Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-09-01
~ We have rarely, if ever, seen a more
graphic, talented, and brilliant article, than the
following. All readers will find it interesting:

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following. All readers will find it interesting:
From the Richmond Examiner.
The "Hsnry'' and the Jefferson"
These noble pieces Of statuary, which have
won the admiration of artists and connoisseurs in
Europe, have at length arrived in Richmond
They have been temporarily placed on the lower
most pedestals of the western steps Of the Capt.
tol, and have attracted immense throngs of vsl-
tiers every hour of the DAYS they have been dis
played. We think they should be deposited at
once upon the Monument itself, where they will
be safe from injury, and will present themselves
TO the public in precisely the manner contem-
plated by the artist and designed for all time.
We have no hesitation in pronouncng Mr..
Crawford Is statues of Henry and Jefferson, works
worthy the brain and chisel Of any sculptor.
Both are grand, both appropriate, and we have
never known satisfaction so generally expressed
with regard to any similar works of art. Each
figure is magnificent specimen of the wonder
full expressions which may be communicated to n
litcless mass of metal by master hand
The Henry is beautiful conception. He is
represented in the prime of life, al the moment of
uttering the renowned outburst Of defiance:
Caesar had his Brutns; Charles the Second his
Cromwell, :" &c. Carried away by the intense
feeling of the moment, his physical infrmities
YIELD the habitual stoop and the awkward bear
ing give place, for the moment, to heroic alti-
tude--head erect, limbs firm, arms outstretched
with lmpassoned eloquence. The old red cloal k
falls back in graceful drapery while the famous
resolutions of I65 are simultaneously offered
with the sword to enforce their respect. The
face is full of fire and energy the eyes glare and
the lips move. The very brain speaks. The
vgor of this statue chains the attention Of the
many. Few who 90 for the first time fail to find
it the chief attraction. Its contemplation fixes
them, and it is almost with reluctance that they
leave it to gaze the impersonation of the 81 &c
Of Monticello
Yet, repeated visits seldom fail to- gain tardy
assent to the assertion, that the Jefferson is the
nobler work Of the two. This statue is the per-
lection OF grand simplicity There is the quiet
elegance OF man born gentleman, who rather
seeks retirement than attention, whose very APP
pearance, however, is full of magnetic force the
calm dignity of whose look is alone fraught with
power to sway the multitude and ensure obed-
ence. The figure is almost concealed in the en-
veloping fold of a long cloak, the arms fexed
over the breast, one hand holding a SCROLL the
other bearing pen; the head bent forward as in
deep thought None can gaze on the massive
brow, the deep set eye, the sweet and noble
mouth, without instantly recognizing one of the
greatest of philosophers and statesmen-the man
whose towering intellect shaped the earlier acts
of our young republic, and whose wisdom serves
as the beacon light over modern sages.
Such, honestly, is our appreciation of these
figures, and we sincere in believing that there
are few who differ from us. True, we have been
compelled to listen to some adverse criticisms.
But it is folly to suppose there will not always be
found few whose conceit leads them to find fault
even with the projections of Paradise' We have
heard the celebrated Gladiator characterz as I,
bloody butcher; the Farnese Hercules as a noun
tain of meat; Niobe as washerwoman in tears;
the Venus de Medci an immodest bawd. We
do not pretend to say that it is possible there
might not be some improvements in detail devised
for Crawford's statues of Henry and Jefferson;
but it is to be remembered, there is vast deal OF
difference between perfecting a work whose plan
is already before the eve, and in originating
ception. We candidly confess it our opinion that
no artist could produce two figures of men, so OPP
poste in character, which could convey more
complete idea of their individual excelencies; and
few could succeed in perfectng such magnificent
specimens of artistic genius Crawford has proved
himself person of the highest talent, and our
country may boast herself the native land of a
great sculptor Virginia may truly be proud in
the possession of his works
The charm of these statues consists in the
fervid and genial youth that is given them Those
who approach, thinking to find the stern reserve
and seclusve moroseness of austere age which
characterizes so many works of the Sort are sur
prsed and delighted to see the enthusiasm warmth
and frankness of youth beaming in every Inca
ment. The beholder does not stand off at a dis
lance, in subdued awe and compelled respect; but
immediate friendship for the ardent, imprisoned,
and ingenious young heroes. We understand
that the Washington surpasses the Henry
and the Jefferson in these engaging and attractive
characteristics; and right glad we are to see
Young America so CALAMITY expelling old fogy-
ism from the realms of art-especally from n
group and from throne so peculiarly his own, as
this monument to infant Americas greatest he
roes
There people who value works of the sort
according to their fidelity to the originals, who
would have Nelson fixed up with an armess
sleeve; Byron with a club foot; Decatur with the
mortal bullet wound oozing Blood Henry with
rigid wig and aspect severe Jefferson sitting alone
in dishabille, composing the Declaration of Inde-
pendence; and Jackson as he was at the Hermit
age before his exit from the world s stage--in
the lean and sppered pantaloons
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved. a world TOO wide
For his shrunk
Sans teeth, sans eyes, --, sans everything.
TO denote the hero and the sage The only way
of gratifying the pragmatcal exacttude Of these
disgusting sticklers would be with figures Of wax,
colored TO nature, habtated in the identical gar
ments of the departed, enshrned in glass cages as
at the Washington Patent Office; and probably,
in the case Of orators, with an attachment of ma
chinery for moving the limbs and utterng suit
able noises, after the model Of the barking dogs,
mewing cats, crying babies, and dancing dolls of
the toy-shops.
II really does not concern posterity TO know
whether the statue represents the mortal part of
the original not. II is the historical idea rather
than the material form that is to be perpetuated;
and away with the clowns who sickle for pre-
serving those imperfections of nature which en- J.
able them to compare their horrid selves with men
whom we have enshrined in our inaginations
with all that is noble, venerable, superior, and
adorable. As the poet is licensed to transcend
probability and ply the wings Of imagination, So
also, is the artist sculptor permitted TO idealize
his subject above the gross fact and vulgar re-
atty.
Nevertheless, we believe these statues very
nearly approximate the features of the original.
Of Henry, we believe, there is but one represent
tation on canvass extant, that can be said TO APP
proach fidelity to the originals and that is al
Montvie, in King William-whch we had the
pleasure of seeing during late visit there It's
history, we believe, is not known, further than
-