An Inquiry into the requisite Cultivation, and present State of the Arts of Design in England. By Prince Hoare. Demy 12mo. pp. 293. Price 7s. boards, Phillips, London, 1806. Ir is well for the public and for science itself that pretensions of profesion al men are subject to revision by an unhiassed judicature, which, instead of granting without exception what the votaries of art solicit, calmly considers, nor admits without deliberation, those demands which every artist makes in favour of his occupation. When any art or science whatever is in question, the professor who does not over value it, stands little chance of rising to eminence that same enthusiasm which prompts him to this, is necessary to urge his course in despite of a thousand difficulties, to support him against mortifications and failures without number, under which less ardent and determined minds would sink. The critic who judges for the public must place himself, as nearly as his imagination can effect, in the situation of that public; must silence the prejudices of education or of habit, must subdue every partiality however powerful, and must consider, equitably, the claims of every art, science, profession, or employment, that he may do justice to all, by not allowing undue preponderance to any. But it is not always that the critic, notwithstanding his sense of duty, and endeavours to discharge his office with equity, can divest himself of those recollections which occupy his memory: a sense of former gratifications will influence his present feelings, and what was a source of delight to him in former times will revive again and again on his mind, and bias his sensibility, even in spite of himself. We acknowledge our predilection for the polite arts, which form the subject of the work before us: they have yielded us so many pleasures, and we recollect our enjoyments derived from them with so much zest, that we find the review of this book rather a dangerous undertaking. We are in the condition of a fort assailed by an enemy, when part of the garrison has no great desire to defend the place to extremities: and when the commander is aware that he cannot ensure entirely, against desertion. Under these circumstances let us see what Articles of Capitulation our adversary has sent in by his trum pet, for ou consideration, and answer. Memorandum. Not to let him know the state of the garrison till the articles are signed. ART. I. The fine arts are important to the fame of a nation. Agreed: but the inference of the happy state of social life in a country adorned by the dominion of the arts, as described by Thucydides, is no logical deduction. ART. II. The cultivation of public taste has a favourable influence on the morals of a people.- Agreed: when taste is cultivated in high degrees. But, as experience justifies the belief that for every one who rises to eminence, an hundred blockheads, at least, will rush into the profession, and these must live by their talents, such as they are, the chance is, that the attempt to cultivate the public taste may produce evils of no light effect on the morals of a people. ART. III. Public authority should patronize the arts. Agreed: and within the last thirty years the patronage of the arts by public authority in this kingdom, has been superior to whatever it had been at any period of our history. ART. IV. Religion should call in the arts to her assistance. Refused: because, 1. The arts have never yet shewn themselves worthy of being so honoured; having told many more lies than truths, whenever they have been so employed. 2. Religion is conversant with mental not corporeal objects; with celestial not terrestial principles; with matters of faith not of sight: whereas, the arts are conversant with corporeal objects solely, with terrestrial principles solely, with matters of sight solely and whenever they have attempted spiritual subjects they have blundered most confoundingly. N. B. Decent ornaments, or modest decorations not included in this refusal, ART. V. Manufactures should call in the arts to their assistance. Agreed: the arts are capable of conferring essential benefits on manufactures of every kind: but on some kinds especially, and on those which require an application of the prin ciples of elegance and taste, principally: these are now very numerous and very important to this nation. In fact, it is since the arts were requested to assist in these productions that British manufactures have risen in value, in a manner altogether unprecedented, and those of other nations have lost that exclusive preference which formerly they boasted. ART. VI. The commemorative power of the arts should be called into exercise; and monuments erected to our great men. Agreed without reserve. But, referred to future discussion, whether this object would best be obtained by placing these performances in "a gallery of Bri"tish honour," as Mr. H. proposes, or by decorating with them those of our public buildings which are most frequented. Our present opinion is that according to their subjects, some should meet us in the Bank, others in the Royal Exchange, or the India House, others at the Navy Office, &c. Beside which, the British Institution is itself a gallery, for whatever is of a temporary nature; and would acquire popularity by being made the place of exhibition for whatever was going abroad, previous to its departure. Is there a possibility of preventing any institution in Britain from losing its pristine vigour, and becoming a job? Mr. Hoare's principal effort in favour of the fine arts is contained