The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-18
THE UNION.

how our counryman had succeeded in his bold under
taking We remembered similar statues in the Neapoli-
tan gallery of antiquities, from Pompen and Hercula-
neun and recalled the great defect which diminished the
merit of their executon-the trunk of tree, some
other extraordinary appendage beneath the body OF the
horse. sustain him In the rearing attitude. These
and many modern statues of great merit presented this
defect or else the greater one OF being tame IN achon
or actually in repose.
Our qualification, therefore, great in beholdng
colossal horse in full action, rearing in pride, sustained
by his hind feet little plate of iron two feet IN
diameter We felt graed at the artists successful ar
rangement, nasmuch that the possibility OF sustaining
horse in this posture, and in full action has been denied
Wedo not remember one thus arranged, Tor even the
famous of the Gar Peter at ST. Petersburg, finds
support by which, though successfully employed
greatly detract from lis general effect
We do not know which is most to be admired the at
ttule and spirit OF the animal, the mechanical nge-
nuty which thus has placed and sustained it. The ati
ude is excellent Whilst the good horse, with daed
eye and dstended nosir and paws the air the be
holder fancy almost hears the din OF war which has
thus startled him into aciionThe martial figure oil The
old hero alone is wanted to complete the illusion. AL
though the figure of course is arranged with mechanical
adaptations TO the principle of gravitaton, still these dc
not strike the beholder he awaits its descent each mo-
meDt for another bound in air In the construction Of
the great statue at ST. Petersburg the artist had the ald
of the whole European treasury OF art; his models were
admirable Arabians; the best rider in the world trained
and rode for his sketches; whilst counryman ha;
been the simple student OF naturehs own trainer and
rider. Constant exercise OF his noble animal IN an at
tude which could only momentariy be sustained made
an indelbe impression his memory, and with faithful
hand has he transferred il to his model
There is another point in relation to the construction
of this statue which deserves special notice. as 1t differ
from the process OF all who have preceded MIR Mills
this is the orgnathere has been no model in clay BY
process peculiar TO HIMSELF he builds upon an iron
frame work rude of plaster, which is fashioned
and modelled according to his will the saving in labo
and expense therefore immense, those familiar with
the art will understand, whilst the risk OF destruction n
casting is greatly diminished When fully appreciated
the Introduction of this peculiar method will be haile'
with pleasure, and all artists will yield to Mr. Mills hi
deserved need of praise
We graed to learn that the statue Is to be cast II
bronze as experience has fully settled the point that ne
other material is calculated to withstand the unequa
temperature of climate Let Mr.. Mills carry out hi
esgn and his statue will be OF the nobest ornament
of our city May he be perfectly successful in his un
derakng, and to others the feelings OF pleas
ure which we have experienced and now sincerely ex
press