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  • July 12, 1862
  • Page 12
  • NOTES ON MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
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The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine, July 12, 1862: Page 12

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    Article EXHIBITION OF MEDLÆVAL ART AT THE SOUTH KENSINGTON MUSEUM. ← Page 3 of 3
    Article EXHIBITION OF MEDLÆVAL ART AT THE SOUTH KENSINGTON MUSEUM. Page 3 of 3
    Article NOTES ON LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. Page 1 of 1
    Article NOTES ON MUSIC AND THE DRAMA. Page 1 of 1
    Article CORRESPONDENCE. Page 1 of 1
Page 12

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Exhibition Of Medlæval Art At The South Kensington Museum.

relief would fill a sculptured medallion . In the November subject , a finely drawn figure sits boldly astride the branch of a fruit tree , in the act of gathering fruit . In December , a spirited figure is in the act of digging the soil to prepare it for the spring seed . Other subjects are , sowing , reaping , & c , —all treated Avith extrardhiay freedom , the facility evidently arising from spontaneous genius of the highest class . These medallions form ,

in fact , a truly noble series of Della Robhian art , of a kind far less known than his sculptural relief ; and one regrets that they are not placed in a better and lighter situation . The fine effects that mighfc ho produced in coloured architecture by medallions of this class is evident , but the full value and beauty of a future school of architecture embellished with Avorks of this nature is inconceivable till some really artistic steps in the new direction shsll have developed a few of the secrets of the new and almost untried power of colour .

The sculptural raised work of Delia Robhia ' s true terra inrilriata is better known than his pencil work , and is of a higher class than any other known work of the class . The very finest modern productions of Messrs . Minton , Copeland , or others , do not at present approach the excellence of the best works of Della Robhia . In all that depends on the technical management of the material , the furnace , the glazes , the colours , and often in the general conception of the design

( founded of course , more or less , on medioaval models ) , the modern wares , of the Delia Robhia kind , of our enterprising manufactures tread closely on the heels ofthe great Italian producers of the Leonian age ; hut , in the purely artistic touch , either in the modelled or painted details , they are , as yet , far behind their mediaival masters ; yet the progress now making is very rapid , and its direction seems the right one . The finest example of the vitrified clay-sculpture of Delia Robbia in the

present Exhibition is the large "Virgin and Child , " surrounded by a border of exquisitely modelled fruits , and no cloubfc originally executed as an altar piece . The two figures are without colour ( as are most of the figure subjects of Della Robbia ) , being pure white , upon a rich blue ground . The design and modelling of this fine work are truly exquisite , and the application of the glaze is so skilful , that bufc little , if any , of the sculptural sharpness of the original model is lost . The

modelling of the hands in the best worts of Delia Robbia is always full of elegance and refinement , and the playful grace of the children quite as remarkable ; in fiict , the principal figures in this class of Delia Robbia work do not require to he regarded merely as decorative productions , or to be looked afc only for their general and ornamental effect ; they may be criticised as works of the highest class of sculpture ( if we may use the term ) only needs a truly artistic development of its powers to rival , in

many respects , thafc of marble , and even to surpass it in others . There is an " Annunciation" by this great artist , treated in a somewhat similar manner to the work just described ; the subject being , however , composed of full , instead of half figures , and tlle framework being of a more architectural character , composed of pilasters , enriched with exquisitely-modelled ornaments of the cinque cento character ( white on a coloured ground ) , from which springs an archcomepleting the framework of the

, subject . There is also a small altar piece representing the Adoration of fche Magi , and a "Last Supper , " both of wliich , as church ornaments , are very effective . There are two other Madonnas , each very excellent , though not quite equal to the subjects first described . There are also other specimens of

Delia Kobhia work in the building , forming part of the permanent collection , which are Avell worthy of careful study . In speaking of fccrra-cotta modelling , protected by a vitreous glaze , aud of other classes of decorative earthenware in the light of features to he introduced in coloured architecture , I might also have dwelt upon the capacities of Wedgwood AV . IVC ; of which the present Exhibition contains some exquisite specimens . But I must leave that for some future

occasiononlre-, y marking that where a bright glaze might be objectionable , the freedom from gloss of the "Wedgwood ware would precisely meet fche requirement , and yet produce an analogous effect ; possessing at the same time , in nearly the same degree , the power of permanent resistance to atmospheric injury . I ought also to call attention to a ( hie architectural medallion , of the Della Robbia class of workwhich appears to have been

