Star.
London, England, 1826-04-06 00:00:00

FINE ARTS.

Sir Thomas Lawrence has finished, for the approach-
ing exhibition, portraits of Lord Eldon, Mr. Peel, and
Mr. Canning, each in the highest degree admirable,
whether we regard the likeness or the beauty of the
execution. The picture of the Lord Chancellor is of
the same size with that of Lord Stowell, exhibited two
years ago. The venerable Judge is dressed (as his
brother was) in a plain suit of black, and wears hit own
grey hairs, which, after ell, suit the mild and benign
dignity of the countenance better than any wig we have
ever seen on the original. It is a most delightful do-
mestic portrait. Such also is the very elegant kitkat of
Mr. Peel. But the portrait of the Secretary for Foreign
Affairs is a work of another description. He is repre-
sented in full length, standing on the floor of the House
of Commons, and in act-to speak. The dress is a blue
surtout, black pantaloons, and silk stockings, and a
despatch-box with some loose papers, &c. are on the
beech behind him, to the right. We have seen many
good likenesses of Mr. Canning, but, with the exception
of Chantrey's bust, they all spoke more of the gay and
handsome wit than of the great statesman and orator,
and even the bust we have mentioned had more of ele-
gance than of power in its expression. The President's
present work is every way one of the noblest that ever
left his or any other easel. Nothing can surpass the easy
gracefulness of the attitude; and though there is some
tinge of the langour of indifferent health on the lip, the
fell collectedness of conscious strength sits enthroned on
the majestic expanse and elevation of the forehead.—
T:ie eye is bright, yet calm, precisely that serene glance
" and prologue to the omen.coming on," which haunts
the pillow of the Member for Lincoln, and makes him to,
" Wag desperate in imagination." _

_ .
Mr. Stewart Newton's scene frnm the Begar's Opera
has already been purchased by the Marquis of Lans-
down, and will also appear' at Somerset House. It is
by much the best work this rising artist has as yet pro-
duced, uniting, with all the grace and beauty for which
he has been commended, a degree of strength both of
character and execution which the public may not have
been exactly prepared to look for. The Macheath is
excellent. The very handsome rascal is dressed in the
true taste of his time—a scarlet coat with white sleeves,
richly embroidered, a satin waistcoat flowered in silver,
purple breeches, with rolled stockings,a'and a pair of
most formidable jack boots. He sits in 3 lolling atti-
tude, his legs stretched before him in their irons, his hat
cocked magnificently over his left eye, a glass of port
in his left hand, and the right reposing amidst the rich
lace that a•!orns his bosom. His eyes are half shut, and
a half smile plays upon his lips. Lucy, a comely black-
haired vixen, leans on his shoulder to the right, with
one be.utiful little hand extended, as if hesitating be-
t`A een expostulation and a slap; but Polly is the gem
of the picture. She sits at the other end of the little
green table—on which the Captain's half-exhausted
bottle of port, and a flack of brandy, with the corkscrew
just inserted, are displayed—with her hands clasped
before her, gazing on the Lothario with looks so gentle
and imploring, that it seems rather unaccountable how
the burden of his thoughts should be

• I' How !Nippy could I be with either."
Polly is a charming blonde, and, though -not quite a
lady, seems well entitled to have such a personage as
Miss Lucy as her maid. In an archway behind,- Mr.
Loc kit is seen with the Captain's sword and pistols under
his left arm, repelling with the right the advance of
three more young ladies, one of them "as ladies wish
to br," the second with a baby in her arms, and the
third, and most temote, brandishing a maturer produc-
tion "over the heads of the others, that it at least may
obtain a glimpse of the papa. - ••
The back ground of the picture fs very well ima-
gined to contrast with the gaudy distress of the princi-
pal figures. Altogether, se hope this success will en•
courage Mr. Newton to choose subjects of a more manly
cast than he his hitherto appeared fond of. His Polly
Peachum shows that tragic beauty iu its highest class
is entirely within his reach.

The fourteenth Anniversary Meeting of the South•
work Attinliaty Bible Society, was held Tuesday, at the
Horns Tavern, Kennington. Jesse CURLING, Esq. in
the Chair. The assembly was numerous and respect-
able. The report stated that the subscriptions received
during the last year amounted to 7531.an.1 that the bit-
lance in the hands of the Treasurer was 1221.
GIingNWICH Et.••-•• Sir THOMAS BLOM MELD, Bart.
and THOMAS SUNDERLAND, Esq. the acting Magiarates
for the division of Blackheath, having declined that
Greenwich Fair had been held without chatter, pre-
scription, or other lawful authority, they issued sum-
monses against SAMUEL Hoattoots, Esq. M.P. the
Deptford Creek lliidge Company, LAWRENCE De-
LANKY, and several other persons, the occupiers of the
ground upon which the Fair is held, to appkar before
them at Petty Sessions. Tuesday, the Magistrates
assembled at the Green Man 'Tavern, Blackheath, but
o ily Mr. Deway appeared, and by the advice of his
Solicitor, he expressed his readiness to procure sureties
for his appearance in the Court of King's Bench, to
answer any irturmation that might be preferred against
hilts. Mr. DIELANLY was their boUntl in the sum of
2004 for his appearance at Westminster, and discharged.