The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-09-28
inc "Tbe Battle of the Crater" !. e., the

ing "The Battle of the Crater" !. e., the
charge made by the Confederates upon the
Federal troops who had entered through
the breach and taken ground inside OIL the
Confederate works. The smoke ana
dust of the explosion have not clear
ed away. A view Of the vast upheaVal
is given just beyond the point Of conflict,
which is the grand action Of the piece.
The charge displayed is that made by Ma
HOMES division. The day was hot July
day, and the glowing heat, intensified by
the flames of battle reflected upon the
scene, is represented with admirable vivid
ness. The dust, pulverized into impalpable
powder by the march of men and the move
ments Of the heavier branches of the SER
vice, mingles with smoke and heat, and yet
all are so we'll defined that the spectator dis
covers them as readily as though he beheld
these elements In the real scene.
But the predominating point Of intention
and achievement Is the conflict of the sol
diers. The charge has just begun, the
Fcderals are holding their position, the
/
in the highest state Of action and impulse
of which men are capable. Here is perhaps
the most difficult part of the painters art.
This action has to be represented in figures
that never move. The charging soldier, in
the full exertion of his powers, and fired
with the spirit that impels him to rush into
the very Jaws of death in defence of his
country, must be instantly petrified, as
it were, in the very imminence of his action,
and vet not lose q shade Of his fire or one
single spark of his heroic bearing. That is
what Mr. ELDER has done, and done tri-
llmphantly.
The artist has most admirably illustrated
chat distinguishing trait Of the southern
soldier the intrepid bravery which paused
not to count the odds, but rushed in furi-
ously to the conflict, where death stared him
in the face. The more steady and calcula-
ting temper of his adversary is discreetly
and justly introduced in a manner not at
all offensive by the comparison.
In coloring, this picture is eminently sue
cessful. Mr.. ELDER eXccls in this part Of
his art. His pictures are distinguished for
their hucs, which are true reflections of ma
ture illumined by the gentle glow of genius.
Without going into details by referring
especially to the figures so nobly presented,
it is our judgment that this picture will win
enduring fame for its author. 1t is SOL
dier's picture. Unlike most battle pictures,
it is not intended for the eXatation of some
grcat General. The spirit brought out is the
hcroism of the private soldier.
An especial merit in this great picture Is
that it is in many respects true to life.
Mr.. ELDER was near the scene, and, as soon
as he could, repaired to the spot and
made sketches of the masses OF the up
heaved and broken earth and Of bodies
which were lying about-some partly bu-
red under the earth. The very color of the
earth-indeed, the whole Of that part Of the
picture here alluded to-is faithfully true.
We feel assured that this painting entities
MIR. ELDER to position in the front rank Of
American painters. We cannot but regret
that yirginian of so much genius finds his
countrymcn so poorly able to reward his
genius.
The picture may be seen at B1DGooD's
bookstore.
While on this subject we take occasion to
refer to the remarkable display of talent in
the fine arts which now sheds its light upon
Virginia.
EDWARD V. VALENTINE, the sculptor, a
native of this city, has given such proofs of
talent rs should make us.all proud Of him.
On each side of ELDERS picture stands one
of VALENTINES bu>tS -UUMBOLDT's and
Commodore MAURY's. They are splendid
works. That Of Commodore MAURY is a
most faithful portrait, displaying the life
and soul of the original. So with Hum
BoLDr's; whether it be i true portrait or
not, we have the mental spirit beaming, and
the lips just about to part asif to utter some
great thought just evolved in the mind. AS
with ELDER, we regret that this gifted artist
has not wider field for his labors.
In yet another field we have three young
men of very great talent, natives of this city:
WILLIAM L. SHEPPARD, WILLIAM B. MYERS,
and WILLIAM II. CASEIE. The two gentle
men named first are admirable sketchers /;
some of the best pictures that have adorned
northern publications were drawn by them.
They are both remarkable for the elegance
and refinement of their conceits, and ex-
quisite finish of their details.
Mr.. CAsKIE's talent has been especially
displayed in his exquisite caricatureS. He
has done quite enough to prove himself to
be rare genius; and should he pursue the
profession he is destined to become famous.
This is a brilliant list-one Of which the
cnmnnnitC my indeed he nroud