The National Register.
London, England, 1813-02-14 00:00:00

THE NATIONAL REGISTER.

FINE ARTS.

BRITISH INSTITUTION.

FEB. 14

The rooms of this most laudable establishment were open-
ed la,t Monday, for the purpose of subjecting to public in-
spection the works of English Artists, in the department of
oil painting. Faithful to our duty, as a.NATIONAL Rc-
GISTER, we presented our readers, last season, with our
opinion and et iticism upon the pieces which were exhibited
at that time ; and, in the impartiality of our judgment, re-
corded their merit with glowing hopes, and slightly noticed
their faults, with confidence that they would soon disappear,
and that, profiting by our fliendly admonitions, and useful
hints, the Painter would walk steadily in the path he had
chosen towards perfection, and the reward which it always
brings with itself—we have thrown out pleasing surmises
that the following exposition of their performances, would
be still worthy of a greater admiration ; and with patriotic
feelings we declare, that at our entering the rooms, and
slightly surveying the numerous pictures which thay con-
tain, far fram 'being disappointed, we had the heart-felt
pleasure of finding that our prognostication was right.—
Biassed by no fort of interest, generally or individually, save
our staunch love for the art itself, the welfare of the artists,
and the lasting glory of our country. three special motives
which have always acted, and will always act powerfully-
upon our mind aud heart, we intend to offer a few observa-
tions, as original as they will be independent, upon the prin-
cipal pieces which compose the exh.bition of this year. 'F he
first which will naturally attract our notice, will be those
which, by some distinguishing mark of eagerness and care
in the hand that his produced them, we suspect to be Can-
didates for the premiums offered by the Governors and Di-
rectors of the British Institution. Let us observe, however,
that our intention is not, and indeed cannot be, to prejudice
the Umpires for or against any individual competitor; on
one hand we feel ourselves too disinterested in the event, and
on the other too much persui.ded of the knowledge, taste.
and impartiality of the judges, to suppose that our hints
might ever be injurious to the cause of real merit and of
truth. _ _ _ _

We suppose our readers to be sufficiently acquainted with
the organization of this liberal institution, t♦ know that a
premium of three hundred, one of two hundred, and one of
one hundred guineas, are proposed to be given to the three
best pictures in historical or poetical composition, and that
a premium of one hundred guineas is offered to the best
landscape. This plan, as wise as it is liberal in itself, 11A
its desired effect ; and we rejoice to see so many competitors
running, we trust more for honour than profit, a noble race
in the stadium opened by the chromatic muse, and sincerely
eager to seize upon the laurel wreath which she holds to their
exertions at the goal, whilst an enlightened public applaud,
encourage, and reward them in their laudable eftbrts.
Sic itur ad astra. Constant and substantial encouragement
is the first patron of the arts, and the generosity of the sup-
porters of this truly British establishment -will soon create,
what many centuries had not been able to produce, an Eng-
lish school of painting, which will rival, if not surpass, the
past and present schools of Europe.
No. 60. Naomi and her Daughters-in-law lefore the city gi
Bethlemjudah. Ruth, chap. 1, verse 14, by Miss H. A. E.
Jac KSO N.—No. 68. Perseus and Andromeda. Ovid Met.
book 4, fable 18% by Mrs. ANSLEY.—Among the compe-
titors for the meed offered to historical or poetical conapo.
sitions, we find two ladies of uo mean rate as to their ta.
lents and skill iu the Art of Painting, and we feel it owe

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