M.L.B.

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FINE ARTS.

(To the Editor of the Mirror.)

Sir,—­I have made repeated visits this season to the exhibition of the works of the old masters at the British Institution, for the express purpose of presenting you with a few remarks on some of the most excellent paintings.  As I have strictly adhered to the notes which I made at the institution, the accuracy of the subjoined may be depended upon:—­

BRITISH INSTITUTION.

The present exhibition consists of the works of the Italian, Spanish, Flemish, and Dutch masters.  There are one hundred and ninety pictures, which have chiefly been contributed to the institution by his Majesty and the nobility.

No. 5, Innocent the Tenth, by Velasquez, is an uncommon fine portrait; it is very boldly executed, combining at the same time a sufficient degree of finish and great beauty of colour.  His holiness is represented in quite a plain habit.  The beauties of Guido’s pencil will be traced in No. 6, Hippomenes and Atalanta.  Claude, in his Embarkation of St. Paul; Sea Port, Evening, &c., charms us with his exquisite effects, which are so truly natural, that, while we view his representations, we may almost fancy ourselves transported to the magnificent scenery of Italy.  In No. 42, Titian’s Daughter, are seen the genuine tints adopted by the Venetian school of painting.  No. 56, St. Appolonia, by Sebastian del Piombo, is a most admirable specimen of the master.  No. 74, Landscape and Cattle, by Paul Potter, contains all that beauty of touch and delicacy of colour which render this famous artist so difficult to imitate.  There are several very capital pictures by the younger Teniers; No. 77, his own portrait, and No. 95, portrait of the painter and his son, are truly excellent; as is No. 94, Figures playing at Bowls.  A remarkable and very forcible effect is found in No. 93, The outside of a House with Figures—­painted by De Hooge.  Nos. 121 and 123, Flowers and Fruit, by the celebrated Van Huysum, are extremely elaborate in their execution.  No. 161, The Battle between Constantine and Maxentius, is a sketch by Rubens, possessing wonderful fire and spirit, as well as great mellowness of colour.

Besides the above pictures, there are many beautiful productions by Jan Steen, Cuyp, Poussin, Salvator Rosa, Guercino, Domenichino, Murillo, Albano, Vandyke, Ruysdael, Houdekoeter, Wouvermans, &c.

G.W.N.

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ANCIENT ROMAN FESTIVALS.

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JULY.