Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-12-29
CEPHAS G.. THOMPSON.

Painters STUDIO IN Rome.
Wa helieys our readers will be interested in the
following extract of letter from Rome, describing
tho ,tudio of this distinguished American artist who
has resided abroad number OF years:
I'VE are enjoying our visit to Rome in spite Of the
bad weather. which nterferes not little with sight.
seeing This week we devote to visiting the studios
of our American painters but, from the commence
ment we have made fear that week will not at all
suffice for we find great Inducements to linger long.
| must give YOU a sketch OF the studio of our old
friend, C-phas G.. Thompson, for l know it will in
terrst you. as you were aiways such warm adInrer
of his works. He paints comparatively few portraits
here though it is sail he has executed glorious
ones. II would BIZ difficult to decide in which branch
OF the art no eIces most, so great was the variety Of
subjects beled, 80 true and mastery the coloring
and accuracy OF design in each He ls emlnently
original aud his mag nation is fertile that he
repeats his conceptions in wholly different pctures-
tue most common fault of mediocre and unpoetic ar
lists
The 6rst painting that eyes rested upon, was
the reflex of lovely child, glowing with intellectu
ali,y and beauty. She ia huggng her doll TO her lit
tie bosom with expression Of nfantine love, and
hsr play things scattered around in graceful con
fusion, making one feel az il he had unexpectedly
stepped into her baby house, without disturbing her
sport.
From this picture turned to an exquisite group,
composed of yonng mother and her two children.
babe, eighteen months DID, caresslngly twlnes
ITS little arms around the mother's neck, while she
clasps fondly to her BOSOM her head resting lovingly
against that of the child. WerecogHized an earnest
ness in the mothers expression, mingled with deep
tenderness, which admirably conveyed the artists
conception of THE Mothers Prayer" or THE GOOD
Night" The other child, boy OF some six years,
stood at his mothers knee, reading his evening hymn
and wondering over the mystery Of music. Ths
grouping of the picture seemed to us in strict accord
apce with the rules of high art, and reminded US of
Raphael'e we'll known Madonna della Sedia." You
may think il strange, but the modelling Of the childs
limbs has been pronounced by good judges more
beautiful and life.lke than that of the great
master.
"Beside this picture was one on which our eyes
were long rivetted peace-Riyng was its influence,
and 50 rresistiby were thoughts carried to an.
other sphere, while looking into thoss large, dreamy
orbs full of heavenly light aud heavenly love. There
was nothing that reminded one Of what 10 material
aud earthly for even the coorng of the ssh, though
beautiful, shade mors delicate, less rich and life
like than the rest OF Mr.. ThOmpson's pictures and il
was evident he had worked, with his whole soul, 10
produces representation Of IAN Angel of Light"
I'm rich contrast to this etherally lovely 10y WAS
another picture, "nut brown maid" full OF grace
and faithful representation of Italian beauty in the
Costume OF Calahia. There were other Italian sub.
jects very taking aud most pleasant reminders Of
visit to Italy.
MIR. Thompson allowed US to look over his car.
toons of pictures already gone from his keeping, and
sketches for future works. One painting, in particu
III,
represents Prospero and the infant Miranda, floating
in their little boat at the mercy of the wind and
ters, when banished from their own land. Another
scene from Shakespeare's Tempest still on the
easel. Marnda, in all her gentle and exquisite beauty
ia listening with toarul eyoo tho recital Of her TIA
theirs woes Reposing somewhat iowsr seat
than rrospero, che leant gracefully on his knee while
be- with one hand extended, ia dscoursDg to her
with earnest enthusiasm. The PusE Of the figures is
very hne, aud the picture. though not large. is eo
quent full Of expression Of sentiment aud ideal grace
Not the least suggestive portion OF the picture is III
landscape which strikingy depicts the wild and
vsIsd Bermuda Island which Shakespeare describes
Mr.. Thompson has chosen ons othsr subject from
| the Tempest which promises, when finished to ot
| grander than all. Ariel is represented transformed
| into STA nymph according to Prospero's bidding
go, make myself Ike nymph of the sea- be subject
| To no sight but thine and mnei invisible
To every eye.ball else. 90 take this shape
And hither come in t: CO. hence, with diligence"
among the pencil sketches we notice some view.
taken from the shores Of the farfamed Lake Thrash
meme; but if enter into more minute description
of these shall make my letter too long. and wan
to tell you OF one more rare gem OF art II 10 copy
made by Mr.. Thompson, from Raphae's celebrated
| Staffa Madonna at Pemgia. Mr.. Thompson told u
that he rarely gave time TO copying why should he
when he possesses such fund of creative genius !
but this tls picture he always admired exceedingly
and occupied some of his leisure summer hours IL
copying it. He is an earnest admrer, as you know
OF tho wonderful genius of Raphael, and has show
himself fully capable of repeating the great master
| very thought and expression in this little work.
is FAC smile in every respect OF the original, as tn
| Count Stahfs tits owner) himself declared, when b
| oompmented Mr. Thompson on his success, and toll
| him that his was the best copy ever made OF IN
werk. He has not 30 closely studied the old master
without having caught the fire of their Inspiration.
IL am told Mr.. Thompson sent hons. during IN
Summer. two landscapes, one from the "Fale Of Eye
| ria and another from "Hadran's Villa" at Tivol
and they are spoken OF in terms Of high praise, tn
justice of which can readily conceive from the man
sketches of this nature that sdOrn his studio, eIecu
ted with an apparent knowledge and keen love
nature and Of the many beauties that this wODd-rfu
cline presents to the eyes Of her artist worshippers
"As kind friend and a noble artist, Mr.. ThOmr
| son is highly appreciated here. This delicacy
touch, rich, delicious coloring accuracy OF detail pc
etry Of conception and power Of ideslisaton, ar
much lauded among bis artist friends in Rome"
THE REVIVAL OF THE SLAVE TRADE.
The following communication will speak for tsel
II is on side of the question not generally espouse
at the South-but though taking grounds against tn
revival of the trade and even against the renewal @
the discussion. the writer avows his opinion that
far as the African is concerned the reopsning Of tn
trade is not morally wrong. lie deems it, however
ineIpedent, at least for the present, nsedessy TO al
ray ainst the South class OF interests and popr
lar sentiment at the North which, though strongly
our favor hitherto, might be determined by this mes
sure to abandon this position and take antagonif
tic to us. While craving more light on the subject
referred to by Iespondent, cannot see tina
any question can arise as to the present impossib
of making this measure a measure of practical i'm