The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-26 00:00:00

SIR R. PEEL'S PICT U RES.
hall
On Saturday Sir R. Peel opened his mansion in White-
his gardens for the reception of visitors invited to nisi), e:
beautiful collection of works of art. The principal stair-
roo the picture-gallery, and, we believe, one or two other
n", have recently been redecorated, whilst the pictures
the _
mraselvea have undergone a fresh arrangement, and th,
co pletion of these details was the immediate cause of the
galoaf t
rifunion
eSd yabturday. The invitations in this instance were
floce
the exclusive spirit which almost uniformly
prevails on similar occasions. That there should be present
many of the most distinguished members of the Peerage
fwd
of the Rouse of Commons might naturally be expected
ial? the eminent social and political position which the
light Hon. Baronet occupies; but it was gratifying to ob-
_er_n ve, associated with them, a very large number oFgentle-
ne.. connected with art, literature, and science. One may
easily imagine that the owner of this fine collection may
sometimes have sought a temporary relief from the cares
and vexations which are the inevitable lot of public
men id this country—and he, certainly, has had his
r°l of them—in the tranquil' enjoyment of the plea-
,urea which are to be found in the contemplation of the won-
derful emanations of genius by which he is here surrounded;
I,i_nd, perhaps, judging wisely that a due appreciation of art
not confined to the aristocracy exclusively, he was in-
to extend to a wider circle the gratification which
these pictorial treasures are capable of imparting. Be this
s it may, this is the first occasion on which so liberal a
spirit has been displayed, and it deserves honourable men-
tion, as illustrative of Sir R. Peel's judgment and kind dis-
pOeitien.
Although Sir R. Peel has long been known as a munificent
Patron of modern art, there are not, with, we believe, five
rtceptions—Wilkie's " John Knox preaching before the
Lords of the Congregation," Sir 'Minas Lawrence's por-
trait of one of the Right Hon. Baronet's daughters, Edwin
Landseeea portrait of another daughter, and Winterhalter's
portraits of her Majesty and Prince Albert—any pictures of
living or recently deceased artists in Whitehall-gardens.
The Whole of this portion of the collection—including the
°rtraits of political characters, Lawrence's portrait of Sir
o
bort, and his three-quarter and half-length portraits of
Lady Peel—the latter well known by the engraving—have
been removed to Drayton Manor.
One of the rooms on the ground floor is appropriated to
some drawings by Rubens and Vandyke, part of Sir Thomas
Lawrence's collection of drawings, purchased from his ex-
ecutors by Sir R. Peel. The high merit of these sketches is so
Universally recognised, that it is unnecessary to do more
than aver that they are characterised by all the master's cor-
rectness of' drawing and boldness of execution. The library
ing hang with proof engravings, chiefly from modern paint-
s.
The dining-room used to be adorned by the portraits of
public men of our own time—chiefly the wonderful " living
offigieS" of Lawrence, whose truthful pencil

" snatched from Fate
Whate'er was beauteous or whate'er was great."
Here were the portraits of the late and present head of the
Peel family, the Duke of Wellington. the Earl of Eldon, Lord
Stowell, the Earl of Liverpool, Mr. Canning, the Earl of
Aberdeen, Mr. Huskisson, besides those of Southey and Fu-
se% all by Lawrence. But, though we can no longer behold
these portraits without a pilgrimage to Drayton—of which
they are well worthy—their place is supplied by pictures of
great interest. These are five portraits, and the picture
known as the " Robinette," by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The
portraits are those of the artist, Dr. Johnson, George IV.
when Prince of Wales, airs. Thrale, and Boswell, the agree-
able biographer of the " Literary Leviathan." The portrait
Of Johnson was painted for Mrs. Thrale, and it is that from
which the engraving which appears in several editions of the
"Dictionary " is taken.
On end of the drawing-room is occupied by two pictures,
Which have lately been presented by Sir R. Peel to the
Queen. They are full-length portraits of her Majesty and
Prince Albert, the work of the German artist we have
already named. The impression left by a necessarily hurried
view of these pictures is not favourable. The colouring of
the flesh is not good, and the general effect is harsh, if not
Coarse. The expression given to the Queen is unlike that of
any other portrait we are acquainted with; but it would be
Unfair, on that account, to infer that it does not belong to her
Majesty. The fact is, that the Queen's countenance is
susceptible of an extraordinary variety of expression, and it
may be remarked that, although no two of the almost end-
less number of portraits which have been made of the
Sovereign correspond in expression, they all bear a
strong resemblance to the original. The gallery, which opens
out of the drawing-room, is filled with paintings of the
highest merit. Turn in what direction one may, the eye is
sure to light upon some beautiful object. As far as we could
observe, the works here are all cabinet pictures of the Dutch
School, with the exception of two by Rubens. The latter
are the "Triumph of Silenus," and the celebrated "Chapeau
de Paille." The Bacchanalian piece is a large composition,
including eight figures, the principal object being Silenus,
Who occupies the centre, and whose condition requires the
support which he receives from two satyrs. Of course, there
are some of those children whom Rubens loved to paint, and
could paint so well, and the whole picture is remarkable for
the brilliancy of colour, masterly drawing, and spirited coin-
position, which are the characteristics of this master. After
Rubens' death this picture was purchased by Cardinal Riche-
lieu, in 1642. and remained in possession of his family
until the French revolution. It subsequently became
the property of Lucien Bonaparte ; was brought to
England in 1816, and sold for 950 guineas ; it was
sold again in 1827 for 8401., and was finally bought
by its present possessor for 1,1001. Rubens's other
work in this gallery, the well-known " Chapeau de Paille,"
has long been the theme of universal eulogy, and, as might
be expected, it is an object of great attraction in the gallery.