in the foriner part of his volume, and his propositions are before the reader. We had rather wave the consideration of his concluding observations: The Royal Academy has not accomplished all which some expected from it: but the causes of this failure, we wish not to investigate. No present repinings can recall the dead. The Secretary for foreign affairs to this institutlon is in some degree retained in its fayour; yet he points out various defects in it, and should a disposition for amendment shew itself, would doubtless mention others. As to the capabilities of English artists to attain excellence, the very question, as implying doubt, is a libel on our country and not worthy of serious refutation-It deserves only to be scouted. Every amateur of the fine arts will thankfully commend Mr. H. for the tsk he has executed, and for his handsome manner of executing it. Views of Picturesque Cottages, with Plans, selected from a Collection of Drawings, taken in different parts of England, and intended as Hints for the Improvement of Village Scenery. Ey William Atkinson, Architect. Royal quarto. Plates 13, pp. 29. Price 1. 1s. in Doards, 1. 15s. coloured. London, Gardiner, 1905. "THOSE Gentlemen," says the au thor, "who expend so many thousands in improving the landscape of their parks, ought never to overlook the adjoining cottage, or to neglect the neighbouring village; for by introducing improvement into these objects, they may add to their pleasure, by producing the most picturesque scenery, and at the same time, add to the comfort and happiness of their fellow creatures." This observation is perfectly true, and there is equal humanity and policy, in adopting it, and calling into exercise the principle on which it is founded. There is, however, some dexterity necessary in managing such undertakings. Many works have appeared on this subject, the examples proposed in which have been planned in the closet, by very ingenious men, but are not derived from actual observation, or from intimate acquaintance with the most satisfactory models of the class of edifices in question. We are very far from disapproving of such mental conceptions: but, we think the author before us has rendered an essential service to this department of architecture, by directing attention to cottages already built; from among which might be selected those combining the greatest number of conveniencies, at the mallest expense of erection. A happy position of the chimney, of the windows, and of the entrance door, has often rendered one cottage more comfortable than its neighbours; while many a dwelling is justly described as cold and barely habitable, merely for want of such fortunate adjustments to the locality of its situation: when, possibly, a mere reversion of the plan on which it is built would have prevented all cause of complaint. This idea may be pursued still further: as, to the best dimensions, and forms, for the various parts of a cottage; the door, windows, fire place, &c. parts which do not correspond implicitly with any presupposed regulations, but might be inferred from the results of general inquiries. Different aspects, and elevations require different management; e. gr. the top of a lill, the side of a hill, the level plain, the valley, &c. In our opinion internal convenience is perfectly reconcilable with picturesque effect; and that architect deserves best of his country who most intimately unites 2 A 2 these principles; indeed, the duty of this union should always be felt by the builder for the poor. The work before us, does not fully meet our ideas on this subject: the thought is better than the execution: but the same artist who has suggested the thought, though he has, in this instance, had the notion of picturesque effect somewhat too strongly in his mind, may, on a future occasion, adopt the hints we have dropped, and meet our unqualified appro-bation. The work presents, in the first place, a slight dissertation, on the situation, outline, effect of light and shade, character, &c. of a cottage: the materials of which cottages are composed, their tone of co. lour, &c. so far as the eye is concerned. The plates comprise twelve views, and ten plans. The last contains four windows, at large. They are executed in aqna tinta : but are deficient in spirit. Etchings, representing Fragments of Antique Grecian and Roman Architectural Ornaments; chiefly collected in Italy, before the Revolution in that Country, and Drawn from the Originals. By Charles Heathcote Tatham, Architect. Imperial folio. Plates 24, price £1 5s. Gardiner, London, 1806. In the year 1803, Mr. Tatham published a considerable work, price £4 4s. intended, as his preface informs us, to "present the public with an accurate delineation of some of the best specimens of ancient ornamental architecture, which till of late 'were preserved in Rome, and other parts of Italy." This appeared peculiarly necessary to our artist, as the originals are now dispersed over the continent; and students may hereafter find it difficult, if not impossible, to inspect them. The object of this publication is the same as that of the former-" to furnish the artist with approved models, on which he may exercise his genius." To speak our minds freely on these fragments, we must confess that many of them do not appear to us to be models of the beautiful: what effect they might have in composition with others, and in their perfect state, we cannot pretend to determine; but, as fragments, had they come to us unpublished, we should have left them published still. Not that