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Thus far all is well, and the story well told; but when Poussin leaves the sacred records, and wanders in the heathen mythology, by introducing in the same picture an allegorical figure of the river-god Nilus, none (but the most blind and obstinate admirers of antiquity) can fail to condemn the impropriety and absurdity of such an episode, in such a poem, even when painted by Poussin. The back ground is one of those fine combinations Qf architecture and romantic scenery, that, right or wrong, so beautifully embellish the pictures of this master. Nothing, however, is characteristic of the country and time in this example, but the pyramid; and that is not strictly Egyp tian. All its faults, however, weigh but as a hair against the grandeur of its composition, and the repose and elegant simplicity which pervade the whole picture. Mr. Fittler has performed his task with considerable ability, the beauty and delicacy of his graver has seldom been exerted with more effect, and were Poussin alive, he could not wish for more justice than is here rendered to the merit of his work, in an equal size.

3. Hagar and Ishmael, Gen.21, 17. Painted by Mola (Pietro Francesco). Engraved

by Fittler.

The engraver has here had to exercise his talent on a more unpromising subject than the last; the picture is in itself beautiful, but not every where adapted to the story. Ishmael appears to be in his last moments, and the inquietude of his mother Hagar is well expressed; the scene, however, is not appropriate. It is not sufficiently like a desert; the dwelling in the distance, though a considerable beauty in the landscape, detracts from the terror of the scene. The engraving is in the same style of elegance with the foregoing, by the same artist.

A. St. John the Baptist, Matt. 3, v.4 & 5. Painted by Nicolo Poussin. Engraved by J. Neagle.

This composition has a character of simplicity truly analogous to the subject; all the parties are principals, there are no needless accessaries; each seems busied and convinced of the necessity of the divine rite the Baptist is engaged in. Old and young, men, women, and children, on foot, on horseback, and by water, flock to the important office; and the dignity of figure with which St. John is invested, is one of the greatest beauties in the picture. The knowledge of fine

forms, of anatomy, composition, expression, in short, of all the requisites for a great painter of history, is no where more fully shewn to be possessed by Poussin, than in this picture. The engraving is by Neagle, and he has proved himself to be no mean proficient in his art by this specimen, which is very creditable to the British school of engraving; though, if the artist would make use of finer strokes, and more delicacy in the figures of such small prints, the effect would be much improved. The fore-ground is well handled; the groupe, at the foot of the horse, may be considered to be the best. 5. The Entombing of Christ, Matt. 28, v. 60, Painted by Crespi. Engraved by Heath. The composition of this picture is pleasing, and the light singularly and happily managed. The countenances of the several figures (the two Marys, Disciples, &c. &c.) are expressive of the different feelings by which they are actuated. The favourite Disciple (in imitation of the artifice of the Greek painter, Timanthes, when he despaired of shewing the full poignancy of grief) is represented veiling his face.

The greatest merit of the engraving is in the principal heads, the tomb, and rocky scenery; the remaining parts appear to have been engraven with less care and finishing.

5.

Thomas's Incredulity, John 20, v. 27. Painted by Rubens, Engraved by J. Neagle,

The acknowledged eminence of Rubens in colouring is such, that it may, on some occasions, be almost said, that his first merit is colouring, his second-colouring, his third-colouring; and when that is taken from us, as in a copy of the engra ver, we cannot fail of discovering faults that deference to the great abilities of Rubens would fain conceal, but

Veritas nihil veretur nisi abscondi.

In this picture there is great truth of natural expression in the heads of the Apostles, and the figure of Jesus suffici ently indicates, from the holes in his hands and side, of whom the story is told; but the character is not sufficiently majestic to indicate the Son of God. The drapery is heavy, and the drawing incorrect, in the right hand in particular.

The engraving is in a good style, and the forcible manner of Neagle is better suited to subjects of this size, than in the foregoing instance. The head and hunds,

of

of the younger apostle, and the bearded head next to him, are the most worthy of praise.

On Saturday, the 7th ult. the Directors of the British Institution met at their Gallery in Pall Mall, for the purpose of adjudging the premiums offered for the three best pictures, and a model, executed in the preceding year, in the four following classes, viz.

1st. For the best picture in historical or poetical composition, 50 guineas; which was adjudged to Mr. Geo. Dawe, for his picture of Imogen, from Cymbeline.

2d Ditto, in familiar life, the same sum to Mr. William Sharpe, for his picture of the Music Master.

Sd Ditto, landscape, the same sum to Mr. J. Linnel, for his Landscape, with figures removing timber.

4th, For the best model in heroic or poetic composition; the same sum to Mr. S. Gahagan, for his model of Sampson breaking the Bonds.

The above performances remain the property of the respective artists. The judicious spirit of rewarding native talent cannot fail of accelerating the great object of this patriotic and useful institution; namely, the establishment and perfection of the fine arts in this country. There were no less than twenty-four candidates for the different premiums.

