New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-02-18
ART ITEMS.

The days Of large pictures came 10 a timely end
when King George III. and benjamin West shuffed
off their mortal coils but unhappy for many OF the
artists of Great Britain and the United States this pa
tent fact has net been by them. They will persist
in painting large pictures long after the wonted fires
which once Illuminated them have been utterly extinct
There is painting now In Philadelphia, open to the
inspection of the public, which nobody ever goes to
zee, but which in the time Of George Ill attracted
hundred thousand visitors in London within the COM
pass of few weeks. 1t was the Jenny Lind, the
Kossuth, the Tom Thumb, the very Cynthia of the
moment, and people who had been happy to catch
glimpse of esteemed themselves fortunate above the
res, Of the human race who badno This great picture
was Benjamin Vests "Christ Healing In the Ten
pie He pousIy beqaeathed the work to Pennsylvania
Hospital imagining that the revenue derived from its
exhibition would supply to the end OF all time fand
for the support of that charitable institution But is
never heard of now, and probably does not yield SUI
fcient revenue TO repay the cost Of moneytaker.
Hay don unbappy for him. came upon the stage In the
midst of the rore created by Vests great Scripture
PAINTINGS and he attempted to follow in his masters
steps, and he would moi that the public had become
satisted with such things, and demanded change
the melancholy result everybody knows The artist
lived happily if he had been wise in his generation,
and given the public the kind of pictures which they
were clamoing for. Too many of our artists are
Ike the cockney dealers In shoe-buckes, who Pc
titioned the King to put down Wellington boots,
which interfered with their trade. They should
have gone into the business of Wellington boots but
they insisted that the world should continue to wear
sboebuckles and starved for their obstinscy AT the
present day. the demand Is for small pictures, like
Cbevets and Edouard Frere's, and Meissoniers. But
some of our artists will disregard the demands of the
present time and most irraonay paint huge pictures
for people who are now lying in their graves and
quietly moldering into dust in company with George
ILL and his favoEe painter Mr.. Rossitess one of our
few artists who Influenced by the traditions of the
"gIeat old Masters and who will exhaust their en-
efgies in huge Scripture pieces in spite OF the brilliant
successes achieved by Of no greater ability, who
produce small pictures of familiar subjects There are
now exhibiting in the rooms Of Gcupil u Co., on tho
corner Of Broadway and Ninth street, three large
paintings by Mr.. Rossiter, which would have brought
fame and fortune to the artist fifty years ago.
The largest Of these paintings was finished
seven years ago, but it has never before
been exhibited in New-York. 1t represents
the children of Israel in captivity sitting by the rivers
of Babylon bewalng their condition. There are many
points of great merit in the picture and we should
think it would be very desirable for Jewish syna-
gogue; but it lacks interest for the people OF this
reyeren generation whoee nduraed hearts are proof
against the lamentations Of Jeremiah when they are
depicted on canvas. Noah watching the return of the
dove, and Miriam rejoicing in the overthrow Of
Pharoahs host form the subjects of the other two pic
lures The Miriam is the smallest and the best Of the
Ia tod
upon the single figure of the prophecies, who cangs
her brazen cymbal with great vigor, and seems TO be
exclaimiDg, Israel is freel" There is much ar.
tistic ability displayed in these large compositions that
the true friend of art cannot but regret that had not
been employed upon subjects more consonant to the
present popular taste.
just round the corner from where Rosters pic
lures are exhibited is another huge and elaborate
scripture piece the exhibition OF which requires the
entire floor of church. II is not painting, butts
model of Solemons Temple. Though not to be classed
among legitimate works of art, it is marvel of me-
chanca ingenuity and Archaeological accuracy. There
is also exhibiting at the place square block of
granite supposed to be of the foundation stones Of
the original temple which Solomon himsef may have
squared with his royal beyel.
james Hope has nearly completed painting of
of John Brown notoriety.
1t is gratifying to know that nearly all our artists
are well employed, and with more orders their
hands than they can execute. Hickss studio is the
resort of the litera many of whose heads he has al
ready taken for his great picture for Mr. Wright Of
Hoboten. He has now on his easel the'heads OF Mrs.
kirkland Mary Clavers), and George ii. Boxer the
Philadelphia poet; he has also just taken striking
Erad and IA
work on the full length of Gov. King for the City
Hall. But the picture in his rooms which attracts
most attention is small composition of two darkies,
one of whom is playing on violin. lie has already
bad three orders for this picture when it is finished.
Mr.. C.. T. Dix, the only ono Of our young painters
who has made marine subjects specially, has TO
Gently painted very fine picture. being view oil
Mount Desert with large British bark under full
sail occupying the center Of the canvas, and great
number of smaller craft in the back ground The sea-
the Clouds and the distant Mount Desert are all exceed
iDgly well painted; but the chief points of excellence
in the picture are the care and knowledge displayed in
the details OF the shps They evidence of careful
and conscientious study the part of tho artist and
augur well for his in branch Of art where we
have had little TO boast Of heretofore.
The Form, form, rinemen form" "entuzzy-
muzzy" Of our Britsh cousins have extended to the
studios Of the artists, who not generally open TO
military influences. A new voluntary company called
the " General Artists Rife Corps" has been formed
In London, and among the names Of the artists who
have joined 1t, We observe, are those Of Milais,
Leech, Talfourd, Philips and Thomas.
Mr.. George Ward Nichols has published port
folio Of eschings by George L. Brown, nine In mum.
bsr, entitled the Roman Csmpagpa." They are