AT THE OLD MASTERS.
The following selections may assist the Art-student visiting Burlington House:—
No. 3. By George Romney. Not so much a "Rum Knee" as a queer left arm. Gout apparently, skilfully depicted.
No. 5. By Sir Henry Raeburn, R.A. Lorenzo and Jessica, at 50 and 40 respectively.
No. 9. By Sir Joshua Reynolds, P.R.A. Selected from Reynolds' Miscellany. Portrait of a gentleman in full uniform, out for a walk, on a stormy day, on the sea-shore. He is evidently saying, "Here's a nice predicament! I've powder on my hair, no hat, and it's coming on to pour cats and dogs."
No. 13. By Sir Joshua Reynolds. A Portrait of The Marquis of Granby. Presented, of course, by Mr. Weller, Senior. Probably the original sign of the inn of which Mr. W. was proprietor.
No. 16. By George Romney. Portrait of Mrs. Farrer. Charming. Might go Farrer and fare worse.
No. 24. By George! . . . Romney. Portrait of Lady Hamilton. "Unfinished"—but perfect.
No. 38. "A Constable"—who arrests our attention. This, you may depend upon it, is a Constable with a warrant.
No. 50. By Rembrant. Man guarding a hawk. Very graceful, but a Hawk-ward sort of person.
No. 51. By Gerard Terburg. A lady, after taking something which has disagreed with her. "Prithee, why so pale?"
No. 68. By Van der Helst. It is called a "Family Group,"—probably in consequence of the wife being shown as presenting her husband with a hare.
No. 73. By Dick Hals. Regard the wondrous collars. It is "Collar Day." Must have been the work of two artists, as this could have been painted by no one Hals(!!)
No. 94. By Sir Thomas Laurence, P.R.A. "The bells are a ringing for Sarah." Curtain rises and Sarah steps forward to sing.
No. 122. By Jacob Jordaens. Splendid. "Try our stout, Jane!"
No. 126. By J. M. W. Turner, R.A. "Snowstorm." Wonderful!! But where was the artist when he took it?
Do not leave without closely examining No. 181, by François Clouet, "Portrait of a Princess." And do not neglect the "gems of the collection" in the Water-colour Room. This is full of "interesting and remarkable cases" which have been fully reported in all the papers. The exhibition is open till March 16. Don't miss it.
