it is, the pic-
ture has a very fine effect, and commands a very
high esteem for the young painter. (No. 429),
" A Girl feeding Peacocks," is a splendid specimen
of brilliant colour. (No. 528), "An Italian Cross-
bowman," is as remarkable for force of expression
as the "Elijah." (No. 406), "A Girl with a
Basket of Fruit," is a delicious picture in every
way—there is no other word that expresses its
peculiar charm of colour.
Mr. Calderon's picture (378), " The British
Embassy in Paris on the day of the Massacre
of St. Bartholomew, August 24, 1572," cer-
tainly shows a very decided advance. The
crowd of men in different costumes looking out
through the window is admirably managed, and Sir
F. Walsingham pacing the room in anxious dismay
is a very expressive figure.
Mr. Marcus Stose has a good picture of " Napo-
leon resting on bis flight to Paris after Waterloo"
(No. 900) ; and Mr. Dobson, A. B. A., a very well
painted work (340), " The Holy Family returned
from Egypt."
Mrs. X M. Ward's picture (No. 386), "Mary
Queen of Soots giving her child into charge of the
Karl of Marr," has been suggested by Miss Strick-
land's life of the Queen. This scene is said to have
taken place at Stirling Castle. The Queen, dressed
in mourning, stands as the principal figure in the
group, and is addressing Marr, for the moment
looking off from her infant son, the future James of
England, while Lady Marr bends over her little
helpless charge asleep in the cradle. Two ladies of
waiting seen in the half light of the background,
complete the composition very agreeably, and the
picture altogether quite sustains Mrs. Ward's high
repute amongst the lady artists of the day. The

figure of the Earl of Marr bowing so obsequiously
is exteedingly well conceived, and the bead is a
thoroughly traitorous-looking one.
Miss Osborn exhibits three pictures ; her sub-
jects taken from German domestic life. Miss
Mutrie has several exquisite flower pieces.
There are some tolerably good landscapes by
the academicians, and some by the younger
Linnell, of great brilliancy of colour. (419),
" Catalan Bay," by Mr. E. W. Cooke, is
perhaps the most remarkable work of this
kind in the exhibition for elaborate finish
and realistic painting.
The sculpture is but a very poor assem-
blage. Miss Durant's statue of a shepherdess,
which is for the Mansion-house, is one of the
best works of its class, and Mr. Durham's
figures of " Africa" and " America," for the 1851
memorial, and Mr. Marshall's " Undine," are the
r most noticeable.

There are quite as many large portraits as we
ever remember, and no less than three of Lord
Palmerston.

THE AMALGAMATION OF THE CITY AND
METROPOLITAN POLICE BILL.-(THIS DAY.)

Thin afternoon, at one o'clock, the examiner of
bilk brought into the House of Commons reported that in
the instance of the Metropolitan and City Police Amal-
gamation Bill which Sir George Grey had leave to bring in.
site standing orders of the house had not been com-
plied with, and that it would be submitted on Tuesday nezt
to the committee on standing orders, who would then decide,
whether it should be withdrawn or proceeded with as a
public bill.
Mr. C. H. Perkee yes counsel for the corporation of the
City of London, instructed by the City solicitor, Mr. Nelson.

THE BIRHINGHAK WEDDING GIFT TO HER
;ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OP WALES.

(From the Birmingham °arctic of this day.)
The deputation appointed by the subscribers to
nuke the presentation of the silver repousse table oonsieted
of the Mayor (Mr. Charles Stares), the Rev. Charles Evans,
Alderman Hodpon, Messrs. Hunts, Henrik, R. Pep."
jun., Wiggle, F. Elkington, 8. Thornton, J. Jeffrey, W. 0.
Aitken, and Charles Retold!, honorary semetery.
When the deputatioo entered the drawing-room they
found their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of
Wales waiting to receive them. The only other oncupsete
of the apartment were • few attendant+, and there wee an
absence of regal display, which at 000 e put the deputation
at their sass, and made them feel that they were simply
come to take part in an unosteatetious interview. The
Prince appeared to be in steeliest health, and hi graceful
and winning demeanour evidenced • reedy wish to be
pleased. He was dressed in plain unpretending morning cos-
tume, which suited well his figure and bearing, in which ease
and dignity are remarkably blended. On him left hand
stood the Princess, his wife, a young lady portend of
unmistakable beauty, an emellent figure, and en air
pleasant but perfectly self-possessed. Her royal highness
at once wins admiration sod respect from all who have the
privilege to approach her. She was attired in • plain
morning dress, of the prevailing violet hue, elegantly
flounced, but in exquisite taste ; she wore pearl ear-pen.
dant, and • brooch of exceeding beauty, end from her
slender and graceful neck depended a locket containing a
miniature. The sentiment left in the minds of those who
law her was that of affectionate admiration for England's
future Queen.
Mr. SOHOLUTILD introduced the deputation, and men-
tioned that they were the bearers of an address from the
inhabitant. of Birmingham.
The Rey. CHARLES Evans then produced an elegantly
engrossed and ornamental copy of the addres, which he
read se follows:
"TO HIM ROYAL HIGHS'S& TIC PRINCISS OT WALSH.
"May it please your Royal Hipness,—We have been
deputed by • large number of all classes of the inhabitants
of Birmingham to offer to year royal highness the axiom-
playing marriage gift.
" While we venture to hope that, as • specimen of the
art manufactures of our town, this present may prove not
unworthy of your royal highness's acceptance, we trust
that it may be valued still more as • mark of loyal devotion
to our beloved 44941t111, and man expression of the deep in-
terest which we feel in the welfare and happiness of your
royal highness, and of your illustrious consort.
Signed, on behalf the deputation,
" Cmaates Brows. Mayor."
Alter reading the address, Mr. EVANS handed it to the
Mayer, who stepped forward and presented it to the
Princess. Her royal highness accepted it with • gracious
and radiant smile. Then followed what was, perhaps, the
most interesting part of the earemooy. This was to
listen to the Proems while she read out, in • Meer, melo-
dious tone, with distinct enunciation, and with the faintest
dash of foreign accent, the following reply :
" Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen.—l request you to accept
my warmest thanks for this splendid gift, which you pre-
sent to me from the inhabitants of Birmingham. It is
especially gratifying to me to receive this beautiful speci-
men of the art manufacture of your town, coming as it does ,1
from all classes of its inhabitants, and offered, according to
your statement, as • mark of loyal devotion to our beloved '
Queen, and as an expression of the deep iatereet felt in her
welfare, and in the happiness of myself and of the Prince of
Wales. _ _

