The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-11-18
American Art Union.

We copy the following from a notice of this
excellent institution, In the lsst number OF the
gs-i-L--A-sh--. Each rasrnher Ia sure of get.
ting at least the full value Of his five dollars, in
the engraving of "Queen Mary signing the
death warrant of Lady Jane Grey" and the
book containing Rip Van Wrinkle, with six Illus
trations He may also get one of the fine pic
lures, or one of the medals, and he will have the
satisfaction of contributing to the support Of
American Art.
Noble Butler Is the Honorary Secretary for
Louisville. He will make the last remittance
to-day. II any one wishes to become mem
Der, he may do so by applying at this Office.
Il is rot surprising that there should be so much
eagerness displayed to participate in the next dis,
uieution. The programme Is uncommonly attrac~
tive. The engraving promises TO be one OF much
merit II is from a striking picture by Hunting
ton, representing Queen Mary singing the death
warrant of LADY Jane Grey In addition TO this,
each subscriber will have copy OF lrving's tale
of Rip Van Wrinkle, beautifully printed and Illus
trated by six large outline etchings by Darley.-
We confidently predict that the publication OF this
series will mark an era IN American art Several
of them have been completed and We say without
hesitation that nothing has been issued by any for
eisn Art-Union which eXcels them in the express
sion of character and feeling. They tell the story
as significantly as Irving has done it in words. liz
delicacy of execution they are fully equal to
Retzch's celebrated outlines, while they are SUI
oerior TO these in fidelity 10 Nature and in entire
freedom from academieal stiffness.
The paintings already purchased are thought by
many 10 be a better collection han any previously
distributed. And even 10 fon the best exhibition
of works by American artists ever opened 10 the
public. This opinion seems Tar from being ex'
irayagant, when we consider them in detail
Here are the superb series of the Voyage OF
Life by Cole, four pictures finished by him in the
full maturity Of his powers, and for which he re-
ceived six thousand dollars from the late Mr.
Ward. This great sllegorical production is too
well know n 20 require more particular mention in
this place. Here are two landscapes by Durand,
one OF which, Dover Plains, should rank with
the best of his works. Those who have obser ed
the wonderful truth 10 nature with which the long
range of distant mountains, covered with forests
and Illuminated BY the broad sunlight, has been
painted in this picture will fully acquiesce in this
assertion. There is also here glorious historical
scene by Leutze, The mission OF the Jews 10 Fei-
dinand and Isabella Rarely has this accomplish
ed artist depicted the energy of passion with 50
much effect as in the Torquemads OF this piece
] The Strolling Musician By E.imonds, shows that
quick appreciation of character and those pure
colors and silvery tones for which that artist 10 d
tinguished. Besides the Queen Mary, from which
| the engraving is being made, The collection con-
| talns Two Charming horoscopes ~ rluntlhStoI II
| embraces also an excellent work by Church, the
pupil of Cole, aud one of the nest promising of the
Younger landscape painters. This is called The
| River of the Water OF Life and will well repay
the closest study There is given IN II the effect %
the sunset Illuminating lofty headland, while the
rest of the scene is in shadow. In this picture, lee
the visitor observe the truth with which a partil
ripping OF the stream is represented aud the srea
ACCURACY of touch in the foliage. We might ena
merate also works by Doughty, Chapman, Grey
Kensett, Cropsey, Hinekley, May, Wenzler, Au
dubon, Glass, Rossiter, GignOux, Duggan, Oddie
Peele, White, and many others, most Of them in
teresting specimens, and generally exhibiting
mark ed Improvement over former productions.
In addition 10 this long list OF pictures, and man
others which will be purchased before the clos
Of the year, should be mentioned the medals
which are not the least attractive OF the advanis
ges offered by the Union. The subject for tn
medal Of thus year is the distinguished portrait
painter Gilbert Stuart. or this the die has aread
, been executed by Wright, and highly successful.
is. both as a likeness and work OF art. Two hur
dred and fifty copies of it will be distributed, an
also two hundred of the Allston medal, which wa
published in lS47, and which has been greatly az
| vn;red