The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-04-02

Zine Arts.
0RAND PAINTING By AN AhmIcAN Artist.
M Legislature Of the State Of Ohio, wishing 70
mont the rounda Of the State Capitol Columbus
ordered from Mr. w. H. Powell large painting, the sub
jec Of which was be Perry's Victory Lake Erie"
This battle. gained by Commodore Perry. was fought
within the waters OF Ohio that State benefited be-
yond all others from its results deemed fitting
tribute the memory Of the gallant Perry that some
commemoraton Of his great achievement should exist In
the Capitol OF the State which he saved from the ravages
OF the enemy.
The artist entrusted with this mission has chosen 10
represent Commodore Perry the moment when
he left his crippled and disabled shp-the
Lawrence-to take command OF the Niagara, which
vessel had escaped unframed. Upon large
canvass sixteen feet by twelve represented boat just
leaving the Lawrence In this boat Commodore Perry
and his young brother Alexander who aged twelve
a MILDLY in the Commodore's ship; coxswain who Is
steering, five sailors bending to their oars and
pushing OFF of spars, sails and cordage floating
entnged at the Of the vessel they just depart
ing from.
Tho figure Of Commodore Perry is Of course the prom
nen object in the painting Standing and bareheaded
he is pointing to tho Niagara at distance, with
other American vessels, most effectively and naturally
grouped. The Commodores handsome face Is lighted
up with just such look a bold, determined
would in such a moment. There Is
no browning, no defiance, beaming from his clear
honest eye but hearty EXPRESSION suggestive Of energy
and courage The features handsome the chestnut
hair cured by tho breeze around the broad open brow
the ensemble representing most attractive Cling
ing to the Commodore, his young brother, the child
Alexander is beseeching him to be seated. They are
under fire. and the boy fears for tho safety Of the Com
modore The coxswain steering the boat, points also
TO seat. Like the child he fears that his officer Is
too much exposed The men are steadily pulling their
oars all negro, who shrnks with terror depicted in
his coun.enance. shot has carried away his The
artist has succeeded admirably depicting the sailors
0ne-a large, 1orid gray haired man lis gazing at his
officer with q look expressive OF admring conf
dence which exactly chimes with the feelings you
experience in looking at the Commodore Two OF the
wounded One is deathly pale; the blood
trckes down upon his sleeve from cash in the head;
but he is steadily pulling his oar.
but justice to the artist to say that in composing
the group the boat ne has achieved masterpiece Of
drawing, from all faint Of exaggeration lfeke TO
degree and from its very simplicity, intensely dramatic
The coloring admirable. the water is so naturally
painted almost expects the boat toss pitch
with the
Mr. Powell has been extremely careful this painting
conform to all those details the observance OF which
betray the artist As regards the likeness OF the
commodore lie has consulted SURVIVORS OF that memorable
naval combat-persoIs who were with Perry. DR..
Parsons and Captain Champain, eye witnesses Of
the event and companions Of the Commodore, pro-
the resemblance to him perfect. Mrs. Francis
vinton, daughter OF the Commodore, visited this pant
ing and deeply affected by its resemblance the
hero
There sentiment ia the composition Of the picture
which is truly affecting. The face OF the child mid
dy beseechng his brother to DO seated is touching in its
earrestness and beauty Placed in that boat-and it is
historical that he did accompany the Commodore
far child, by contrast with those bronzed bearded men
attracts the like lone flower growing upon rug
ged rock We have not space TO enter into the many
details we should wish to point out in this admi-
rable painting. We but add that, familiar
with like works OF the most celebrated Euro.
pean artists, deem Mr. Powell's painting worthy to
rank with the best Of them. The artist may we'll feel
proud OF his production and the country proud OF the
artist.
General Mcclellan visited Mr. Powes studio few days
since. He struck with the merit Of the work In
question, and praised il in the warinest terms. Mr.
Powell is at present making his studies for equestrian
picture Of Gen. Mcclellan to be placed in the Governor
Room Of our City Hall. We believe this will BIO the first
instance Of Amer cas artist attempting work.