" that inspired Claude Lorraine. I
can give no possible idea in writing of the tone of colour in this
picture, except by comparing it to the semi-transparency of Mosaic, such
are the clearness of the tints and pearliness of the sky and distance. As
to chiaro-oscure, it is breadth and simplicity itself. Nothing but the
purest ultramarine could ever produce such a green as that which colours
the trees.

On the same side of the room are two small Vander Meulens, landscapes.
They are very highly finished, and the colouring is delicious; the trees
are grouped with all the grandeur of Claude or Poussin. Above are two of
the finest Vernets; they are both sea pieces. The colouring has a depth
and richness I never before saw in anything attributed to him. In the
Louvre are his most famous pictures, and what I now say is the result of
calm and mature reflection. I had the Louvre pictures constantly before
my eyes for three months. They are very large, and certainly have great
merit; but had I my choice I would prefer Mr. Beckford's to any of the
set.

West's original sketch for his great picture of King Lear, painted for
Boydell's Shakspeare Gallery--"Blow, blow, thou winter wind." A most
wonderful performance. The expression of face of the poor mad king is
astonishing; the colouring rich and mellow--nothing of West's usually
hard outline. The whole picture is full of energy and fire, and seems to
have been struck off with the greatest ease and rapidity. "Do observe
the face of Edgar," said Mr. Beckford. "Under his assumed madness you
trace a sentiment of respect and anxiety for the monarch; he could not
forget that it was his sovereign." "I have seen," I said, "most of
West's great pictures, but there is more genius in that sketch than in
anything I ever saw of his. I think he took too much pains with his
sketches. The consequence was that the original spirit evaporated long
before the completion of the great tame painting, where his men and women
too often look like wooden lay figures covered with drapery." "Sir, did
you ever see his sketch of Death on the Pale Horse? The large picture is
certainly very fine, but I have heard the best judges say that the
original sketch is one of the finest things in existence. The President
himself considered it his best and refused 100 pounds, offered for it by
the Prince Regent; yet afterwards, being distressed for money, he parted
with it, I believe, to Mr. Thompson, the