Treasures of Art in Great Britain; Being an Account of the Chief Collections of Paintings, Drawings, Sculptures, Illuminated Mss., &C. &C Volume 4 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ...is kept in a delicate silvery tone, is seen in contrast to the warm but very broken tones of the surrounding glory, while the angels, in a clear, subdued, and delicately warm colour, partially resembling peach-blossom, form an agreeable transition between the two. At the same time the execution is very careful, and the white robes and intense blue of the mantle are modelled with masterly power. 2. The Flight into Egypt. The Virgin, seated on an ass, is looking tenderly upon the sleeping Infant, while Joseph holds his staff with the left hand over his shoulder, and guides the animal with the right. The sky of the landscape background is dark. About 8 ft. high, 6 ft. wide. This picture is quite an exception to the usual style of the master, and is particularly characteristic of the whole tendency of the Spanish school; for the very individual heads of the Virgin and Joseph show aflinity in the elevation of expression to the Italian school, while the ass is treated with the vigour and circumstantial truth of the Netherlandish masters. The forms are decided, but soft, and rendered in awarm and clear tone. The head of the Child is a model of truth of nature. JAN VEnmx.--Dead animals, comprising a white fox, a wolf, and some wild ducks; near them is seated at large dog in the act of barking; in the air is a wild duck flying. The landscape is of a darker tone; the dog is of great animation, and the other animals of rare truth. The treatment is throughout masterly. VAN1Ycx.--1. A family picture: the mother in a black silk dress, with a full white ruff, is holding a very well-fed baby on her lap, which is looking round at the father, seated by, and taken almost full front. The background consists of a red curtain and a dark landscape. This fine picture was...