this opinion applies to every example in the collection: some are pretty enough, yet not superior to those communicated in Mr. T.'s first work. We think, too, that a morecorrect and spirited point in the execution of the plates, would have done them more justice, than they have now received. The last plate represents the grand vase of Parian marble, at Woburn Abbey. Designs for Ornamental Plate, many of which have been executed in Silver, from Original Drawings. By Charles Heathcote Tatham, Architect. Impe rial folio, plates 40. Price £1 11s. 6d. Gardiner, London, 1806. . We approve very highly of Mr. Tatham's direction of his talents to this branch of art, let who will "consider it as foreign to his present more important engagements." Merit does not lose its character by attention to a line different from what has previously engaged it on the contrary, the man who can not only plan and build a mansion, but compose the ornaments, and the furniture, intended to decorate it, combines a skill and science which are justly entitled to reiterated applause. Nevertheless, we hope and believe, that Mr. T. is too severe on the state of art among the silversmiths, when he says, "light and insignificant forms have prevailed, to the utter exclusion of all good. ornament whatever." We are not concerned to vindicate the workmen in this. branch; but we suppose, that light and elegant forms, as contra-distinguished from "Massiveness," which Mr. T. recommends, may be as proper in some places, and on some occasions, as massiveness itself, may be in other places and on other occasions. Whoever attempts to exclude any principle of ornament, from its due place, by substituting another, does not in effect advance the art beyond the state in which he found it. A sense of propriety is the best discriminator of character; and this allows scope to every exertion and style of art, without suffering any one to trespass on the proper province of another. The observation of our author that chasing is a branch of sculpture, is perfectly just; it was formerly very fashionable among us; but the caprices of fashion are so numerous and irregular, that artists whose living depends on complying with them, are not to be blamed if a conscious feeling of somewhat like slavery, induces them to abandon the service of so fickle a patroness. Hence good chasers are scarce. The toil and assiduity required by the art have been ill rewarded; and we hardly know how to advise young artists, whatever Mr. T.'s encouragements may be, to engage in this business on vague expectations of support. The subjects of this Volume being given in outlines only, lose considerably in their dignity, and the brilliancy of their effect; nevertheless, we like some of them very well; they are truly handsome; and no doubt, we should, without hesitation, have admired others, had we seen them when executed as plate. We cannot, however, confer our approbation on those monstrous combinations of figures, which were current among the ancients, when profusely introduced as essentials in the elegancies of modern life. The ancients had good reasons for retaining them: they were religi ous emblems; they were symbols of the original country which the western nations had quitted; but what is that to us? are we intent on commemorating the primary seat of mankind, in adopting them? They contribute nothing to gracefulness of form: for, in fact, what grace can there be in the combination of a beautiful woman's head and bosom (without any body) spread by the expanded wings of an eagle, at the shoulders; and supported by a single leg of a lion? Is not this very like that unnatural conjunction which Horace so properly ridicules in the opening of his Art of Poetry? We too may say with him, -vanc Fingentur species ; ut nec pes nec caput uni In fact, we never see these ill assorted forms without thinking of the Harpies. How can we praise the elevation of the female head and bosom, on the spindle shanks of a Jerboa; or a lion's head, with the lappets of an Egyptian priest's head-dress, falling on each side, the body encased in a flower, the legs strutting as supports? Surely Nature furnishes appropriate forms enough without creating monsters; and the selection of these is the true test of skill in an artist. The gracefully bending foliage is capable of every form that can be desired, of every inrichment that true taste can approve; if additional novelty must be had, let us nevertheless keep to nature, and banish from our tables, and from our apartments, those wretched subterfuges, not of art, but of artists, Gorgons and hydras, and chimeras dire. A few short and cursory Remarks on the present State of the Army. 8vo. pp. 55, price 2s. 6d. Egerton, London, 1806. These remarks are given as the production of an officer, and they have some internal marks of that origin. We wish that the members of every profession would state, with equal candour, those circumstances which in their estimation and experience have either the appearance or the effect of hardship: for we know well that government cannot enter minutely into the feelings of any rank, the numbers of which are so considerable as those of the officers of the army. Such statements, therefore, might sometimes eluci date to our superiors the real situation of their dependants; and if founded in reason, might procure redress, or, if unjust, might produce efficient answers, The members of all professions have analogous complaints to make; witness the clergy, the law, medicine, and literature, generally; what are the emoluments of