811.

* * * * *

FINE ARTS.

STATUE OF MR. CANNING.

This colossal bronze statue to the memory of George Canning, has lately
been placed in Old Palace Yard, Westminster; the cost being defrayed by
public subscription. The artist is Mr. Westmacott. The figure is to be
admired for its simplicity, though, altogether, it has more stateliness
than natural ease. The likeness is strikingly accurate, and bears all the
intellectual grandeur of the orator. Some objection may be taken to the
disposal of the robes, and the arrangement of the toga is in somewhat too
theatrical a style. We should, at the same time recollect, that the
representation of a British senator in the costume of a Roman is almost
equally objectionable. It would surely be more consistent that statues
should be in the costume of the period and of the country in which the
person lived. We know this will be opposed on the score of classic taste,
which, in this instance, it seems difficult to reconcile with common sense.

The statue is placed on a granite pedestal, and stands within a railed
enclosure, planted with trees and shrubs, and adjoining the footway of
Palace Yard. The bronze appears to have been tinted with the view of
obtaining the green rust which is so desirable on statues. The effect is
not, however, so good as could be wished: the green colour being too light,
and at some distance not sufficiently perceptible from the foliage of the
trees which rise around the figure.

[Illustration: GEORGE CANNING.]

The situation of the statue has been judiciously chosen, being but a short
distance from the senate wherein Canning built up his earthly fame. The
association is unavoidable; and scores of patriotic men who pass by this
national tribute to splendid talent may feel its inspiring influence.
Still, rather than speculate upon Mr. Canning's political career, we quote
Lord Byron's manly eulogium on the illustrious dead: "Canning," said Byron,
in his usual energetic manner, "is a genius, almost an universal one, an
orator, a wit, a poet, and a statesman." Again,

Yet something may remain, perchance, to chime
With reason, and what's stranger still, with rhyme;
Even this thy genius, CANNING! may permit,
Who, bred a statesman, still was born a wit,
And never, even in that dull house, could'st tame
To unleaven'd prose thine own poetic flame;
Our last, our best, our only Orator,
Ev'n I can praise thee