The Portland daily press., 1866-06-26
New Work Of Art.

We had yesterday the pleasure Of examin-
lg copy Of Mr.. A. 81. Ritchie's admirable
engraving Of Carpenters celebrated painting
o. the "First Reading of the Emancipation
froclamation before the Cabinet" which hrs
'een SO warmly and deservedly commended
oy all arusts and critics who have seen 1t. It
is painting which has national reputation,
and VIII nave permanent historic value, bo, b
as commemorative Of an act of transcen-
dent interest and importance, and as contain.
ing very perfect likenesses Of men whose acts
are history. Our readers win remember that
Mr.. F. B. Carpenter, the artist spent 81
months in the family of Mr.. Lincoln for tie
purpose OF making accurate studies for tbs
picture, and of completing in the NEST faith
ul manner the portraits of the President and
ais cabinet. Duing that time he was brought
into the most intimate relations with Mr..
Lincoln, and the likeness he has here given of
that revered man Is such as could only be
painted by one who knew his character as
well as features thoroughly.
1t will be remembered that In the latter
part OF July, 1852, Mr.. Lincoln contemplated
issuing a proclamation OF emancipation; !;
The document was prepared, and special cab
met meeting summoned to consider 1t. It
was approvedby all, but at the suggestion of
Mr.. Seward, was Withheld for q time that some
great Union success might give to the Gov
ernment more advantageous Iosition In issu-
ing it, that it might not seem"a cry for help;
the Government stretching forth its hands to
Ethiopia, instead of Ethiopia stretching forth
its hands to the Government" 1t was after
the glorious victories Of South Mountain and
Antietam had made the administration strong
that it actually appeared. The scere repre-
sented by Mr.. Carpenters picture is that cabi-
net meeting In which the great Iberator first
submitted to his constitutional advisers that
act sincerely believed to be one of Justice,
warranted by the Constitution upon military
necessity" upon which he invoked the con-
siderate judgment of mankind and the gra-
cious favor of Almighty God"
The engraving of this picture Is 21x32
inches in size, and reproduces the original in
its minutest details. 1t is published by Derby
& Miller. New York, and is sold only by sub
S>A'PsAoa' @iAA' AAieu u. oech, as agent IOr
the publishers is canvassing this city, and we
advise all who may desire to secure very
beautiful and valuable picture to avail them
selves of this opportunity. Such an one may
not occur again, as only limited number OF
copies are to be issued.
| Rev. HENRY GILES LEcTURE.-This Hne
lecture on "The Compensations of War;" was
read last evening at Congress Square Church,
for the benefit of its gifted author, by Mr.. r.
j. Nichols, Of Boston, before an audience OF
SO large as it should have been. It was Just
and philosophical effort, abounding with the
peculiarly vivid style of thought Of Mr.. Cites,
and was delivered in manner very similar to
the fervid and impassioned style of the author.
Among other eloquent passages was one ex.
tolling the honor and dignity of the private
soldier, which was particularly fine. The lec-
ture was concluded by enforcing as the indl-
rect results war, the appreciation by ma
ton OF the value Of peace, and the great in
tere5ts of commerce and humanity, and a free
and enlightened nationality. The music by
the choir of the church, augmented by yalu-
able accessions from the best musical talent of
the city, was alone worth the price of ticket,
aside from the value and benefit OF the lec-
ture. "Veni Creator" was sung in an admir-
able manner. t-gn.