The Sun.
London, England, 1842-07-21 00:00:00

SHUGBOROUGH HALL.

As the princely property of this noble mansion is
within the next fortnight to be submitted to the lismintr,
some account of its valuable contents may not be unin-
teresting to the public, especially as upon an examina-
tion of the catalogue now published by Mr. George
Robins, we discover an infinity of works otlart of the
highest class, and therefore recommend a visit to Shug-
borough Hall at this lovely, though somewhat dull sea-
son, believing it will amply repay the connoisseur for the
trouble of the journey.
The hall has long been the abode of the Anson family.
It is seated in a rich fertile valley, and was always re-
nowned for its hospitality. The Noble Earl, for several
years, whilst he hunted the county, afforded accommo-
dation to an endless number of guests, and the sleeping
apartments of Shugborough Hall, which appear inter-
minable, were then in great requisition. The reception
rooms are extremely spacious, and arc adorned with some
of the finest works of art in this country, the galleries
and corridors containing a matchless collection of
antique statues and busts, with some of modern
date. Many of the latter were purchased in Italy
by the first Lord Anson, the celebrated Admiral and cir-
cumnavigator, who spared neither labour nor expense in
forming the gallery, which was materially increased
during the lifetime of the late Viscount, and aided by
the skill and talent of Nollekens, who was frequently a
visitor at Shugborough, the present extraordinary as-
semblage of antique and modern sculpture was brought
to its present complete state. It is rarely so many fife-
size statues of the ancient sculptors are found congre-
gated together, and no finer specimens can be conceived
than those which adorn Shugborough Hull. The most

remarkable are Neptune with the Dolphins, the Young
Bacchus with a Sat) r, Paris with the Apple, the Venus
de Medicis, Mercury, a Roman Youth, and the compa-
nion, a Female representing Comedy, the Venus Ac-
croupie, with an endless numer of busts. Several finely
sculptured Roman altars and pedestals, whilst the modern
statues and busts are by Roubilliar and Nollekens, the
latter having worked expressly for his patron ; his chef
d'oeuvre of Castor and Pollux is a group of extraordinary
power and conception, and will serve as a lasting memo-
rial of this artist's wondrous talent.
We proceed now to particularise some of the princi-
pal pictures, gems of the highest class of the Italian,
' Dutch, and Flemish schools, believing that few collec-
tions possess so many originals free from doubt or ques-
tion. A pair of grand gallery pictures by Guido, of the
Angel appearing to St. Peter, and Susannah and the
Elders, are incomparable specimens of this splendid mas-
ter ; also Christ in the Garden attended by Angels,
from the pencil of Carlo Maratti, does honour to the
Italian school of painting ; a landscape by the side of a
river, by Claude Lorraine, presents all the rich glowing
effect of this highly-valued' painter ; a mountainous
landscape and a woody scene, by G. Poussin, are painted
with great freedom ot pencil ; an Italian landscape, by
Swanneveldt, is very rich in effect ; an upright moun-
tainous landscape, with a waterfall in the distance, and
travellers going along! a pass, from the joint pencils of
Both and Berghem, is a treasure of the highest class ;
warm glowing effect pervades the whole scene, and it pre-
sents a rich combination of the talents of these highly emi-
nent masters; the Whale Fishery, with bears upon the ice,
by Stork, is a fine specimen ; a small clear picture,
by Cuyp, is a cabinet gem of the first order, the
`.subject a View near I)ordt, with a woman milking a cow
on the banks of a river, a distant view of a village with
Dutch boats sailing along, forming one of the most
charming compositions that can be conceived, with an
effect of light that illumines the whole, producing a.
scene completely true to nature. Perhaps no collection
in the world can boast of so many or such splendid paint
ings by William Vandevelde. There is one ot very
large size, representing a calm.with men-of-war at anchor,
and its companion by L. Backhuysen, a fresh breeze,
with numerous vessels and Dutch boats, and a man-of=
war at anchor in the offing, may both be pronounced,
without fear of contradiction, as the most capital produc-
tians in existence of these incomparable masters ; also a
pair of smaller pictures by William Vandevelde, replete
a ith interest and subject, finished in the most powerful
and yet clear silvery manner, are pictures of the first
quality, with a pair of smaller sized pictures by the same
artist, are equally choice speciments. An upright land-
scape, by Gainsborough, presents a beautiful bit of Eng-
lish scenery. A landscape, with sheep and a cow, by K.
du Jardin, is a fine specimen of this rare and much-
esteemed master. An upright landscape, with the
Chateau of Teniers, is a pleasing picture by D. Teniers.
There are, likewise, numberless charming works by mas-
ters of the highest rank.
The extensive library is also entitled to a brief men-
tion, embracing as it does many must valuable standard
books, with a complete series of County Histories, the
works of J. B. I'iranesi, and a variety of splendidly illus-
trated volumes. This portion of the property com-
mences the sale, and occupies the three first days, being
followed by the cellars of wines, w hich fur extent and
variety, may challenge competition with any in the
county. There are many rare wines, for which the
Noble owner was most justly celebrated, particularly- in
the variety and excellence of his Clarets and Cham-
pagnes, which are of the highest character. There are
also several bins denominated Cabinet Wine, which it
appears are of the supernaculum order, being; exported
expressly for Ministers, and will no doubt produce great
prices. This portion of the sale will brine. together the
bun virans of Staffordshire, and the surrounding counties.
It forms the fourth and fifth days of sale, and includes
some rare liqueurs, spirits, strung ales, &c. The furni-
ture of the mansion is divided into seven days, and em-
braces the numerous bed-chambers, the state-bed-
chamber and dressing-rooms, which were recently fur-
nished in the most splendid and gorgeous style upon
the occasion of a Royal visit. The reception - to.b of °re st
s are
o f
all in good taste, adorned by an infini
interest and value, some porcelain and alabaster, which
by the catalogue appears to be most excellently arranged
and lotted.
The railroad-station is within five miles, and, com •
municating as it does to all parts of England, the utmost
facility for visiting Shughorough Hall, during the view
and sale is insured.
The private view commences on Monday next,

DEPARTURE OF THE MAIL FOR CANADA AND THE
UNITED STATES.—LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY.—ShortIy after
six o'clock last night the Columbia, Captain Judkins, took her
departure from our port, and proceeded with her Majesty's
mails and a fair number of passengers for Canada an 4 the
United States.