ERRATUM. In the Retrospect of last mouth, by a whimsical mistake of the press, the eminent surgeon, Mr. Carlisle, was apAcademy, a nomination to which Mr. Trespointed Professor in Painting to the Royal ham probably would not consent. The fact elected Professor of Anatomy ip the Royal designed to be stated is, that Mr. Carlisle is Academy.

NEW PATENTS LATELY ENROLLED.

KE. RICHARD FOTHERGILL'S (SUNDERLAND), for a Machine for dressing Hemp. Norder fully to explain his invention, Mr. Fothergill divides the whole machine into seven parts; of which the first part or operation is to bruise, clean, open, and free hemp from its native husk, so as to make it fit for the subsequent processes; the second, third, fourth, and fifth parts or operations of the machine sre to dress and draw the hemp, and wake it fit for spinning; the sixth part or operation is, to spin the same into thread or yarn; and the seventh and last part or operation of the machine is, the twisting and making the thread or yarn into ropes and cordage. These several parts are described by figures, which cannot be introduced here, and of course it will be impossible to do more than announce the invention as we have already done.

MR. JOHN DICKENSON'S (LUDGATE-HILL), for his Invention of a Cannon Cartridge Paper, manufacture I on a new Principle.

My invention," says the patentee, consists in the addition of a certain proportion of wool or woollen rags to the linen rags or other materials, consisting of hemp or flax, that have hi therto been made use of for manufactor me this kind of paper; by means of which, in consequence of the intermixture of the wooden fibres with those of the hemp or

flax, when the paper is lighted by the explosion of the powder in the gun, it is prevented from retaining sparks of fire after the flame goes out; the mixture should consist of about two-fifths woollen, and three-fifths linen, or some other fa bric composed of hemp or flax. The linen and the woollen should be washed and made into half stuff in separate engines, and afterwards mixed in their proper proportions, and beat together in the beating engine. But if wool is made use of, or woollen rags that are of a very loose texture, they may, in that case, be washed in the same washing engine with the linett, as well as beat off together in the same beating engine. The woollens require a roll, the bars of which must be so round or dull that they will not cut, otherwise any close-woven rags will be chopped up into small pieces; of course the roll inust be heavy, or the process of making them only half stuff will be very tedious. The linen should be very strong and sound, and beat as wet, and at the same time as long, as possible, otherwise with the proportions mentioned above, the paper will not be sufficiently strong. The greater quantity of woollen there is introduced, the more effectually will the prevented hanging fire; but, as it conpaper tributes very little to the strength of the paper, it would not be practicable to use a larger proportion than what it men

be

tioned above, except the linen materials were new, and particularly strong. On the other hand, a smaller quantity of woollen would, in a less degree, produce the effect of preventing the paper hanging fire; while, from containing more linen, it would possess greater strength; but I consider the above proportion most eligible, and combining (if the paper is properly manufactured) a sufficient degree of strength, with the property of not retain ing fire. The paper should be "engine sized" with alum only, in the proportion of about ten pounds to one hundred and twelve pounds of stuff, and no oil or spirits of vitriol, or any other ingredients, should be put into the engine. The paper should not be picked. This paper is adapted to be cured in the usual manner previous to being made use of."

MR. ARCHIBALD JONES (STEPNEY), for a Method of discharging Colours from dyed

Silks.

This invention consists in taking one pint of aqua fortis, (nitric-acid, we presume,) and diluting it with an equal quantity of water, thickened with flour, or any other substance, to such consistency as may be proper for the blocks, with which the patterns are printed. After they are printed, they are to be put into a steaming box, where they are to be continued till the discharge is brought out: they are then rinsed and dryed.

Remark. We should very much doubt, if the specification given by Mr. J. be sufficient to secure to him the exclusive privilege, if it be contested by any one.

CHARLES VISCOUNT DE VAUX'S (CHELSEA),
for a Machine which will shew the Latitude
and Longitude at Sea: it will also serve as
a weighing and measuring Machine, &c.
The chief part of this machine is a hy-
droscope, which is a double box sus
pended one in the other, and supported
by an axis or horizontal pivot, hollowed
in the inside, which keeps the two boxes
perpendicular in all the motions of the
ship. The inside box contains a sort of
clepsydra, or double sand-glass, furnished
with one or two perpendicular scales; by
means of these scales, which cover two
sand-glasses, the weight of the sand, fall-
ing in due proportion on the bottom one,
acts upon a spiral ring fixed perpendicu-
larly in the top of the largest box, to which
it is joined by some wires, and a hook,
placed in the centre of each scale: by
these means the weight of the sand falling

