The National Register.
London, England, 1822-06-09 00:00:00

OROVPTVCATTLE.

FINE ARTS.

lir JANES WARD, MU L A.
In proportion as a nation la truly splendid, will the
embellisnments of art be by its pen-
pk—thom noble- led individuals :lesceirelore Odin
patronise the artists of our country, are entitled not
only to our commendations, but also to our gratitude
and imitation. Bacon observes of painting mat it
4' raises the mind, by accommodating the images 01
things to our desires ; —a proposition which displays
the moot profound knowledge of human nature.
This hue large picture exhibits a
arm of pictorial genius—at once transendant, illus-
trious, and grand. It is next to itnpoasitile, Mr any ra-
tional being to contemplate its supreme excellence,
without betraying emotions of admiration, mingled with
surprise and heightened with rapture. It represents in
the most interesting manner, the fine characteristic force
and quality of the bull, nut reduced to the illegitimate
form of the cow, but endued with hie fine natural form
am! strength. The head of this bull actually appears to
pro jsct front the canvas, and starts upon the sight, with
toe very force of life, antl grandeur of animal power, the
fultiess ul muscular turgidity, and fire of quadrupedal
vigour. Tits folds of the bull's neck are almost
execu ell. His acute eye sparkles with the in-
tense spirit, and powerlul flame of life. 'ltie bold and
masterly figure of the black Glamomanshire cow has a
most broad and imposing effect. 'Lie calf eyeing the
water wagtail, is nature herself on canvas. The sheep
are depicted with all the identity of truth, lo the dis-
tance of the lovely scene, the spir of the smoke
from the distant cottage rises amidst the cptietude of the
peaceful valley, decorated wiilt the conten:ed peasant's
lowly but delightful cot, beyond which the pale blue
hills bound the horizon of the enchanting scene, whim
all must view with rapture, who delight in the se11511)111'
ties and joys attendant upon rural life. 'rite bear, gl.ul-
dens and expands itself at this sight of nature's simple
yet joy-enduing landscape, -mil cold and tasteless must
be the twat and sentiments of him who can turn from
the picture, without a pang of regret at h s absence from
the enliee aa itt g spectacle, where pure, undecdrated Na-
ture reigns triumphant, amidst her verdant pastures of
simplicity and beauty. The trunks and branches of the
trees to the right of the picture, are exceedingly correct
and natural. ‘Ve might almost, without deserving the
imputation of ignorance, touch the canvas to know whe-
ther the scene is real or imaginary. The quadrupedal
figures appear as though they were endued with all the
stvid energy of motion, and wanted only the wtll to move
towards us. The field-flowers which adorn the laud-
vatic are most sweetly handled, mid appropriately
disposed. The attitudes of the several animals intro.
duced, are very admirably chosen. The general colour-
ing oh this powerful perlormance is in a grand judicious
style. The whole production is finishet: with a wonder-
ful exactness, which would almost bear the analysis of
the microscope, and yet the drawing appears amply in
detail, without the fault of minuteness. The composi-
tion is in excellent gusto—the claiiiro-oscuro is rich and
lovely—and the back ground is beyond description, warm
sod issieresting. 'Dint beautiful picture i.s an honour to
the aae.l glary of the arts—and a must conspicuous
visitation of individual genius.