The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-02-22


GEORGE NJ DALLAS
To James II. Paxton, G. s. Lewis, John T Gibson VIM.
f, Richie, and others,
Mr.. HsuIy's Great Historical Picture.
We favored by the artist with an opportunity of
viewing this admirable and interesting work OF American
art day or two SINCE and had relied upon friend well
vesed in such matters. TO prepare for complete
and exact description of its artistic character than we
could ourselves undertake furnish In the absence of
this expected contribution 10 columns we copy the
suboned OF the picture from the National Intel
ligencer of yesterday.
Our own imperfect study of the painting gave us the
impression that, in view OF the great difficulties of the
subject IFS handling by the artist be regarded on
the whole, signal triumph Of art. The delneaon OF
great orator. in the full function Of his genius is an
achievement which painters have rarely attempted
Wilkes picture OF "The Preaching OF John Knox" is
the only instance that remember in which such
subject has been essayed by any modern artist; and
among the old masters the attempt has also been very
rare. and never, far we know, slrikingly sue.
cesslul.
AS if warned by this general conviction of the chiefs
OF his art. Mr. Healy has given the standing figure
OF Mr.. Webster, not in the attitude and action Of
oratorca delivery but rather in repose-a repose how
full of energy and expression The composition
of the various details and accessories OF the which
sdepcted, must have involved very great difficulties and
their treatment BY the artist appears to judicious and
mastery Among the great number Of accessory figures
introduced that OF Mr. Calhoun seems to us the most
expressive and vigorous, while OF the portraits that OF
the late Judge Woodbury. is perhaps the most striking
The painting will doubtless take high and permanent
place in the history of American as an effective pre-
r.. a.. an
our forensic annals.
From National Intelis encer.
HEALY's GRAND PIcruRE-The grand historical picture
which the distinguished artist George Heay has been
celebrating during the last four five years represent
Ing the celebrated senatorial incident OF Mr. Webster
ply ing 10 Mr. Hayne in 1890, completed during the
last year, and, having reached this city, has been
up for exhibition in the large and elegant hall OF the
Board OF Common Council, which the board has kindly
granted Mr. Heay for the purpose This noble paint
ing about four hundred square feet OF canvass,
and represents. as near as may be-, the imposing and
forgotten GENE presented in the Senate cham
Der at the delivery of the machess speech pronounced
by the great orator the 18th OF January, 1890 Be-
sides the portrait of Mr. Webster. the picture embraces
full-sze portraits Of many senators aud other disin-
gushcd persons who were preseni on the occasion.
Yesterday we had an opportunity OF viewing this in.
teresng work but have not time ourselves TO do justice
to its merits 10 the memories which /, strongly
vved We therefore substitute for the present the
nexel just remarks by cultivated friend who yesterday
also viewed the picture
"The public OF the District have been informed hrou gh
the journals OF the day. thar this interesting production Of
to make 1t known appreciated is exhibit
ton for few weeks in the council Gambler the of
which was granted in view Of the national Importance OF
the great event 1t illustrates.
visit this morning has satisfied me- the frs, place,
thai the patriotic citizens of Boston who wished perpet
so interesting incident ia the annals OF the county
and confer honor alike on the iustous champion OF the
Union and the American artist who has thus ably dis
charged the duty assigned him. could not have made bet
ter selection and pelpetnaed through his brush more
tnra. mo- an1fup IN rita N n nisf
: There many OF our citizens now here who were
in concIave and conflict and tbs question issue
the destiny OF republic. 10 them this painting viii
sa,s they viii discover the faithful portrait. Of our dis
pguished statesmen aud legislators and carried back to
pettono. and again enjoy the associations and incidents
OF the time and place To one and all, who feel interest
the study OF this Embodiment OF and ihngs cnshrned
among the proudcs and most cherished OF national
souvenirs, win prove of real pleasure and profit
We often refresh patriotism and recollec
tons oil like this, and gaze tho pictured Inca
Of the great OF the nation, many OF whom have
passed from the stage OF life, and many prom
among the magoates of the land Let trust that
exhibition OF this great painting at the OF
men on The spot where great words spoken and
saving result consummatcd, will excite unusual alien
lion, and win It's share OF Interest and appreciation
Let hope That rulers be stimulated to the pro
prety and wisdom of ornamenng the metropolis with
works like this, commemorative OF the deeds OF our he
and and honorable alike to the government
tina, has the taste and feeling to encourage and employ
and the artists whose acle pencil and creative minds im
mortaze and keep bodily, as were, before succeeding
generations the fame and actions OF those who served ana
deserved well Of the IepubIic IN times that tried mems
souls
"As work of deem IL unnecessary now, at this
early period aud with the rather superficial examination
could give II, TO enter upon criticism IN detail Suhcs
say that very much grafied with tho general Ell
teot struck with the fidelity OF many Of the Pot-
traits Qnost of which were taken from life by Mr. Hea.
ly) and consider the handling oolong and execution, AS
bur another proof IL such needed, OF the high posi-
on OF its author among the very first artists oil our age ano
country.
"And lot conclude by calling the attention oil the
public to the peculiar tendency OF the times and place 70
clobe this produstion OF worthy artist with almost
magic charms and attraction. We are again passing
through another ordeal OF tho cohesive and enduring
character OF republican institutions for the purposes
brotherly affection and national union. Tho horizon 1t
times looks very dark and patriotic hearts sink with mp
prehension OF the things to come You stand, when You
study this painting within sight, and almost within hear
ing spot where the chivsrc and gifted Hayne and
colossal Webster hveed ances The anniversary OF
Father Of his Country at hand nnd we have much
need remember ba warning and virtues, ana heed ms
counsel and advice. Most oppopne Is IL, them ha
fhe hav bis exhibition. and