A COLLECTION OF PICTURES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7353, 13 June 1885, Page 1 (Supplement)

A COLLECTION OF PICTURES.

There is, just now on exhibition at Messrs. Upton and Co.'s, a collection of water-colour drawings, which we think should attract a good deal of attention from the art-loving portion of this community. Now and again someone more daring than another amongst our local artists, strikes out in a fresh direction. There may be a fresh effect in colour, or a novel treatment of foliage; or, perhaps, it may be a fine effect in perspective, or, perchance, a remarkably bold delineation of a kauri trunk; but there is one direction in whioh it may be saidwe trust, without hurting the feelings of anyone our local school needs most help from the health* ful school of competition, and that is in figure drawing* Wo are very glad, indeed, to see these pictures of Messrs. Upton's, as we think that, in the particular to whioh we have alluded, they will be of great service as studies in figures and in grouping. As to colour, we do not recollect having before seen so free a use of the most brilliant colour with the same harmonious effect. The " Old Castellan " by B. Gioia, is a tine group, and it is in this picture that we think the bold and skilful, but withal judicious use of brilliant colour has the most happy effect. Signor Gioia'has, for his artistio merit*, been distinguished both by the Pope and the King of Italy. To him was committed, by Pope Pins IX, the illustration in minatnre of the "Dogma of too Conception," at which he worked more than twenty years. The 4 present Pope, Leo XIII., to whom the finished work ..was delivered, was so satisfied with it that he issued an opuscole description of it under the title, "A Monument more under the Popes." Signor Gabrini's works, " Shepherd and Sheep" and " Goatberdess," show great cleverness and conscientiousness, and the pair are very instructive studies, De Grasai's works, Nos. 5 and 6, are humorous groups,* full of life , and.' interest, V and. sure .to \ be \ highly approved. Signor Guardabasai is represented. by one drawing, and very sweet it is in its simplicity, and very bold in : its perfectly harmonious colouring. ;. The sketch of Barucci, a landscape, 'is full; of interest. Bat each work of this very interesting collection will bo found to possess peculiar merit, and those of Signers De Grassi and Vitali will attract especial attention. V'e should hear with pleasure that some generous oit'zen had purchased the whole of, this excellent collection for our new Art, Gallery. These pictures have been sent out to Mess s. Upton and Co. by a firm of correspondents at Rome. .. *