∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
The Diadem for 1846. A Present for All Seasons. With Ten Engravings, after Pictures by Inman, Leutze, &c. Philadelphia: Carey & Hart.
The Diadem is a quarto of very rich appearance in every respect, and especially well adapted for a Christmas Gift. It is edited by the Rev. W. H. Furness of Philadelphia. Its engravings are, for the most part, of high merit. The frontispiece is particularly excellent — a mezzotint in Sartain's best manner, from Inman's painting, “The Page.” The face is one of great sweetness and dignity of expression — but there is a pursiness about the chest and shoulders which slightly displeases. The title-page is from Leutze — an emblematical design — an angel presenting various devices. The editor speaks justly of the figure's “serene and earnest eyes” — but the composition of the whole work is confused. “The Momentous Question” by Sartain is from a well-known painting by Miss Setchal, representing a vivid scene from Crabbe — admirable altogether. “The Fisherman's Daughter” and “The Falconer's Son” are somewhat rashly taken from Landseer's picture of Bolton Abbey, the composition of which is so remarkably meritorious. In cutting out portions from such a work, there should have been fresh accessories, etc. What is admirable in its due position in a large picture, is very often displeasing when taken by itself, or merely with the points immediately surrounding it. “The Heart's Misgivings” by Sartain from Frank Stone, is excellent. “The Early Dawn” also by Sartain from Joshua Cristall is, we think, the best picture in the Annual, with the exception of “The Mask” from Inman the mezzotinting in this last, is exceedingly good. “The Homeless” is from a picture by P. Poole an English artist, and has much force. The only engraving left unmentioned is a portrait of the deceased Edward L. Carey, drawn and engraved by Sartain. As a likeness we do not think it does full justice to the original. but we learn that it was partially taken after death.
The literary matter is supplied by the Editor — by Miss Lynch, Emerson and others. In general it is superior to the literature in Annuals. Here is something exceedingly piquant and naive.
A FABLE.
BY R. W. EMERSON.
The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel,
And the former called the latter “little prig”;
Bun replied,
“You are doubtless very big,
But all sorts of things and weather
Must he taken in together
To make up a year
And a sphere;
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I’m not so large as you,
You are not so small as I
And not half so spry.
I’ll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Notes:
This review was attributed as being by Poe by W. D. Hull.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
[S:0 - BJ, 1845] - Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore - Works - Criticism - Literary (Poe?, 1845)