The Express.
London, England, 1846-10-07 00:00:00

pine arts.

SIXTH REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS ON THE
FINE Aare.—This report describes the completion of the
first fresco pointing, by Mr. Dyes, and the result of an
inspection of it by the commissioners.
" The design (they say) having bees before approved by
us, our atte-ntion was chiefly dincted to the work as an ex-
ample of fresco painting, a method in a great measure
new in this country and in which we deemed it probable
that some defects, arising front want of experience, might be
apparent ; defects which time and practice might in future efforts
have removed. We have, however, the satisfaction to state that she
work in quesnon pie,enta no evidence of such imperfections ; that,
on the contrary, it evinces great knowledge of the process of fresco
painting and great skill in its application; that, further, as regards
the effect of fresco painting in the locality, we consider that it pro.
mist* to agree well with the architectural and other decorations therein
adopted or to be adopted. Nye therefore beg leave to confirm our tomer
reconieneadat ion, and to propose that the remaining five corn ;in rt int.
should he decorated with tresto paintings, when the several designs
for the same shall have been approved. And being also of opinion
that the satisfactory effect of Mr. Byce's fresco is to be referred in a
groat degree to the stale of design and colouring which he has adopt.
ed, and considering It deseira'ele that a certain eonforrnity of style and
execution should pervade paintings employed in the decoration of
architecture, and which must be seen together; we deem it import-
I ant, without wishing to impose undue restrictions on the invention or
taste of the other artists commtmioned or to be commissioned to exe-
cute the remaining frescos in the House of Lords, that such artists
should be recommended to adapt the size of their principal figures,
their stale of colouring, and the degree of comffirteness in the
execution of their works, ro no to wake them agree suffi-
ciently with each other and with the specimen alas.' ty ex.
eruteff. %r have Bather humbly to report to your Majesty that
having front time to time been furnished with drawing's by the
architect showing the possible extent to which cornpartnwnta in the
various localities of the Palter at Westminster might be decorated
with works of art, we are of opinion that it would not hr expedient,
with reference to the encouragement of British art or with reference
to the cheinis which may hereafter bo urged for the commemoration
of great events, to complete the series of paintings on the walls of the
said palace at the present period; that, nevertheless, in accordance
with the principle. which have already guided us in deciding on the
plan of decoration in the house of Lord.% iz with reference to
frescopaintings, stained windows, and statics, proposed for
that locality ; and also in the selection of statues proposed for
St. Stephens Porch, St. Stephen's MR, and the royal approaches ;
we conceive it to be the duty of this commission, for the better
guidance of present and future artists, and in order to maintain a
character of harmony and unity worthy of such a building, to deter-
mine a complete scheme for the future decoration of the Palace. We
are of opinion that in determining such scheme, the especial destina-
tion of each portion of the buikling should be attended to, that, in
the wiection of subjects, the chief object to be regarded should be
the expression of some specific idea ; and the second, its illustrffion
by means of some well-known histoe ic or poetic incident adapted for
re,rvaentation in painting."

Along with this report to both Houses of Parliament, is
printed an Appendix of Documents. They are,-1. A list
of the designs to be executed in fresco for the 111-mse of Lords
approved by the commissioners : " The Spirit of Chivalry,"
by Mortise; " The Black Prince recessing the Garter," by
West Cope; " Religion," by C. llcott Horsley. 2. Copies of
resolutions passed by the commissioners and transmitted to
the Treasury, respecting ornamental woodcarving and me-
tal-work, and ornamental pavements for the new palace at
Westminster. 3. A letter from Mr. Etty respecting colours
prepared with wax. 4. An elaborate letter from Mr. Duce,
containing observations on fresco-pa in ting,the results of much
reading, and of a recent visit to Italy. 5. Communications
from Mr. Hamlet Millctt respecting a mode of rendering
canvas durable by means of tan. 6. A description of a mode of
encaustic painting with wax, resin, and oil, by Mr. Linton. 7.
A notice respecting the competition in oil paintings. The
paintings arc to be sent in the course of the first week in
June for exhibition to Westminster Hall. The competition
is to be confined to British subjects and foreigners who have
resided ten years or upwards in the United Kingdom. The
names of the artists arc not required to be concealed. Not
more than two paintings are to be sent by each artist. The
nearest figure or figures in at least one of these is to be not
less than the size of life. The subjects are to come under
the general classes of religion, history, or poetry. Three
premiums will be awarded of 300/. each ; three of 300/. each;
and three of 200!. each. The judges will consist partly of
artists. The judges may require any artist to whom a pre-
mium is awarded to execute an additional palming under
such conditions as they may think necessary, as a proof of
his ability; and in such case the premium will not be paid
unless the second painting is approved of by the judges. The
paintings remain the property of the respective artists: such
as combine a high degree of merit, with appropriateness of
subject, may be purchased and placed is one of the apart-
ments of the palace.