, executed in England ; but the art seems to have been lost with us soon after , and not effectively revived till within the last quarter of a century , by Messrs . Minton and others . The work I allude to is a large and striking head , in bold relief . The head is entirely white , ar in the Della Robbia Avaro , with the

Exhibition Of Medlæval Art At The South Kensington Museum.

exception of some gold ornaments , Avhich lm-e a chaste and good effect . It appears to have been the work of an Italian , established in England , one Benedetto di Rovezzano , Avho flourished between 1480 and 1550 . ' *

Notes On Literature, Science, And Art.

NOTES ON LITERATURE , SCIENCE , AND ART .

The Premier has just conferred a pension of £ 100 a year from the civil list on Mr . Leitch Ritchie , who has been incapacitated from his calling hy ill health . Mr . Ritchie is known for several graceful poemns and tales , and he was for some time editor of Chamber ' s Journal . Admirers of the writings of Mr . J . Critchley Prince , the basket-maker , will regret to learn that he has been overtaken

by poverty and distress . The idea ] of procuring a duplicate of Mr . Foley ' s Lord Hardinge is no'iv reA-ived , as Ave ( Athenceum ) made knoAvn , last week , with a better prospect of success . This work , the finest equestrian monument produced by an English sculptor , is to he seen , by a cast , in the south central court of the International

Exhibition . Examiners Avill find it worthy of the remarkable honour of repetition in the capitals of England and India . Mr . Guinness , Avhose spirited and in some respects successful restoration of St . Patrick's Cathedral , Dublin , is progressing , has determined to fill the south transept light , a triplet , with stained glass representing the asrension . #

Sir Thomas Phillips , F . G . S ., Vice President of the Society of Arts , has been unanimously elected Chairman for the current year . Three original editions cf the last volume of " Les-Mis & rables , " by Victor Hugo , are being printed at the same time—one at Paris , one at Brussels , and one at Leipsic . The number of copies struck for the Paris edition , up to this time , is 23 , 000 ; for the Brussels edition , 13 , 000 ; and the Leipsic one 3500 .

Notes On Music And The Drama.

NOTES ON MUSIC AND THE DRAMA .

Musical amateurs who may be visting the Exhibition Avill shortly have an opportunity of hearing the private band of the Viceroy of Egypt . It is to perform at stated intervals in the Egyptian court . The time is ' rapidly approaching ( say sthe Sunday Times ) when the anniversary festival of the Dramatic College will , in duecourse , be celebrated at the Crystal Palace . Already preparations for the forthcoming Fancy Bazar are being made in a

wide circle , and on an extensive scale . Mr . A . Sullivan is engaged in the composition of an opera . A new cantata , hy Mr . Balfe , is fco be produced a Exeter Hall on the occasion of Mr . Sims Reeve's benefit concert . Mr . Henri Leslie ' s cantata was performed at Oxford on the Avedding day of the Princess Alice . '

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents , CRYSTAL PALACE BANQUETS . TO THE EEEDITOE OF THE rKranrASOEXS' 3 IAOAZI 2 TK AND JIASOS'IC JtimtOII . SIE AND BUOIKEB , — -AS a visitor to the Globe Lodgo Summer Banquet at the Crystal Palace , will you allow me to ask Avhero Bro . Strange buys his Avine ? The 13 s .

per dozen claret is nectar in comparison to that placed before me—drink it I did not . Tours fraternally , A DINER OUT .

