The Sun.
London, England, 1842-07-05 00:00:00

FINE ARTS.

We were favoured on Saturday with a private view of
a Series of Portraits in costume, which are being exe-
cuted by Mr. Coke Smyth, and
,which Messrs. Paul and
Dominic Colnaghi, of Pall Mall East, are about to pub-
lish, by command of her Majesty, in periodical numbers,
under the title of " Souvenirs of the 13a1 Costume." The
portraits, the majority of which are yet unfinished, are
all full lengths, and represent the different personages
in the exact dresses which they wore at Buckingham
Palace on the occasion of the bail in question. Generally
speaking, the likenesses aro good,—that of the Marquis
of Normanby, in particular, may be recognised at a
glance. The portraits of the Queen, also, and Prince
Albert are excellent, and are finished off with infinite
skill and care. -We cannot doubt that, when completed,
the series will be a highly popular one.
A fine painting supposed, and not without good
reason, to be a Georgione, is now being exhibited at
the Italian and Flemish Gallery, Pall-mall: lt repre-
sents the Golden Age, and consists. of several striking
groups of figures, some reposing indolently on the
ground, and some standing, engaged in conversation ;
and all stationed in the foreground of a most pic-
turesque landscape, whose colouring is wonderfully
rich and fresh. To the left of the spectator, in one
corner of the picture, is the figure of a female, the
flesh tints of which are defined with all the grace and
beauty of a Correggio. The most remarkable peculi-
arity of this painting' is the sunny, cheerful character
which pervades all its details. It is an excellent spe-
cimen of the old Italian school, and, considering its
age, is in an extraordinary state of preservation. We
understand that it was for some years in the posses-
sion of the late Sir Thomas Lawrence, with whom it
was a great favourite. •

Dour Gold).— The Bank of England yesterday
issued the following- notice :—" The public are informed
that as the Rotunda will be required for the payment of
dividends, no further amounts of light gold can be re-
ceived in that office after the 6th instant ; but the re-
ceipt of amounts from 201. to 80!. will be resumed at
the earliest possible period. The Bank will continue
to receive amounts from 80!. to 3001. in the Hall, and
from 3001. and upwards, ,either in the Bullion-office, or
the late Post-bill-office, until further notice.—N.B. The
hours for receiving light gold are from nine o'clock till
three."

We•regret to announce the serious indisposition of
Lieutenant-General Sir W. Parker Carroll, who has
had a severe attack of inflammation in the chest. Very
little hopes are entertained of the gallant General's re-
covery.—Nenagh Guardian.
LIGHT SOVEREIGNS.—AII the banks in Irdand
have agreed to exchange at their branches light sove-
reigns. deducting 6d. each, which will be of Very great
convenience to the public. Nearly all the so„ws
iu
circulation are light. The. country people are daily
bringing in large quantities, and prefer notes in ex-
change, or leaving the money on deposit receipts.—
Cork Examiner.
THE BITILE.—Some time ago an Englishman was
cast into gaol for blasphemy. He bad ridiculed the
Bible. Since then a bookseller has been fined for selling
the Bible ! He had sold a copy cheaper than the
monopoly: price 1-lancheatcr Times.