Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-08-25
FOR THE oIrY GAZETTE.
Mulum est picture poenia.


picture is n poem without words.
s:I have often lamented (says Steele) and
limited my sorrows in several speculations, that
the art Of painting Is made so little use OF to the
Improvement of our manners"
The art of painting has been rendered subser-
Went, to the Improvement, not only OF our man.
pers IN the common acceptation of the term, but
Of our morals 1t embellishes history and Siog-
raphy. and sheds light even upon relig'on. A
picture is in the laguage of Horace truey % po-
EN- witlront words" 1t instructs the wise. and
imparts 20 the most iliterate. pleasure and in
formation which could be obtained in no other
way. Hence it has been encouraged by all civil
lied nations, and has always occupied rank
proportoned to the advancement OF taste and SCI
ence. >. =,
But in no wav does the artist address himself
so Immediately 10 attention, as through the me-
dium Of our affections. five are pleased with
the glowing representation of heroic sages and
saints. fwv are struck with admiration at the
exhibitions of splendid cities and celebrated bat
ties; how much more do we feel, in contemplat.
inv the likeness of friend or mistress; IN DWELL
ing on the living image Of departed wife. hus-
band or DIT is in this walk that Painting
not only charms the sense but throws spell
| around the heart. Here may she contribute" to
the improvement Of our manners" In the surest
way by cherishing the purtst sentiments, rev,v-
ing haowed associations, and assisting IN the Gull
tivation of the moral faculty.
Ihave been led into these remarks in conse-
auence OF a visit which l made the other day to
The painting room of Mr. BowMAN. ! do not
profess to be connoiseur; but | was forclbly
struck in viewing the few peices which were ex.
hibited. Mr.. Bowman is certainly an artist OF
no ordinary stamp. The head Of the old Roman
and the portrait Of Thorwolsden the celebrated
sculptor, are pieces not surpassed, by any of the
kind, that have come within nv observation. -
The portrait of a pupil which he as just finished
has attracted general admiration. Like the other
two it possesses much character. In richness OF
colouring and boldess of relief have. never
seen its equal. After the view of few moments
the spectator seems to forget that he is contem'
plating picture. He images the original be-
fore him and is ready to exclaim with the poet
sswhat was he that did make IT,
Would you not deem it breatfed, ard those veins did
| veril, bear blood!
-. sastrrly done:
The very life seems warm Pnr the Up"
This piece Is in The style of Rembracnt. Twas
happy to find the artist engaged upon likeness
of the Right Rev. Bishop England. This promi
ses to be equal to his best pictures. have beer
informed that he has been engaged by Gen. La
| Fayette to take the likeness Of Gen. Jackson.
was surprised to. learn that Mr.. Bowman had
been residing in our city for many months witfopt
having until recently attracted much attention
or been made better known to the public, If the
rest Of our Journalists have been SO deeply alb
sorbed in politics as not to be able to devote q
passing paragraph to the arts; had we not a right
to expect something from you. Mr.. Editor. who
have not been so much engrossed in the great
question: J,lder ct callians audis.
"a judge of painting Oh. and man of skill 3"
1t is gratifying to see, that Mr.. Bowman, is
now fully occupied and it is no slight evidence
of his merit to find in the ranks Of his respectable
patrons, the learned and pious prelate whom we
have mentioned, and who is distinguished for re-
fined taste as well as for CLASSICAL attainment and
profound erudItion. JUSTICE.