Dedicated to H. R. H. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales.
Royal Gems from the Galleries of Europe. Engraved after Pictures of the Great Masters. With Notices, Biographical, Historical, and Descriptive. By S. C. Hall, F.S.A. Each Part contains Three highly-finished Plates, engraved in the first style of art, by W. Greatbach, C. Rolls, L. Stocks, Cousen, and others. Size of the Engravings, 6-1/2 inches by 9-1/2 inches. In Monthly Parts, price 3s. each.
“The object of this publication is to give engravings, at a moderate price, of the best pictures in the various European Galleries, and to accompany them with biographical and descriptive notices of the artists and the subjects, from the pen of Mr. Carter Hall, whose contributions to the illustrations of works of art are known to, and appreciated by, the public. They (the plates) are very well engraved, transmitting the beauty of the painting to the engraved resemblance, and conveying a good idea of the brilliancy and clearness of the painters. That this work is a help to good taste, and will do good for the Arts, nobody will deny.”—Times, July 11, 1846.
“The admiration of this spirited effort to bring real ‘Gems’ of art within the reach of persons in limited circumstances, which we expressed on the appearance of the First Part, is now confirmed and increased. The beauty of the pictures and the lowness of the price, call forth equally our commendation and wonder. Mr. Hall’s portion of the undertaking, also, is performed judiciously and tastefully.”—Watchman, July 22, 1846.
“This series of engravings contains prints from the finest works to be found in British and foreign collections, giving specimens of all schools and all masters, so as to present a view of the masterpieces of ancient and modern Art, and collect in volumes copies of the treasures scattered over the civilized world. The field is inexhaustible, and can hardly fail to prove successful. The size is a handsome royal folio; sufficiently large to give a fair idea of the merits of the original. The illustrative notices, critical and biographical, are by Mr. S. C. Hall, to whose established taste the superintendence of the work is confided. The price is so moderate as to place the work within the reach of all classes.”—Britannia, May 23, 1846.
The Christian in Palestine; or, Scenes of Sacred History. Illustrated from Sketches taken by Mr. W. H. Bartlett, during his recent Journey in the Holy Land. With Explanatory Descriptions, by Henry Stebbing, D.D., F.R.S. In Twenty Monthly Parts, price 2s. each, with four highly-finished Engravings on Steel, by Cousen, Bentley, Brandard, and others.
“Whatever interest may be excited by the history or descriptions of other countries, it can rarely be equalled, and certainly never surpassed, by that which belongs to those given of Palestine, the land of the law and the Gospel.”
“‘The Christian in Palestine,’ and ‘Royal Gems from the Galleries of Europe.’ These interesting publications, which we class together, as issuing from the same press, continue to merit the commendation which their excellence has so unequivocally claimed. They evince considerable taste, with great resources, and a most laudable spirit of artistic enterprise.”—Morning Chronicle, Aug 22, 1846.
“This book, in its own department, which we need not say is a deeply interesting one, merits similar praise with the work which we have just noticed [‘Royal Gems’]. It will prove one of the very best of the pictorial illustrations of the Holy Land.”—Watchman, July 22, 1840.
“‘The Christian in Palestine’ is an illustrated work, the plates of which are from the careful drawings of Mr. Bartlett, who has recently visited Palestine, and brought home a well-stored portfolio of brilliant and characteristic sketches. The work will form a pleasing companion to the Bible, as the plates are all scriptural in scenery, and chaste in treatment, and give a faithful representation of the most celebrated scenes connected with the birthplace of the Saviour of mankind, and the land of miracle and redemption.”—Britannia, May 23, 1846.