“The Freemasons' Monthly Magazine: 1862-07-12, Page 12” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 24 March 2023, www.masonicperiodicals.org/periodicals/mmr/issues/mmr_12071862/page/12/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
THE SUPREME GRAND COUNCIL OF FRANCE AND MARSHAL MAGNAN. Article 1
MASONIC FICTIONS. Article 2
KABBALISM, OR THE RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY OF THE HEBREWS. Article 3
AN ORATION, Article 5
MASONIC SAYINGS AND DOINGS ABROAD. Article 8
MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES. Article 9
EXHIBITION OF MEDLÆVAL ART AT THE SOUTH KENSINGTON MUSEUM. Article 10
NOTES ON LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. Article 12
NOTES ON MUSIC AND THE DRAMA. Article 12
CORRESPONDENCE. Article 12
THE MASONIC MIRROR. Article 13
METROPOLITAN. Article 13
PROVINCIAL. Article 13
SCOTLAND. Article 15
INDIA. Article 15
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR. Article 15
MASONIC FESTIVITIES. Article 15
Obituary. Article 16
Poetry. Article 16
THE NYMPHS' LAMENT FOR THE TITANS. Article 17
THE WEEK. Article 17
TO CORRESPONDENTS. Article 20
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Exhibition Of Medlæval Art At The South Kensington Museum.

relief would fill a sculptured medallion . In the November subject , a finely drawn figure sits boldly astride the branch of a fruit tree , in the act of gathering fruit . In December , a spirited figure is in the act of digging the soil to prepare it for the spring seed . Other subjects are , sowing , reaping , & c , —all treated Avith extrardhiay freedom , the facility evidently arising from spontaneous genius of the highest class . These medallions form ,

in fact , a truly noble series of Della Robhian art , of a kind far less known than his sculptural relief ; and one regrets that they are not placed in a better and lighter situation . The fine effects that mighfc ho produced in coloured architecture by medallions of this class is evident , but the full value and beauty of a future school of architecture embellished with Avorks of this nature is inconceivable till some really artistic steps in the new direction shsll have developed a few of the secrets of the new and almost untried power of colour .

The sculptural raised work of Delia Robhia ' s true terra inrilriata is better known than his pencil work , and is of a higher class than any other known work of the class . The very finest modern productions of Messrs . Minton , Copeland , or others , do not at present approach the excellence of the best works of Della Robhia . In all that depends on the technical management of the material , the furnace , the glazes , the colours , and often in the general conception of the design

( founded of course , more or less , on medioaval models ) , the modern wares , of the Delia Robhia kind , of our enterprising manufactures tread closely on the heels ofthe great Italian producers of the Leonian age ; hut , in the purely artistic touch , either in the modelled or painted details , they are , as yet , far behind their mediaival masters ; yet the progress now making is very rapid , and its direction seems the right one . The finest example of the vitrified clay-sculpture of Delia Robbia in the

present Exhibition is the large "Virgin and Child , " surrounded by a border of exquisitely modelled fruits , and no cloubfc originally executed as an altar piece . The two figures are without colour ( as are most of the figure subjects of Della Robbia ) , being pure white , upon a rich blue ground . The design and modelling of this fine work are truly exquisite , and the application of the glaze is so skilful , that bufc little , if any , of the sculptural sharpness of the original model is lost . The

modelling of the hands in the best worts of Delia Robbia is always full of elegance and refinement , and the playful grace of the children quite as remarkable ; in fiict , the principal figures in this class of Delia Robbia work do not require to he regarded merely as decorative productions , or to be looked afc only for their general and ornamental effect ; they may be criticised as works of the highest class of sculpture ( if we may use the term ) only needs a truly artistic development of its powers to rival , in

many respects , thafc of marble , and even to surpass it in others . There is an " Annunciation" by this great artist , treated in a somewhat similar manner to the work just described ; the subject being , however , composed of full , instead of half figures , and tlle framework being of a more architectural character , composed of pilasters , enriched with exquisitely-modelled ornaments of the cinque cento character ( white on a coloured ground ) , from which springs an archcomepleting the framework of the

, subject . There is also a small altar piece representing the Adoration of fche Magi , and a "Last Supper , " both of wliich , as church ornaments , are very effective . There are two other Madonnas , each very excellent , though not quite equal to the subjects first described . There are also other specimens of

