214. Pierre Narcisse Guérin. Painter.
[Born in Paris, 1774. Died at Rome, 1833. Aged 59.]
The son of an humble shopkeeper, and in early years self-instructed. As a painter he was the pupil of Regnault, under whom he soon became distinguished for facility of execution and refined composition. He subsequently studied several years in Rome. In 1822, appointed Director of the French Academy. He was not distinguished either for design or colour; but his figures are full of expression. His subjects chiefly mythological and classical.
[From the marble in the Louvre, by Auguste Dumont, 1831, author of the statue of Louis Philippe, at Versailles, and lately deceased.]
215. Comte D’Orsay.
[Born in Paris, 1798. Died there, 1852. Aged 54.]
A man of fashion, endowed with exquisite taste and with great talent for the cultivation of art. He resided many years in England, where he influenced the taste of a portion of society, and practised sculpture and painting as an amateur. Towards the close of his life he withdrew to Paris, and there received an appointment in connexion with the fine arts, from his former friend the Emperor of France. He had engaging manners, a kind heart, and an open hand. Possessed of great personal beauty, he was not wanting in manly attributes, being athletic, and skilled in arms and horsemanship.
[This excellent work and admirable likeness is by W. Behnes.]
216. Mademoiselle Felix Rachel. Tragic Actress.
[Born at Munf, in Switzerland, 1821. Still living.]