The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-02-09

service, but still mcdtAtiug the welfare Of
this country; he leans on the flsces as an
emblem OF union, and his farewell address
in his hand. The posture is one of great
dignity, and the impression made upon the
beholder is Of profound admiration and awe.
Around the studio are the heads of many
of our illustrious men-Jackson, Adams,
Webster, Calhoun, Clay; bat it is to be OBJ
| served that whatever is admirable in each
one of them, seems to have been given to
Washington in degree sufficient to form him
for the work for which he was raised.
One of the most beautiful Of his creations
is now in progress, representing CALIFORNIA.
young Indian woman undrapcd, resting on
her right foot, and slightly bending forward,
| with her head turned to the left, and her
face inclined downward, with a sharp, watch
full expression. Her left hand holds divin
ing rod, pointing to the rock at her feet, and
which contains the gold. The Siren face
and attractive form allures; but something in
her eye compels you to pause as you APP
proach. Concealed, yet revealed, is
scourgc, or a bundle Of thorns, which she
| holds behind her in her right hand. On her
| head is a wreath of shells and pearls, orna-
ments worn by the native women, and her
| hair falls in small braid behind, caught up in
II loop, and held by clasp ornamcnted with
porcupine quilts. AS a work of art, this
will greatly increase his reputation. 1t has
not so much poetry in it AS many Of his crca
| tons, but the subject, perhaps, forbade it,
| or did not requIr it. 1t was u happy con-
| ccption of the artist to embody his just and
| grand idea Of the younger sister Of the States
| in thi. marble, and wherever it stands it will
speak cloqucntly and instructively to coming
time.
| But the master-pl of Powers, and the
| one that is to inuaguratC a new diSpensatiOn
| in the world of art is La PenseroSa, Il female
| figure nearly six feet high, of full proportions
| modestly drapcd, walking out ut cvcn-tide,
| with solem meditative air, slow and
| dignificd step. her head turned upwards
| she gazes with her large, thoughtful eye into
| heaven. One hand, with her loreiinger sup
| ports the chain, and in the other, she carries
the richly embroidered train Of robe hanging
from the right hand in 'front.' and as it falls
| gracefully to the ground, it supports the
marble with its massive folds. The drapery
| is a beautiful robe with girdle at the waist.
and covering the figure a portion Of the
LEFT leg and foot is visible; the arms are nude;
u thin veil is thrown over the shoulders, the
| hair is simply arranged. and drawn back so
rs to expose the temples, and give the finest
| possibly expire sslun to the whole head. A
holy beauty shines in every limbs, and sheds
4 halo over her face; she is holding econ
verse with the Skies" and her eye and brow
betray sanctiiied intellect, giving the high
est lustre to those personal charms which
are wrought up to the last degree Of lowell
| ness OF form and feature.
MiItons 81 Penseroso'' suggests the sub
| jjcct in the following lines:
| Come pensivc nun, dcvout and pure,
| Sober, scadtast and dcmurc.
| All in robe of darkest grain,
| Flowing with majestic train,
| And sab.c stole OF Cyprus lawn
| Over thy decent shoulders drawn,
| Come but keep Thy wontcl stnc
| With even step aud muSng gait
| And looks commencing with the skies,
| Thy iapt soul sitting in hino eyes;
| There he in holy passion stu,
| Forget thyself 10 marble y
More than this idea has been marbleizcd
by the artist. He has made a poem more
expressive of the poets thought than the
words quoted, and one is compelled to feel
| that the statue, as it stands, is worthy of 4
higher destiny than to illustrate the words Of
| Milton.
| Other American artists are in Florence,
| whose works have already made for them
| fame, or will give them fame one day. Mr..
Hart takes high rank as n sculptor. Mr..
Kellogg has reputation in Europe as well
as in his own country. Mr.. Gould, Mr.
Read, Mr.. Robinson, and others, are work
| ing their why nobly onward and upward
They will be great men one day.