Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-02-24
From the United States Gazette.
THE FINE ARTS.

From the United States Gazette.
| THE FINE ARTS.
| We publish the following extract of a
letter dated September 10, 1915, from a
gentleman, alike distinguished by virtues
and by talents, now pursuing his studies
on the continent, to lady of this city.
will head our reader to inquire, where is
the picture When will it come ?
Will you have me stop moment at
Blenheim House and Oxford ? or shall we
pass directly on to London, to the exhibit
ton ofthe ancient masters in Pail Mall, of
the Royal Academy at Somerset House,
OF Mr.. Vests I? saw at least the pic
ture destined for the Pennsylvania Hospi-
tai. 1t was just finished and exhibited
with the great picture of Christ Rejected"
The contrast between this exhibition and,
the others saw was very impressive
The others were fashionable lounging pla-
ees crowded with those who came only to
see each other and sounding with talk and
laughter. At Mr.. Vests you found aroom
of moderate size filled every one seated,
not word spoken and almost every one,
whose couDtenance you caught in tears. A
deep and solemn silence, as if the canvass
was about 70 speak and the assembly was
/ ANXIOUS that not word should be lost.
believe this second picture of s. Healing
the Sick" is universally preferred to the
| first, SO that you have lost nothing but the
delay. 1t is indeed princely present.
In the scales it is present of 5000 gum
cas- to the progress Of the art and as to a
model for young artists in Philadelphia
should suppose it would be invaluable"
Mr.. ALSTON'S PICTURE.
1t is reported that this rarely equall'd
work of art has been brought from Eng
land to this city and that arrangements
| will probably be made for its exhibition in
| the Academy of Fine Arts. The subject
is found in the Cd Book of Kings Oh. VIII.
And it came to pass as they were bury
Ing a man. that behold they spied band
ofmen ; and they cast the man into the
sepulchre of Elisha. And when the man
was set down and touched the bones of
Elisha, he revived and stood upon his
feet" This effort of genius has placed
its author in the front rank of his cotem-
poraries in Europe. America may boast
of him as one of her sons, and though like
many others, he has been under the neces-
sity of finding in distant land, occupation
1 and eward,-ilial affection has induced
him TO send his first great work to his ma
tive country. How deeply il is to be re-
GREETED that our Copely's, our Vests, our
TrumbulPs, oui Alston's, our Vanderline's,
our Leslie's, &c. &c. have been obliged not
only to seek fame, but bread, in the old
world. II is to be hoped that this will not
long continue.
This picture added to the many excel
1 mir
will greatly increase the attractions which
| it holds out to public taste.
LESLIE-The sudden development OF
talent in this young artist will no doubt be
remembered. He has for some years been
in London, industrioasly occupied in cult.
| waiting that talent under theeye of Mr..
West and others, his distinguished coun.
trymen, and fame speaks loudly in his
praise. AS portrait painter he 10 said al
ready to have obtained great distinction
and fine specimens of his talents in the his.
toticsl walks Of the art are exhibited in
the academy imam original painting and a
copy from his master, West.
| SULLY-0f the many distinguished ar.
lists which America has produced, heis a.
mong the few whom she has cherished in
her bosom. We sincerely hope that he is
reaping the merited reward of great Ia
Tents and of virtues the most amiable and
the most endearing.-His picture of Tri.
butte Money, of Mr.. Cooke and several
Portraits, still continue to be exhibited at
the academy, and demand share of the
eulogium which is due to the best produc.
tions of ancient and modern times with
which they are surrounded.
1t is respectfully suggested to the direc-
tors of the academy that the usefulness as
well as the attraction and emoluments OF
| the institution would be greatly INCREASED
were descriptive catalogue Of the statua.
ry and paintings furnished to visitors, and
werci it made the duty of the keeper to as
sist their observations, by suitable expIana.
tons and constant attendance in the a.
paFtments.