Some of the particulars connected with the history of this
Picture are interesting. Of all his works this was Rubens's
favourite. It is said to be the portrait of a Mademoiselle
Landens, though, to us, it appears to bear a strong resem-
blance to the features of the artist's wife, whose portrait he
has introduced into so many of his works. A story is told of
Rubens having become enamoured of the lady whilst he
Was painting her portrait, and it is certain that he would
never part with this picture, which he called in his catalogue
Le Portrait d'une Demoiselle, les bras croises," (the lady
has her arms crossed in front of her in this picture). It is
not known how the picture acquired the name of the " Cha-
peau de Paille," and why it should have done so is equally a
matter of mystery, for the hat which the lady wears is not
straw, but beaver or felt, or, perhaps a coarse kind of velvet.
After the death of the artist's widow the picture became the
property of the Landens family, whose representative, M. Van
Haveren, in 1817, sold it for 50,000 f. to M. Stiers d'Aertse-
laer. In 1822 it was sold by auction, and bought by M.
Nieuwenhuys for 36,000 f. He brought it to England
and, after being exhibited publicly, and attracting thousands
of admirers, it was purchased by Sir R. Peel for 3,500 gui-
neas. The specimens of the Dutch school are, as may be an-
ticipated from what has already been stated, very numerous,
and of the highest excellence. To give a detailed notice of
even a few of these works would extend this article beyond
reasonable limits, and we shall, therefore, confine ourselves
to the mere mention of some of the pictures which chiefly
attract attention :—" View off the Thames," Backhuysen ;
this picture Is valued at upwards of 1,500/. "An Old
Castle," Cuyp ; this is one of the most charming pictures in
the collection; its beauty, indeed, is perfectly enchanting.
"The Avenue," by Hobbema; a remarkably beautiful pic-
ture, and differing in some respects from the artist's usual
style, cost 800/. " The Poulterer's Shop," by Gerard Douw ;
sold in the Choiseul collection, 1772, for 692/. ; from that of
the Prince di Conti, 1777, for 8001.; from that of the Duc de
Chabot, in 1787, for 832/. ; from that of Coupre, in 1801, for
1,024/. ; and from that of Mr. Beckford, of Fonthill, in 1823,
for 1,270/. " A Landscape," by Dujardin ; cost 930 guineas.
"The Duett," by Met zu ; cost 450 guineas. "Le Corset Rouge,"
F.
by' Mieris • bought from Mr. Beckford for 305 guineas.
"Le Chat," by W. Mieris ; bought for 370 gui-
neas. " The Alchymist," by Adrian Van Ostade.
"The Music Master," by Jan Steen. " The Mu-
sic Lesson," br Terburg ; cost 920 guineas. " A
View in the City of Cologne," by Vander Heyden ; cost 415
guineas. "Landscape," by Vander Velde ; cost 760
guineas. Also, by the same artist, " A Calm," bought for
5001.; " the Coast of Schevening," cost 900/. ; and " A Gale,"
cost 300/., "The Interior of a Stable" and "A View on the
Sea Shore," by Wouvermanns, cost respectively 530
and 450 guineas. In a room leading out of the gal-
lery at the end opposite to that which communi-
cates with the drawing-room, are the portraits before re-
ferred to of two of Sir Robert Peel's daughters by Lawrence
and Edwin Landseer. In the former, which has been en-
graved, the yeung lady is represented seated on the ground
caressing a spaniel. As a work of art it is beautiful ; and,
Lawrence being the artist, it is unnecessary to add that the
likeness was exact. It is necessary to speak in the past
tense; for the little girl of the picture has grown up into a
woman. In the same room is Sir Joshua's justly celebrated
"Snake in the Grass ;" and, by the same artist, a spirited
portrait of Admiral Keppel. In conclusion, it may be ob-
served, that this assemblage of pictures affords indisputable
evidence of the correct taste of the collector; for, whilst
there is not a single bad work in the whole, and hardly one
which does not rise above mediocrity, the vast majority are
of the very highest character.
