The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-11-07

-AMERICAN ART AND POETRY.

THOMAS BUCHANAN READ gifted oet-artist who
returned from Europe few months ago. is at present 30
ourning in Philadelphia. During recent visit to that
city enjoyed the privilege of spending hour in his
studio and in the gallery which adjoins it, where
several paintings any of which would add very
greatly to the fame which he has already wen Without
pausing to notice particularly fine portraits the
latest productions of his pencil-one Of which we OBJ
served of Dr. Pancoas the celebrated surgeon and
another of Mr. Wood, the distinguished dramatic yeto
attention first arrested by
"Hiawatha's wootng,"
rich autumnal landscape, in the foreground of which
stands the graceful form of Hawaha before the beautiful
Mnnehaha and her old father who are seated and at
whose feet lies ''the red deer This is charming IL
lnstration of Longfeows popular roem and picture
which might study with pleasure for much longer
time than able to devote to our entire visit
Near this painting, next noticed
aJeptha's Return
This gorgeous scene with wonderful effects of light
and shadow, placing the figures in the foreground in bold
relief and giving great depth to the distance The love
ly form Of Jeptha accompanied by troop of beautiful
maidens, advances along terrace upon the steps
cending to which stands her father suddenly crushed
with horror he discovers her approach The light and
graceful figure of the daughter. her countenance bcamng
with JOY and the massive form of the father his avercd
trast while the rich and varied hues Of the costumes
and the glowing landscape combine to form splendid
tableau.
"The Apotheosis of the InnOcents"
is another charming picture in which angelic throng
each angel bearing her bosom one of the limo
cents appears its way to the "Iand of the Blest
This is cmincntly spiritual picture, and
ly contemplate it without feeling that he is indeed
joying glimpse of the "Faircr Land "
II may be permitted however to select one paint
ing which seemed to us to be ranscendenty bcau
full than any other in the collection, we should wish to
name the one called by the artist
ssThe Spirits or the Water Fall"
Here We have cataract, so perfect that we seem to
hear the sound of the svcry waters which, in the fore
ground fall gracefully down from level to another
of range of dark rocks, and little further on leap
abruptly the projecting ledge, and disappear in
cloud of sparkling spray
The principal fgnrea fair nymph, who has Just pass
ed over the brinkis in the act Of descending th fall
vapory tissue, secured with grdc of pearls floats
about her delicate form, distinct FROM yet mingling
harmoniousy WITH the spray, impartng Christening ef
feet sotenng the outline without concealng the perfec
ton of her exquisite proportions Her face is indescrba
bly, beautiful her blue eyes dreamy and thoughtful
with expression, half absactcd which, though ind-
eating Consciousness of perfect purity but enhances her
loneliness without rendering it so intensely spiritual
to exclude human sympathy. Her golden trcsses,
floating freely around her radiant brow also adorned
though unrcstraned by corona of pearls. In close
proximity another figure the breast of the
cascade apparently whispering to her The subject of her
thoughts while their fair hands linked lovingly to-
gcher and above and around them bright eyes and fair
faces pcerng out here and there among the waters
We turned unwngly from this fascinating creation to
other subjects. "Thoe sleeps Taanm,' "Undns he
khnd" "The E,rcs Quarrel, and "Endy,nion all most
caboratey portrayed and each gem of art But
not refrain from recalling other picture which,
though unfinished cmbodies much of ETHEREAL beauty
that it must haunt any who has chanccd
to It, and thenceforth mingle with his brightest
dreams We at first supposed it might be one of the
best and most poetica creations of the artists fancy
but asceroined that it faithful portrait of
his young wife. We indebted TO Mr.. Read for
many beautiful works of art AS poet he undoubtedly
stands in the highest range Of American authorship but
he evidently unites with his poetic power artistic ab
ty less remarkable and in such perfect harmony that
while find his poems to be all pictures it is less
true that his pictures are all poems.
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BILLIARD MATCH THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF AMERIcA.---
The skill of the Detroit champion billiard player John
IN ha ta,fa.I In,