The National Register.
London, England, 1808-05-22 00:00:00

334

gives one the idea of nothing but a steward at a public dinner
with his wand, exhibiting his politeness by his affectation of
grace. The left hand is spread with an expression of the most
thorough imbecility even to the tips of the fingers. The figure
of Prieto is painted almost as big again as the figure of any
one of his sons : a very forcible illustration indeed of the com-
plaints which Nestor was always making about the degeneracy
of the human race. But even this single figure does not pre-
serve its proportions : for the foot is fitted to the bodies of the
smaller figures in the same picture. In short, we can find no
one point on which to praise this work of Mr. West, except
the mere execution, which certainly has a great deal of neat-
ness and flourish. But the picture at best is only like a writing
master's copy, a long word of nonsense, beautifully penned.
7. Zara, deserted by Hassan the Camel Driser...-S. WOOD-
FORDE R. A.
Farewell the youth whom sighs could not detain,
Whom Zara's breaking heart implored in vain:
Yet as thou goest, may every blast arise,
Weak and unfelt as these rejected sighs, dec.
Collins's Second Oriental Eclogue.
To dwell on this charming picture would he some relief, after
vexing ourselves with a contemplation of that which we last
mentioned. But it unfortunately happens that what is really
excellent affords little room for amplification. Where no
faults are to be found, it is impossible to furnish such shadows
as shall lend a contrast to the lights of criticism : and a mere
ennmeration of beauties would be no longer criticism, but
description. We can therefore say but little of Mr. Woodforde's
Mourner. The exquisitebeauty of this interesting girl, the me-
lancholy of her expression, and the softness of the general effect,
leave us nothing to wish, unless that like Prometheus, we could
bring the fire of heaven, and animate a creature so fascinating as
Zara.
107. The Angels appearing to the Shepherds.—J.
Noarst-
coTE, R. A.
And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the
heavenly host, praising God ; saying, gory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.
St. Luke, Chap. 11. v. 13, 14.
The Artist has here produced a painting, which if it do not
soar to the glory of the sublime, has at least the merit of the
burlesque. True humour, it is said, is scarce in our times :
and therefore a droll artist ought to be commended, even though
he may have been droll without intending it. The general
effect of the picture is that of the blue smok that boys make
round a candle by squeezing wet orange peel upon the flame :
and in the middle of this smoke float some chubby cherubs,
exhibiting, for the edification of the Shepherds below, the
divine promise, which is given in the motto of the picture. But
what makes this more amusing is, that the promise is ex pressed,
like the motto of the Garter, on a piece of ribband : and not only
expressed on ribband, but expressed in Latin. Yes, in Latin
has the painter expressed the message sent by Heaven to the
poor peasants of Bethlehem : and in a blue storm has he ar-
ranged that soft season,
When Jordan hush'd his waves, and midnight still
Watched on the holy tow'rs of Zion Hill