Sir Robert Peel was in excellent health and spirits, and
was assisted by Lady Peel, accompanied by one of her
daughters, in the reception of the guests. The Duke of Wel-
lington arrived and departed early ; the Duke of Cambridge
came in about the middle of the day; but Lord John Russell
did not appear until most of the company had left. When
Sir R. Peel observed his Lordship in the gallery, he advanced,
and shaking him cordially by the hand, led him to Lady
Peel. It was interesting to see these two political leaders
meeting in such a manner and under such circumstances,
and the incident seemed almost to justify the observation of
a gentleman present, that " it was as pleasing a picture as
any which adorned the walls."
Among the visitors were—,
His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, attended by
Major Stephens, the Duke of Hamilton, his Excellency
Count Schilmmelpenninck, his Excellency the ?russian Mi-
nister and Madame Bunsen and Miss Bunsen, his Excellency
the American Minister and Mrs. Bancroft, the Duke of Wel-
lington, the Marquis of Northampton, the Earl of Ripon and
Miss Hobart, the Earl of Lincoln, the Countess of Jersey and
Lady Clementine Villiers, the Countess De Grey and Mr.
Vyner, Viscount and Viscountess Mahon, Viscountess
Hardinge and the Hon. Miss Hardinge, Lord John Rus-
sell, Lord Colborne, Lord C. Townshend, Lord Monteagle,
his Excellency the Belgian Minister and Madame Van de
Weyer, the Right Hon. Sir Charles Wood, the Right Hon.
Sir James and Lady Graham, the Right Hon. Sidney
and Mrs. Herbert, Viscount Goderich, the Right Hon. Sir
George and Lady Clerk and Misses Clerk, Baron Lionel
Rothschild, the Hon. Francis Charteris, the Right Hon.
George and Mrs. Dawson and Captain George Dawson, Sir
Walter James, Bart., M.P., and Lady James, Sir H. Hume
Campbell, Bart., M.P., and Lady Campbell, Sir Henry de la
Beche, Lady Chantrey, the Right Hon. Sir Robert H. Inglis,
Bart., M.P., Sir John Rennie, Sir Willoughby Gordon, Sir
Alexander Downie, the Very Rev. the Dean of Westminster
and Mrs. and Miss Buckland, the Rev. Dr. Liddell, the Rev.
Dr. Wellesley. Sir George Hayter, Sir Henry Ellis, Sir W.
Newton, Sir W. C. Ross, Sir Frederick Madden, Professor
Owen, Dr. Lyon Playfair, Colonel Rowan, Mr. W. G. Hayter,
M.P., Mr. H. T. Hope, M.P. Mr. J. Hume, M.P.' Mr.
Charles Baring Wall, M.P., Mr.i Cardwell, M.P. and Mrs.
Cardwell, Mr. Benjamin Hawes, M.P., Mr. C. Buller, M.P.,
Mr. T. Baring, M.P., Mr. H. Mildmay, M.P., Blr. T. S. Dun-
eombe, M.P., Mr. T. Wise, M.P., Mr. B. Botfield, M.P., Mr.
R. Bernal, M.P., Mr. W. Ewart, M.P., the Rey. W. Cureton,
the Rev. J. Forshall, Messrs. Samuel Rogers, Landseer, G.
E. Anson, Hamilton, C. Barry, Eastlake, T. S. Cooper, S.
Cousins, J. Holland, S. Lawrence, H. W. Pickergill, C.
Dickens, H. Ferrer, C. Stansfield, C. Landseer, S. Prout, J.
asLueas, J. Landsaer, J. Severn, W. Mulready, Stephanoff, R.
Isedgrave, R. Westmacott, J. H. Glover, F. R. Saye, W.
Dyce, F. R. Lee, H. Hallam, E. 11. Baily, Hogarth, F.
Howard, W. C. Marshall, Cotterell, A. Elmore, li. Lev A.
Pellatt, T. Uwins, W. Wvon, J. Sheepshanks, Heath, Y. J.
Chalon, Faraday, T. Amvet, W. Brockendon, C. Fielding,
Fulford, W. Barnard, E. Corbould, S. Sly, W. Beheus, E.
Hawkins, J. M. W. Turner, E. Eddie, &c.—Tines.

ROYAL ORTIJOPCEDIC HOSPITAL.—The Right Hon.
the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress, and Miss Carroll, ho-
noured this charity with a visit on Friday. They were re-
ceived by the surgeons and a deputation from the committee,
and expressed themselves highly gratified as well as much
astonished at the surprising cures presented to them.
Some of. the opponents of the Maynooth Grant, it
said, intend to put Mr. Spencer de Horsey in nomina-
tion for Newport, isle of Wight, at the next election.