in a certain time, expresses upon a dial in front of the top box, and divided into sixty parts, or minutes of a degree, the quantity of miles run by a ship according to its velocity. But the continual variation of that velocity is expressed upon another dial placed upon the side of the framme, which supports the double box. A globe of an equal specific gravity with the water is plunged in the sea, about the middle of the ship, which has a commu nication with the inside of a room in the ship, where the hydroscope stands, by a cord or chain through a cylinder. A cord or chain passing over a pulley or crank enters the tube or pivot of the boxes. In this tube the chain joins a band or rod of brass, which passes through a brass collar, in which the sand descends from one glass to the other. The band of brass has a longitudinal opening equal to the extent of the attraction of the globe. upon another spiral spring, placed hori zontally in the same tube on the other side of the brass collar; so that the greatest twelve miles in an hour, the ship going at velocity of a ship being supposed to be that rate, a globe of six inches in diameresistance than 12lb., or 1lb. per mile, ter cannot receive in the water a greater The rod of the spiral spring expressing as the spiral spring shews upon its rod. 12lb. or twelve miles, not coming out of inch for that weight, or for that resistance the spring more than four-tenths of an of the water upon the globe than the longitudinal opening made in the band or cation between the two glasses, permits rod, which passes through the communithe sand to fall according to the ve locity of the ship, and stops it entirely if the ship is at rest If this hydroscope is used on land instead of the sea, or in a ship merely for a time-keeper, then the sand will always run at the same rate, and express regularly the time upon the interior circle of the dial divided in twenty-four parts, and it will be suffered to wind, that is, to turn the box or clepsydra every twenty-four hours.

By the same principles of the weighing clock, the same dial which serves on the side of the hydroscope for weighing the resistance of the fluid, or the run of a ship, if this dial is taken separately, with its spiral spring, is a convenient machine to use instead of scales for weighing any commodities: it requires no weights, nor any other scales; it never entangles like scales, and is said to be as sure and convenient as it is ornamental. This machine will likewise become an excellent perpetual

perpetual log when the globe is used with it. It may also be made to measure the strength of the wind, in which case the clepsydra might be used separately as a good time-keeper.

The next part of the Count's invention is the chastic cable,for stopping the ship or other vessel at sea, in order to calculate the alteration that such current can occasion on the course of the ship, as these elastic cables can be used in a small scale, with a boat, as well as with the ship. ilence may be calculated the course of the ship.

The Count deduces from the course of the ship the lee-way, which is accounted for in this invention for the longitude by the means of a little glass-tube, such as that for a barometer. This glass-tube is fixed across the ship, to a little opening or valve on each side, very little under the level of the water: the centre of that rises perpendicular along the frame of the hydroscope, where a scale expresses the degree of the lee-way of the ship by the water rising in that perpendicular glasstube; in the proportion of the lee-way.

MR. WILLIAM BELL'S, (BIRMINGHAM,) for making Pipes or Pumps for conveying Water and other Liquids.

To obviate the objections made to wooden and metallic pipes for the con

veyance of water, &c. Mr. Bell has obtained a patent for tubes of porcelain pottery, and other compositions which are vitrifiable, and not liable to corrosion or decay. These tubes are formed in such a manner as that their ends shall fit one within the other, and they are then made water or even air-tight by means of cements. It is recommended by the patentee, that the pipes should be enclosed in cast-iron pipes, or cases, to defend them from breaking by external accidents, and from bursting by the internal pressure of the water. Mr. B. notices compound metals as being less corrosive than the real metals of which they are formed, and therefore adapted to the same use as his porcelain tubes: also tubes of thin wood, boiled or charred, for all which he claims the originality.

Observation. We suspect he claims more than, if put to the test, he can justify: we have seen pottery tubes made use of to conduct water from the roofs of houses, we think, before this patent was sought for; and thin wooden tubes, though, by charring, less liable to corruption, would be very inadequate to resist the pressure of water coming from any height: we doubt if the different expansibility of the iron and porcelain would not occasionally be fatal to the latter.

REVIEW OF NEW MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS.

Sar Serious Gleet, or Hymns, for Three Voices, with an Accompaniment for the Organ or Plane Forte. Composed and dedicated to Alexander Anderton, Esq. by Mr. John Ross, of Aberdeen. 10s. 6d.

THE words of these compositions are Tfrom the works of Dr. Watts, and are, properly speaking, hymns; we are therefore at a loss to conceive why Mr. Loss has given them the appellation of glas Hymns they really are; and the appropriate character of the music proves that Mr. R. considered them in that light while he was composing it. The melodial part of the compositions is, generally speaking, highly pleasing, and the combinacion every where correct and fall; while the accompaniment is arranged with judgment, and greatly calculated to accommodate those who are unused to performance from more than two staves. Fontosque, for the Piano Forte. Composed by Jalan Busby, Mus. Bac. Oxon. 21. This air is written to the title; but though fantastical, it is by no means extagant, Oddity without inconsistency, MosTHLY Mag. No. 181.

and surprize without discordancy, or in connection, have obviously been the aim of the young composer, and he has succeeded. Much natural beauty of idea is blended with the peculiar character of whole erinces abundant of talent, as well the composition; and the effect of the

as high cultivation of ear,

The favourite Balled of "Auld Robin Gray," barmonized for Four Voices, with an Accom paniment for the Piana-Forte. By Dr. John Clarke, of Cambridge. 35.

