OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2545, 24 December 1902, Page 2 (Supplement)

OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

1. " The Courtyard." — A scene in Antwerp, representing Mr Butler's old Flemish landlady and her daughter on washing-day. Here we would draw attention to the admirable balance of the figure in the foreground, carrying the tub. Throughout this picture the light and shade values are remarkably well preserved, and the result is a pleasing and successful composition 2. " A Little Deaf." — Here we have the likeness of an old Antwerp model, famed alike for his venerable appearance and for the gentle vanity that made him proud of having been " sixty years in the profession." The portrait is one of those that appeal to strangers from its life-like pose and colouring. 3. " Tomahawk Head." — A fine seascape, in which the inrushing wave is well depicted, being thrown into strong relief by the mass of dark rocks behind. This picture gives an excellent impression of one of our well-known beauty spots. It is now in London at the British Colonial Exhibition. 4. " Nathalie." — The study of a Flemish peasant girl, painted from nature while the artist was on a sketching tour in Belgium. Though the face and figure in this picture are not what are generally considered beautiful, or even attractive, they have the merit of truth and careful delineation. 5. " Narcissus." — This picture bears the legend, " In hopeless pining young Narcissus sits beside the limpid stream," and depicts the hero of classic legend sitting in a dejected attitude endeavouring to catch a glimpse of his own image in the still pool at his feet. Here we may note the natural and graceful pose of the figure, and the careful delineation of all the accessories, including the weedy bank and the delicate shafts of water iris and loose-strife that spring about the feet of the mournful youth.

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