Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-01-17
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP.

Art and Artists.-We passed yesterday
afternoon so agreeably, in visiting the studios
of those Artists who are now located at the
Metropolis, that we will endeavor to "make
a note" Of what we saw. The legislators and
other eminent men Of the Nation here congre-
gated, should not only encourage these gentle
men by their visits, but should give them
material aid" by ordering their produc-
tions.
Before leaving the Capitol on our art-pil-
grimage, we visited the room which is being
finished in the new south wing, for the Com.
mlttee on Agriculture. 1t is to be painted in
fresco, by c. Brumidi, of Rome, and that por-
ton Of it which is finished is an admirable
specimen of this species of art-hitherto un-
known in this country. Upon the four concave
arches of the vaulted ceiling are allegorical
groups pOrtraying the different seasons, repre-
sented by Flora, Ceres, Boreas, and Bacchus,
while between them are groups of Cupids and
of flowers, in dead bronze. Over one entrance
door is a medallion portrait of Washington,
supported by figures representing Victory and
America-Opposite is a similar portrait of JEFF
ferson, supported by Peace and History In
the hemi-cycle surmounting the eastern side,
is the well-known classical group, " Cincin-
natus called from the plough to serve as Die
tator Of Rome" Opposite, the artist intends
to paint similar group, representing " Gen.
Putnam called from the plough to command in
the Revolutionary Army" The drawing of
this decorative painting is good, although We
did not fancy the Yankee Ox-yoke upon the
team Of the old Roman, who, undoubtedly,
used the straight beam dashed to the horns,
now seen in that classic land. We hope to see
many Of the new rooms thus finished, and to
ind our American artists acquiring the art
Mr.. John Cranch, we'll and favorably known
in this District, has studio over Adams Co. g
Express Office. He is at present engaged on a
historical composition-David playing the
harp before Saul-for a gentleman in st
Louis. We regretted not finding him at home,
that We might see this fine picture, and sew
eral portraits, upon which we learn Mr.. c. is
engaged.
Mr.. Henry Willard, of Boston, is in the
same building with Vannerson, the noted da-
guerresn artist He is just putting the finish
ing touches to a capital portrait of Col. De
Witt, Massachusetts, Representative, and
the half length portrait of young lady Both
Of these are well drawn and show that cor
rect knowledge Of color obtained by studying
abroad. Mr.. Willard has also on exhibition.
at Taylor & Maury's, beautiful picture,
representing the scene in Dante's Inferno
where Virgil and Dante encounter Francesca
yard by the whirlwind.
Mr.. T. X. Wood at the National Hotel
paints delicious portrait-sketehes in oils-im
perishable souvenirs, which cost but little, and
possess all the charm of finished picture
His portraits of Lieut.. Gillis, Professor Henry
Librarian Meehan, and Hon. George p Marsh
are among the best of the many production
from his easel since his stay here, though il
every instance he has obtained capital like
nesses. We also noticed at his room some n;
paintings, Of cabinet size, which are admira
bly, executed, especially one of charmin,
young miss from New York
Mr.. E. johnson, whose studio is in the ne,
brown stone building below Browns, has Jus
completed crayOn portrait of Robert Guild
Esq, and another lin colors) of a Juvenile so
Of Mr.. Riggs. He is engaged in portrait, i
0'ls' Of John c. Chandler, Esq, which bid
fair TO be an excellent likeness and fine pit
lure with that pulpy, flesh and blood ton
s. rarely met with. Among the many order
received by Mr.. j., We learn, is a commissiO
TO paint Mr.. Secretary Dobbin, a subject wo,
thy of his prsctiscd and accomplished hand
Stopping at Taylor Msury's, as we pu
sued our way down the avenue, We saw a fr
full-length fancy portrait, cabinet s;;se. vhic