Star.
London, England, 1830-11-25 00:00:00

MARTIN'S SPECIMEN of LITHOGRAPHY, de-
signed to illustrate the capabilities of this useful Art, is just
published, at 124, High Holborn, price fis.
In allusion to the above highly-finished Specimen of the Lithogra-
phic Art, the following commendations have appeared in the under-
mentioned papers :
'• Lninociaarne.—Lithography, or the art of producing numerous
impressioms, from delineations, either made upon stone or transferred
to its surface from paper, though entirely of modern invention, has, in
a few years, attained a degree of perfection little contemplated by its
inventor, Senefelder, an ingenious German, whose perseverance in ma-
turing the first crude suggestions of his mind, in defiance of an the ob-
stacles thrown in his way by poverty and want of encouragement, af-
fords one of the most striking examples on record, of the indefatigable
exertions by which genius sometimes succeeds in emerging from ob-
scurity. Of the difficulties encountered by Senefelder, in bringing his
invention before the public, some idea may be formed from the fact,
that soon after his first imperfect experiments, he actually offered him-
self to serve in the army as a substitute for a friend, in order that he
might apply the two hundred florins he expected to receive to the pur-
chase of she necessary apparatus ; and his disappointment was extreme
on finding that his services were rejected, because he was not a native
of Bavaria. Having, however, at length obtained the patronage and
assistance which his talents merited, his invention became pretty
generally known and appreciated, and he published a work, in which
he gave a minute explanation of the art of Lithography, and of the
various improvements which he had introduced, up to the period
when he wrote his treatise.—This work was translated into English,
and published by Mr. Ackermann, in 18111, since which time the art
has been very successfully cultivated, both on the Continent and in
England ; and its employment, instead of being limited to the imita-
tion of etchings, chalk drawings, autographs, &c. has been extended
to every subject which has hitherto elicited the finest productions of
the graver. These remarks have been suggested by a highly beau-
tiful specimen of Lithography, which has just issued from the press
of Mr. R. Martin, of High !Holborn, and which, in the variety of
subjects it exhibits, and the exquisite finish of the performance, cer-
tainly surpasses any Lithographic effort which had previously fallen
under cur notice. It represents a number of framed pictures, frag-
ments of columns, and numerous other objects, very tastefully ar-
ranged, and allowing the artist an opportunity of showing the ap- '
pikability of Lithography to the production of every effect for which
engraving is employed. In the specimen before us there are intro-
duced landscape scenery, portraits, architectural remains, oriental an-
tiquities, antient armour, fruits, foliage, and • variety of objects
connected with anatomy, zoology,'the delineation of maps and plans,
sculpture, &e ; the whole of which are executed, even to the mi-
nutest details, with a degree of d-licacy and beauty which the finest
steel engraving could scarcely surpass. The examination of this
specimen of the perfection to which the art et Lithography has
been lth ought has afforded us much pi , and we are
merely performing an act of justice in bearing testimony to its me-
rits, and in wishing the artist all the success to which his skill entitles
him."—Morning Advertiser.
LITIIIII:RAPHY.—It is said, with great truth, by Mr. Bsbbage,
that the first discoverer of an abstract physical fact seldom receives
any reward for his discovery, however important may be its results ;
nor even often does he who is Ingenious enough first to apply the new
fact to a useful practical purpose, receive from society his due share of
reward. On the contrary, the philosopher, who, in his laboratory or
study points out an abstract principle, has died often without his merit
heiug known ; and not only so, but in general the first man who has
the penetration or good fortune to perceive its practical importance,
and to make the attempt to bring its utility into notice, has very often
done so to the ruin of his own fortune. We could easily illustrate this
remark, but cannot spare space at present. It has been suggested to
in, by reflecting upon the history of Lithography. This art, it is
well known, was invented a few years ago, by a German of the name
of Senefelder, who merely applied in practice a chemical fact, which
bad been always universally known to all mankind, namely—that oil
and water will not unite. We are ignorant whether Senefelder reaped,
or is reaping, the fruits of his application ; but we perceive every day
the importance of his discovery. Only a few weeks ago, we were
favoured with a sight of a folio volume beautifully lithographed by the
natives of Bombay, in the Persian character, under the instruction of
an amiable and enlightened Officer In the East India Company's
Service. Thus, the art of lithography, in some degree, supplies the
use of typography. The constant application of this art in its more
humble form, to extend the uses of caligraphy, is daily, hourly, be-
fore the eyes of the public ; while oo person of taste for the arts can
be a stranger to the many beautiful specimens of this useful art, which
have lately been produced by the artists of both France and England.
All that which has yet been accomplished in this new art—and we
have seen much to admire— is now far surpassed by an artist in this
metropolis, who has proved that Lithography can produce an effect
unequalled by any branch of engraving. A print has been published
by Mr. ft. Martin, of 124, High Holborn, with a copy of which
we have been favoured ; and as we think it a curiosity in the arts, we
should not feel ourselves justified were we not to direct public attention
to it. In a space of 10 Inches by 8, the artist has, with much ingenuity, in-
troduced specimens of almost all the kinds of delineation to which Litho-
graphy can be applied. The print contains a portrait, a whole length
miniature, delineations of subjects in botany, anatomy, conchology,
geography, armoury, statuary, caligraphy, hieroglyphics, machinery,
landscapes, drapery, and innumerable objects which cannot be classed.
'the ex -cution of the whole is exquisitely minute and distinct. There
Is a softness united with a minute clearness of line, which displays the
beauties of steel sngraving, without its well-known faults ; and re-
minds us Irequemtly of some curious specimens we once saw of pen
.ind ink drawing. On the whole, we do not think it possible for any
lecies of the delineative arts to unite so many peculiar qualities.—
When we first saw this specimen, we could not believe it to be Litho-
gr.phic ; and we took it to a friend—an artist of great taste and ability
who was equally astonishes] with ourselves at the production. Had
it nut been from this gentleman's opinion confirming our own, we
iiNht nor, perhaps, have ventured to express ourselves so strongly ;
but our mend, who is an adept in the art of Lithography himself, has
.-,uretl us we cannot express to.. strongly the original merit of the artist
ono h.ss produced it."- Star.