Dr. Clarke's harmonization of this old and justly popular air is conducted with that science and knowledge of choral effect already so well evinced in many of his former productions. The two grand objects in view in an arrangement of this kind are, to give the greatest possible fulness to the harmony, and to make the internal parts sing well. These requisites the doctor has accomplished, and thereby given to " Auld Robin Gray" not only a novel but a more attractive shape than it possessed before.

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Each of these little pieces has the advantage of an introductory movement, and is conceived in that freedom and facility of style which forms the chief attraction in compositions intended for the practice of juvenile performers. To the notice of such we recommend them. "La Fille Retrouvée," a Divertimento for the Piano-Forte. By J. Filden. 2s.

This divertimento consists of an andantino movement introductory to a rondo, which forms the principal portion of the publication. Both movements are written with taste; and if not remarkable for their originality of character, are smooth and pleasing, and will not, we think, fail to attract the attention of the generality of piano-forte performers.

Andantino, Air à la Polonoise, and Ronda, for the Piano-Forte. Composed and inscribed to Miss Johnson, by N. Rolfe. 23 6d.

This polonoise and rondo are novel and pleasing in their subjects, and are characterized by a chain of idea and unity of style, that bespeak both natural taste and a well-regulated judgment.

The

light and shade of the passages (if we may be allowed the expression) are soft ened into each other, and made productive of a pleasing relief without incon

nection,

"Where shall the Lower vest "a Song, with an Accompaniment for the Piano-Forte. Composed by M. Virtue.

25.

The words of this song are from Marmiou, and are set to music with a tolerable degree of taste, and not without expression. Some of the passages are particularly interesting, and the tout-ensemble is creditable to M. Virtue's talent in ballad composition.

Sympathy," a favourite Song, written by a Lady. Composed, with an Accompaniment for the Piano-Forte, by J. Grosvenor, Organist of Paddington Church. 11.

This little song, by the ease and smoothmess of its thelody, does credit to the taste of the composer. The bass is well chosen, and the accompaniment is calculated to heighten the general effect.

Mr. Lanza is about to submit to the public a new musical work, under the title of The Elements of Singing." It is to consist of three hundred pages, cccupying two folio volumes, and is to contain the primary rudiments of the art,

progressive exercises for the voice, rules for the formation of the mouth and the recovering of the breath; and a variety of new airs, songs, duets, glees, trios, quartets, &c. calculated to improve the taste and execution of the vocal practi

tioner.

Dr. John Clarke, of Cambridge, is distributing proposals for publishing, under the immediate patronage of his Majesty, The "The Vocal Works of Handel " most popular of this great author's Oratorios, together with selections from his various Anthems, are to form the subjects of the publication, the plan of which is usefully and judiciously arranged, and will be best explained in the words of the respectable and scientific compiler.-"The vocal parts of the chorusses will be in full score; to which will be subjoined a separate part for the organ or piano-forte, carefully compressed from the whole score, which will include the leading features of the instrumental accompani ments. The alto and tenor recitatives and airs will be printed in the treble cleff; and, for the accommodation of the ladies, the soprano, alto, and tenor parts in the chorusses, will likewise be trans posed into the treble cleff, (it being the determination of the proprietors, that the C cleff shall nowhere be introduced in the work) and the whole will be so arranged as to enable four or five perforiners to produce the general effect, both of the vocal and instrumental parts."

The first number of Crofts and Greene's Anthems, edited by Mr. S. Wesley, and published by Mr. Page, of St. Paul's Ca thedral, has appeared; and by the excellence of the paper, beauty of the engraving, neatness of the printing, and general correctness of the text, does great honour to the conductors, whose liberality, taste, and circumspection, will, we trust, be well rewarded by an extensive sale of the work. The uncommon elegance and clearness of the note, obliges us to award to Mr Balls, the engraver, his due share of our notice-finer execution than he has exhibited in these pages we have never witnessed.

Mr. Julian Busby, who has lately taken the degree of bachelor in music at Oxford, is printing, by subscription, “Three Grand Symphonies for the Piano-Forte, with an Accompaniment for the Flute or Violin, and dedicated to J. P. Salomon, Esq." The manner in which these com positions are already spoken of by those professors and amateurs who have heard them, induce us to presage much honour and profit to their ingenious author.

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