The Portland daily press., 1873-12-20
THE PRESS.
WITH SUPPLEMENT.
SATURDAY MORNING, DEC. 20, 1878
Recent Publications.

htCtnI IuDllcaulOnSs
The Grammar of Painting and Enxrav.
ing.
From the French of Charles Blame, is one
those rare works which we so often feel the
need of, but so seldom find. 1t is written for
those, who, having finished their scholastic
studies, are desirous of knowing something
OF the elegant and poetic side of life, while en-
tering upon its more active duties. M. Blanc
at first defines the differences which exist
between sculpture and painting, and shows
why the latter has obtained precedence over
the former. He then speaks OF the different
schools Of painters and their distinguishing
pecullarlties. He treats clearly and auccinc-
tly OF perspective, giving its axioms and de-
filming its terms, the lesson being illustrated
by engravings.
The subject of drawing and coloring, also
gesture and attitude is introduced, illustrated
by sone rough sketches by Raphael, which
are the originals of some of his most noted
compositions, and by an engraving of Leonardo
da Vincis exquisite picture of 'The Last
Supper" in which is shown the point express
ion may attain by means of gesture which
will repay the most careful study. In the
limited space allotted us it is impossible to
fnrther summarize the contents. All the many
varieties Of painting are treated of-oil, fres-
coe, wax distemper etc; and the different
sorts of pictures Landscape, animals etc; are
discussed. In the part relating to engraving
the processes devoted to the different kinds
elucidated in so clear manner, that the dulest
cannot fail to comprehend.
A number of illustrations from the world
renowned ''Dance of Death by Holbein,
and some from Albert Durer's most famous
works, now placed within the reach of all
by the Heliotypes of the Gray collection of
engravings at Harvard, are here inserted aft
ording ample scope for reflection and study.
Itwas for the purpose of grounding the
French in the true principles of art. underly-
ing painting and sculpture. that this work
was written. This want equally felt in
America, will be eqnally met by it, for here
as in France, neither art nor the principles
of beauty are taught in our schools. Its study
will not only enable the traveller abroad to en-
joy treasures of art, but will teach what to
procure at home tor the adorning of ones
house.
The reader must not be deceived by the tt
tie Grammar" 1t is not book of dry tech
ncalities, it is an essay lively in style ard
glowing with real artenthusasm, and philoso-
ply. Mrs. Doggett in translating M. Blanc's
''Grammaire des Arts du Dessin" has at
tempted and accomplished noble work, for,
if as the author says, "France is one of the
more backward nations in Europe, in matter
of taste, and knowledge requisite to criticise
works of art" what shall we say of Ameri-
ca? where, besides lacking the works on art
which they lack, we have not the opportunity
of visiting the art galleries, and studying the
works of great masters, which they may do
at any time. The book is published with
great elegance of type, binding, and paper
and the care exercised in its details and gen.
eral finish, will give the lover of elegant books
genuine pleasure. The original illustrations
of the French edition have been reproduced
in this: there are between forty and fifty of
them, all executed in the best possible man
ner. To lover of art, a more valuable holi-
day present could not be given than this book.
Published by Hurd and Houghton New York !;
For sale by Dresser Mcclellan & Co. Port
land.
Handbook of Painters, Sculp tors, Archi.
tects and Enxravers.
Mrs. Clara Erskine Clement, well known
to those of artistic taste through her former
work, ga Handbook of Legendary and Myth
illogical Art,,' has here presented one of the
most useful as well as elegant books of the
year. 1t contains a complete account
painters, sculptors and engravers of all timer
alphabetically arranged. giving all points
interest in regard to each. OF all leading ar
lists full biography is given with history
of their principal works; minor artists are
more briefly treated, ,sblt vast deal of valu-
able information is concisely given. The
monograms used by the several artists accom-
pany the sketches of them, and engravings
of the more important works embellish the
volume. Among these may be mentioned
finely executed copies of the following lead
ing pictures: Raphael's TRANSPORTATION of
Christi from the Vatican-Frontispiec
"Apollo Belvidere:" Correggio's "Magda-
lene;" Washington Allston's "Spalatro;'
Benedetto da Majano's ''Relief," from the
marble pulpit in Sta. Croce, Florence; An
gelo's "Isaiah'' and "Moses;' Paul Yer
onese's "Adoration of the Magi," from the
Dresden gallery; Domenichino's "Commun-
ion of ST. Jerome;' Piombo's Resurrection
of Lazarus; . Reynolds "Lea;' Titian's rs.
Sebastian"
This book comes to supply very pefcepti-
BILE want-that of a concise, compendious
and accurate art encyclopedia, and it sup
plies the want admirably. 1t is finely exc
cuted volume Of 561 pages with red edges
and substantial binding, and is furnished at
the small price-considering its merits-of
1926 per copy. We quote from the authors
preface concerning her purpose in the work:
When regard favorite shelf in my libra
ry, and consider how exhaustiveiy the SUBJ
jects of this volume have been treated, ieel
iIclir ed to hide it away; but when think
how many there are in our land who are as
much interested in art aud artists as 1 am, and
have not the means to furnish such shelf,
l hope tina. this book may do something for
them. 1 have also endeavored to make it a
book of reference which can be easily con-
suited and used TO advantage in connec-
ton with more extensive works. Much
time and study have been given to its
preparation, and l have aimed to be coz
scientiously correct as well unprejudiced
my dcCfSfOuS pCrwccu conflicting uutf1or-
tiles. The books consulted are too nu-
merous TO be named except in part, which
will be done at the end of this preface. The
book is necessarily connected with my work
on Legendary and Neurological Art" but
the two are so related to each other as 10 be
proftably used together.
The arrangement of engraving lists is, so
far as know, uniq ue, and will render it a
uieful handbook tor coEnoisseurs and buy
ers.
The illustrations are representations of
standard works of art, most of which are
seen in European galleries and churches. A
good number OF monograms of painters and
engravers is also given.
have endeavored in small space to speak
not only Of artists as such, but by various
facts and anecdotes to convey an idea of what
they were in character and life.
Thee comprehensive indexes are added,
which will increase the convenience and use
fulness of the book, and in short, in its en-
tire plan l have adopted the motto of Jan
van Eyck, Gals ich chan"