FROM "DALZIEL'S BIBLE GALLERY."
By permission of Herbert Virtue & Co., Ltd.
"December 16th, 1863.
"Gentlemen,—I am always ready to receive and act upon criticism, and have therefore added a little to the size of the head of Noah, according to your suggestion; but my object is not to represent the phrenological characteristics of a mechanical genius, but the might and style of the inspired Patriarch. For the same reason I have thought it fit to give the length of limb and flexibility of joint still commonly seen in the East, tho' very rare in northern countries.
"I made drawing my principle study for a great many years, and consider myself at liberty to depart from mere correctness if necessary for my purpose; especially if the incorrectness resulting be more apparent than real. The accompanying figure, traced from the drawing, as you can verify, will show that the disproportion is not much less than you imagined, and that the stretch of limb is perfectly possible; at the same time I think it most probable that it would be objected to, and I do not ask you to risk condemnation, and by no means wish you to keep the drawing; but if I do anything for you, or anybody else, I must carry out my own sentiment.
"I remain, Gentlemen,
"Yours very truly,
"G. F. Watts."
Unstinted praise ought also to be given to the ten contributions of Sir E. J. Poynter, P.R.A. For conception of subject, beauty of design, and wonderful manipulation, they must all be regarded as fine examples of Scriptural art. We must specially mention the drawings from "The Life of Joseph": "Joseph Distributing the Corn," "Pharaoh Honours Joseph," and "Joseph Presents his Father to Pharaoh." From the latter design he painted for us a most exquisite water colour drawing. Then, again, "Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh," "Miriam," and "Daniel's Prayer," are all remarkable for purity of treatment.