Delia Kobhia work in the building , forming part of the permanent collection , which are Avell worthy of careful study . In speaking of fccrra-cotta modelling , protected by a vitreous glaze , aud of other classes of decorative earthenware in the light of features to he introduced in coloured architecture , I might also have dwelt upon the capacities of Wedgwood AV . IVC ; of which the present Exhibition contains some exquisite specimens . But I must leave that for some future

occasiononlre-, y marking that where a bright glaze might be objectionable , the freedom from gloss of the "Wedgwood ware would precisely meet fche requirement , and yet produce an analogous effect ; possessing at the same time , in nearly the same degree , the power of permanent resistance to atmospheric injury . I ought also to call attention to a ( hie architectural medallion , of the Della Robbia class of workwhich appears to have been

, executed in England ; but the art seems to have been lost with us soon after , and not effectively revived till within the last quarter of a century , by Messrs . Minton and others . The work I allude to is a large and striking head , in bold relief . The head is entirely white , ar in the Della Robbia Avaro , with the

Exhibition Of Medlæval Art At The South Kensington Museum.

exception of some gold ornaments , Avhich lm-e a chaste and good effect . It appears to have been the work of an Italian , established in England , one Benedetto di Rovezzano , Avho flourished between 1480 and 1550 . ' *

Notes On Literature, Science, And Art.

NOTES ON LITERATURE , SCIENCE , AND ART .

The Premier has just conferred a pension of £ 100 a year from the civil list on Mr . Leitch Ritchie , who has been incapacitated from his calling hy ill health . Mr . Ritchie is known for several graceful poemns and tales , and he was for some time editor of Chamber ' s Journal . Admirers of the writings of Mr . J . Critchley Prince , the basket-maker , will regret to learn that he has been overtaken

by poverty and distress . The idea ] of procuring a duplicate of Mr . Foley ' s Lord Hardinge is no'iv reA-ived , as Ave ( Athenceum ) made knoAvn , last week , with a better prospect of success . This work , the finest equestrian monument produced by an English sculptor , is to he seen , by a cast , in the south central court of the International

Exhibition . Examiners Avill find it worthy of the remarkable honour of repetition in the capitals of England and India . Mr . Guinness , Avhose spirited and in some respects successful restoration of St . Patrick's Cathedral , Dublin , is progressing , has determined to fill the south transept light , a triplet , with stained glass representing the asrension . #

Sir Thomas Phillips , F . G . S ., Vice President of the Society of Arts , has been unanimously elected Chairman for the current year . Three original editions cf the last volume of " Les-Mis & rables , " by Victor Hugo , are being printed at the same time—one at Paris , one at Brussels , and one at Leipsic . The number of copies struck for the Paris edition , up to this time , is 23 , 000 ; for the Brussels edition , 13 , 000 ; and the Leipsic one 3500 .

Notes On Music And The Drama.

NOTES ON MUSIC AND THE DRAMA .

Musical amateurs who may be visting the Exhibition Avill shortly have an opportunity of hearing the private band of the Viceroy of Egypt . It is to perform at stated intervals in the Egyptian court . The time is ' rapidly approaching ( say sthe Sunday Times ) when the anniversary festival of the Dramatic College will , in duecourse , be celebrated at the Crystal Palace . Already preparations for the forthcoming Fancy Bazar are being made in a

wide circle , and on an extensive scale . Mr . A . Sullivan is engaged in the composition of an opera . A new cantata , hy Mr . Balfe , is fco be produced a Exeter Hall on the occasion of Mr . Sims Reeve's benefit concert . Mr . Henri Leslie ' s cantata was performed at Oxford on the Avedding day of the Princess Alice . '

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents , CRYSTAL PALACE BANQUETS . TO THE EEEDITOE OF THE rKranrASOEXS' 3 IAOAZI 2 TK AND JIASOS'IC JtimtOII . SIE AND BUOIKEB , — -AS a visitor to the Globe Lodgo Summer Banquet at the Crystal Palace , will you allow me to ask Avhero Bro . Strange buys his Avine ? The 13 s .

per dozen claret is nectar in comparison to that placed before me—drink it I did not . Tours fraternally , A DINER OUT .

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