•' Mr. It. Martin, of I:A, High Holborn, ba.; introduced to the
:,otice of the public a specimen of Lithographic engraving. The
.übject consists of a group of many styles of architecture from
the Greck, Roman, Egyptian, Gothic, &c. The arrangement of
the different subjects in the picture are defined more to show
the state of perfection Lithographic engraving has attained."—Morn.
mg Herald.

'6 A Smogs); Or Inc LITUOGIPAPET. By U. Martin.—This is in-
Jeed a fine specimen. We could not have supposed that any thing
J perfect in Lithography could have been produced. The finest
copper-plate engraving can hardly eclipse Mr. Martin's Lithography."
—.Couritr.

" We have seen a specimen of Ink Lithography by Mr. R. Martin,
Which absolutely reaches so nearly to the power and finish of line en-
guying, as to render difficult a distinction between the two arts."—
Morning I'nst.

" A SPECIMIN OF Intl I.I7IIOOILAIPHY. Designed, drawn, and
printed, by It. Martin. London, 1830.—This is to as a very curious,
and, indeed, interesting work, and has shaken some of our opinions as
to the capabilities of Lithography. It is professedly a specimen—
Lithography itself is but of yesterday, and this Ink Lithography is
lrerally so. We are not well informed as to the process, but shall
trquire further. We believe the drawing is made on the stone with a
cantert-hair point, and are informed that three or four times as many
irnprcssiqns may be taken as from a copper-plate—ten, and indeed
triven thousand, were nanted.—There is not a trace in it of that soft
indeterminate line which has always nude us fearful of Lithography
—indeed, the -ninute precision of the more delicate parts of the plate,
make us anxio s to see something more than a specimen, and to have
the judgment of practical and informed men on the capabilities of the
.rt. We recommend artists to see this work, and to consider with
unprejudiced minds, not merely what Mr. Martin has done, but what
may be done."—Athensurn.
LlT""Arnr.—A very fine specimen of Martin's Ink Litho-
graphy has been sent to us for inspection. We have seen few to coin.
pare with it ir, it: t lac.. It evinces a clearness of outline, and a deli-
y and I.neness of touch in the details, seldom witnessed in this
branch of the at."—Sunday Times.
W have ju,t seen a specimen of the Lithographic art, showing
In what way, and with what extreme facili.y it may be applied to
Almost ever!, branch of engraving. The specimen is ingenious and
creditable to liie abilities of its ,rtist."—Sus.
" Mr. It. A: Iron has just ptoduced thr most perfect deception, in
the way of I.:thography, which we have ever yet seen. We defy any
Due, unless with the most carriul ins •tction, to discover any difference
fietween it and the best line engraving. It seems, indeed, from its soft-
tete, delicacy, and finish, to complete the triumph of this department.'
of the Arts."—Observer.
Limeaarfisc Pautuse.—We have just seen one of the most ex-
stitite specimens of the Lithographic Art that has ever met our notice
—it Is printed and drawn on stone, by Martin of Holborn. and em-
braces every possible degree of the art, from thesmallest writing to the
°vs beautiful drawing, whether in the rank of portraits, arced-
lecture, landscape, historical sketch, flowers, mapping, or natural his
!"ry. it has also the softness of the finest engraving, and neither steel