Last Sunday was doubly honoured, in that we were allowed a first peep at the pictures of the year and we had to fill in our census papers; of the latter operation some queer tales are told; some true, others flights of imagination, but the pictures were undoubtedly interesting and full of promise for the galleries. Unless Tam much mistaken one of the successes of the year will be TUE SNAKE CHARMER, by Sir Frederick Goodall. It has already been submitted, by Royal Command, to the King at Marlborough House, and His Majesty congratulated the artist most warmly on the result of his labours. The scene is Eastern, showing an Egyptian Street, with the "Charmer" as a central figure. Mr. Briton Rividre is at his best in "To the Hills "—a shepherd with three collies, painted as he only can paint them, starting out for the day. Mr. John Brett is true to his love of the Cornish coast six of his exquisite sea-scapes will be on jew at the Academy. Mr. Herbert Draper, who will, I should say, very be able to write R.A. after his na done some very beautiful work in Tristram and Tseult. The Princess of Ireland is on her way to be married to he: elderly lover King Mark of Cornwall. We see her on board ship under the Sir Tristram. Iseult's mother has prepa a love potion which she has confided to the care of her daughter's maid. She left it lying about, Sir Tristram finds and, believing it to be wine the bride elect. The result, as depicted on the canvas is not just what was intended, but it is a matter of romantic history with which we are familiar. A picture which will be undoubtedly popular is one by Mrs. Humphrey showing the two elder sons of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York looking over the wall at St.
ames's Palace watching the changing of, he guard. Both likenesses are excellent and give one an insight into the characters of the young sitters which is quite interesting. Prince Edward already possesses the air of one born to command; the younger brother has the yielding nature.
Benjamin Constant has been delightig his friends in Paris by letting them see his likenesses of our late and our present Queen; the former of which is, I believe, to be sent to the Academy, and the latter to this year's Salon, Both are, I understand, most excellent likenesses; that of Queen Victoria being quite the best of the latter-day portraits of Her Majesty. M. Constant is naturally most jubilant at the honour conferred upon him as he received personal sittings, and says that our late Queen was one of the best sitters he ever had. Queen Alexandra's is said to be a charming picture. Her Majesty is in the grounds at Marlborough House in dinner dress with the usual pearl collarette round her throat and a most picturesque hat by way of head gear. With sucha beautiful model, it would be surprising if an artist of M. Constant's well-known skill failed to make amore than ordinary sticcess. Mr. Abbey, the well-known American painter, has already received an order from the King to paint a command picture of the corona; tion next year. His Academy picture this year will represent three Crusaders who have climbed to the top of a hill to get a first glimpse of the city of Jerusalem. oth April.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.