The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-01-22
PoWelI,a Columbus.

An American citizen cannot help feeling proud of his
country"the first, because the freest in the world"
She is advancing by giants strides in the career OF i'm
proyement Here, the human mind is ree-disburdened
of all Fictitious dsnctons-uni by antiquated
Notwithstanding for ITSELF and soaring with its
gle wing, into the region of inventon--about TO be
"decked with the spos of every Art and crowned with
the wreath of every Muse" Who is not proud OF such
country and who does not execrae the agitation OF
every question which is calculated to affect the Union
and arrest its march to the increased prosperity OF which
it is susceptible!
Among the fine arts which destined to flourish in
extraordinary degree in country is that of Paint
ing Already we have attained degree of refinement
which astonishes the world. No visit the Capt.
tol, at this moment, without admrng the specimens OF
the art which are there exhibited Among the new pic
in the Roundo, is the drawing from the celebrated
pencil of Vanderyn, of the landing of Columbus at Sal
vador 1t occupies of the pannels the east, and
attracts large share of the public attention The painting OF
Ruth and Naomi which has for few weeks graced Of
the pannes of the roundo, has called forth burst of adj
mration from every spectator The artist s Rosster, OF
Connecticut A few days have bro ght forth new
specimen of the American pencil 1t is upon smaller
SCALE and embraces greater variety OF figures upon the
canvass 1t is exquisite picture from the easel Of
young Powell also an American, and citizen of Cncn
natl.
This beautiful painting, triumph OF American art,
worthy of the best days of art in any country, may be
for few days at the Library Of the Capitol 1t has
already been visited by great numbers and has created
degree of enthusiasm seldom equalled by the exhibition
of any work of All taken by surprise with its
SURPRISING beauties, and join in awarding it the highest
praise We do not pretend to speak technically or cr
cally of such works. but only plainly and simply of the
effects they produce upon mind 1t appears to that
the artist has conceived his subject with great ability and
executed it with remarkable skill that he has not failed
most artists do in some one branch of the art but has
succeeded in all that he has combined accurate drawing
with brilliant cooring effective grouping, lfe-ke ex
pression and truth nature in the minutes details all
wrought out with the most exquisite finish The subject
of the picture is the vindcaon by Columbus of his the
DRY of new world, before the ecclesiastical council at
Salamanca The form, attitude, costume, and expression
of the figure of Columbus beyond all praise and are
indeed as perfect could be conceived The next prom
nent figure that Of Cardinal Fonseca, represents the
bigoted eccesastc pointing to passages in Holy Writ
that seem TO conflict with the theory of Columbus and in
the foreground are the figures of the Bishop of Burgos and
his conessor shudderng at the mpous doctrines of the
great discoveer Near the latter the athletic figure Of
knight in full armor looking up Columbus with deep
interest to hear of the new fields Of adventure that may
be opened by his contemplated enterprise The characters
are wildly portrayed in their countenances, postures,
that the ooker-on be transported to the
and to be present at the proceedings
No description can do Justice to this splendid work OF
art and we advise all TO go and it who would enjoy
treat OF the highest kind The artist who is native
of Ohio has spent years past in maturing his ge-
MUS the study Of the best masters in Italy, and com