" I can inure you that I shall ever retain a lively
remembrance of these most acceptable sentiments."
At the conclusion of the reply, the MATOII again stepped
forward and received the addrem from the hands, of her
royal highness, while the Prince, evidently well pleased,
cordially bowed his acknowledgmeots.
Mr. Scriminicio intimated that Mr. Elklugtoo, the
manufacturer of the table, wag present, and could explain
the allegorical characters introduced to illustrate the sub-
ject • but as this was not required the deputation withdrew,
highly gratified with their very pleasing visit to Marl-
borough Rouse, and the gracious reception which had been
accorded to them.

THE FRENCH IN MEXICO. —We rend in the
Moniker of yesterday :—" The despatches received from
Mexico add some details to the summary of news already
puhliabed. They confirm the investment of Puebla on the
18th of March, sad announce several engagements which
have terminated with brilliant advantage to our arms."
Despatches from Gemini Forey, referred to by the Monitore,
state th►t Puebla is surronoded by fortified convents sad
field works, and that the garrison is estimated at 18,000
men. The sanitary condition of the French army is exoel-
lent, and the whole of the neighbouring population is
favourabki, it is declared, to the intervention.

Telegraphic intelligence from California an-
neal:Kies that Union clubs are being formed in all the prin-
cipal towns there.
- . _

•
A correspondent of the Manchester Guardian
states that the gentleman selected by the government
to proceed to the cotton districts, for the pur-
pose of reporting to the government on the one
band, and of communicating with the local &echo
rities on the other. es to the needs and capabilities of those
districta in the way of works of public improvement, and
the possibility of employing the able-bodied cotton workers
on such works at fair wages is Mr. Rawlineon.
PRESENTATION OF ADDRESSES TO THE PRINCE
or WeLes. —Amoog the loyal addresses presented to the
Prises of Wales on Wednesday last was one from the
Scottish Hospital of the foundation of Kiog Charles 11. The
Warms from this ancient corporation was presented by
Lord Finis), M.P., Lord Colville of Colrain, and John
Macrae Moir, M.A., secretary to the corpondion.
CONSOLIDATION OP THE REPORTS. —On Wednes-
day last the deputation Irons the Law Amendment Society
had a second interview with the Lord Chancellor on the
subject of the expurgation and consolidation of the law
reports, and urged upon his lordship the deeirability of
issuing a royal commission to inquire into the present
system of law reporting. The members of the deputation
present were Mr. Daniel, Q.C., Mr. T. Webster, F.H.S.,
Mr. 3. Vaughan, Mr. Pulling, Mr. Edgar, Mr. G. W.
Hastinp, and the secretary, Mr. G. Harry Palmer.
THE PRESENT STATE OF THE NEAPOLITAN
PRISONS.-011 the whole, lam fairly state that the peersl
prison is decidedly clean—for Naples ; that Bishop's oell is
so clean and comfortable that I should not hesitate to hire
it emelt, particularly with it. view ; that the food supplied
by government is equal, if not superior, to that consumed
by far the greater number of prisoner, when free ; that the
prisoners are permitted very free communication with their
friends, and allowed to boy any addition to the prison fare
they please, or can afford ; that, with every opportunity of
bowleg, if it had existed, I had no hint of harshness or
cruelty ; that the most perfect confidence seemed to exist
between the prisoners and their keepers ; and that I was
permitted any extent of oommunicatioe. newatobed and
unatteoded. . . . I eaw so mm of the rusk of A vitabide the
dramatist, Persica, FittipaldL or Baron Potato. seized en
plle-mile with thieves sad murderers, as I should certainly
have done a few years ago. I maw not the slightest trace
of cruelty or hard usage. I mixed freely with the pri-
soners, with liberty to extract what information I could. I
New them giving petitions, with the permission of the
authorities, to an English gentleman, well ksown to them
for his kindness and anxiety to relieve them se far as lay
in his power—these petitions issuing unread by the
governor. I sew the prisoners permitted to see their
friends. I saw the men at work, altering part of the
prison. I saw where dungeons had base lately walled up
ea unfit forum, and I saw the pleasure of the authorities
when they received the unction
for still further improve- I
means. There in much, very much. that is bed here ; but
the great error is certainly on the side of orerdaxity, and
not of over-severity.--Mocmillan's Magazine for May.