their early years? do they amount to a maintenance? We can assure this officer that the case of his brethren is by no means singular. The first chapter of this work, on the recruiting of the army, is wholly superseded by late enactments of the rul ing powers; their effect remains to be decided by experience. We do not like our officer's suggestion of marking soldiers on the shoulders with gunpowder: only flagrant deserters should suffer this stigma. The second chapter is on drills: the observations are not very important, neither are those on the perfect uniformity of clothing throughout the army: the essential characters of a soldier are obedience, adroitness and courage; attention to lesser matters, involves ideas rather of the parade than of the army. Nevertheless, we shall insert the writer's hints on leggings and caps; gings and caps; the latter we think might be adopted with considerable advan◄ tage. The leggings of the soldier, it is conceived, might be made of leather; long march is sure of completely destroying the soldiers' cloth legging, which even for common garrison duties is of too slight a texture to answer the soldier's pocket; more particularly, making them come up well over the cap of the kre, to preserve the breeches at the kneeling Chere, and to keep them up, there might be rt of buckle or strap, which might poy, whilst serving the purpose, be made or mental to the whole. The caps of the men might be much improved, the peak in front is not sufficiently broad to protect them from the glare of the sun. It would not require much ingenuity to make them also in such manner, that the sides and back of leather, might be looped up, the back to be let down in cases of hard the rain, to protect the neck and shoulders; sides might likewise be used for the same intent, and the whole be a comfortable covering for the head at inclement seasons. Certainly our officer is right to survey a soldier as a soldier, but why neglect him, as a man? or why forego the idea of morals, or even of religon? Would they do any real injury to the service? We are of opinion, that profligacy ruins more soldiers than poverty pinches; that licentiousness cuts up dicipline by the roots; and that however a commander may think it "a great object to check the marriage of soldiers on every occasion;" yet that philanthropic minds and well-wishers to their country, would justly abhor such checks." Can that station of life be lawful, which exacts a perpetual opposition to the very course of nature, the very con stitution of its subjects, and the appointment of Providence itself? In several propositions, however, we agree with our author: such as, his wishes for nitrous fumigations, for more convenient accommodations where practicable, when at sea: for the promptitude of courts martial, and punishments on delinquents; we add, for reward to merit in every rank, and on every occasion. We too wish it were practicable to ascertain," previous to a young man's getting a commission, how far he was cligible for such a situation." As youth are often hurried away by their headstrong passions, and deluded by the tinsel of appearance, such examinations might be reciprocally beneficial :-But, if all were done which prudence might suggest as proper to be done, how should we ever raise an army of 100,000 men? Perhaps on this subject, silence is duty, considering the times and circumstances in which our lot is cast. Comforts of Human Life; or, Smiles and Laughter of Charles Chearful and Martin Merryfellow. In seven dialogues. 18mo. pp. 220. Price 6s. Oddy. London, 1806. Mr. Beresford's " Miseries of Human Life" (Vide Panorama, page 297), was a book not likely to want imitators :some of which would naturally follow in the path he had taken; others would prefer those paths which afforded different views of the scenery around them. Among those whom Mr. Beresford's example and success have set to writing, is the author of these "Comforts." He thinks that Mr. Beresford has too much the air of being in earnest, as to the ills of life; he regards that author's book, as containing somewhat too much of woes too serious to be laughed at; and he discovers more of melancholy than of wit in it. To counteract what he thinks evils, he offers us his Comforts, and to say truth, the natural companion to a book of "Miseries" should be a book of "Comforts." These Anti-Hypocondriacs are in seven dialogues, reviewing the principal departments of human business and amusement. Their details of particulars are far from being so numerous and minute, as those of the "Miseries." The first dialogue opens with the portraits of Testy and Sensitive, the two Dramatis Persone of the " Miscries." Merryfellow. Ha! whom have we here? Peevish and Deplorable, arm in arm? The very phizzes of unappeasable Discontent and sneaking Despondency close together, like those of Philip and Mary on a shilling! Did you ever before see two such figures, Chearful? That meagre person, that withered brow, those ferret eyes, those checks shrivelled as a bit of parchment forsaking the paste-board on the cover of an old book, that short peaked nose, that pursed, pouting mouth, bespeak a mind that has deformed and worn out the frame it animates, by incessant toil, to extract from every subject of thought, continual matter of dissatisfaction! To what a mixed expression of sourness and affected wisdom he twists his features! Chearful. But how rueful the look of his companion! What a sunken eye! What a droop of the chin! What a lifeless stoop in the shoulders! With what languid, painful |