PRESENTATION TO THE PROVINCE.

Evening Star, Issue 3352, 17 November 1873, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO THE PROVINCE.

Messrs John and E, B. Cargill have presented to the Province two portraits, that, whether considered as works of art or as memorials of her Majesty the Queen and her late respected Consort, will be justly estimated as valuable. They are, we believe, the production of Partridge, whose merit as a portrait painter has long been of European repute. We well remember the appearance of the Queen and her illustrious husband at the date at which those likenesses were taken—a few years after their marriage—and consider the faces are most faithful in both drawing and coloring, with the exception that Prince Albert appeared somewhat paler than Partridge represents him. The pictures are what, we believe, are termed threequarters portraits ; that portion of the figure which is visible being life size. Her Majesty s face is in some respects the perfection of art. The flesh tints are exceedingly life like in pureoess and brilliancy, and there is a natural brightness in the eyes that we do not remember having seen realised in a painting to s similar extent before. She is represented leaning a little forward, her left hand resting on a table, and tfle right arm advanced across her chest. This position gives her somewhat the appearance of slight weakness in the chest, a circumstance which, if true, has escaped our recollection. The Prince’s light and elegant form is shown to as great advantage as is consistent with bringing out the features advantageously. He is in the gorgeous hussar dross of his regiment, but in both pictures the richness of the details are rendered subservient to general effect. Those who look upon the likeness of her Majesty, and note the pure white arched forehead, arched eyebrows, clear eyes, finely formed nose, and small though slightly malformed mouth, will not feel surprised that one apparently so refined and pure should realise in her experience a prosperous although chequered reign, when guided by the calm, thoughtful, intellectual Prince, her husband, whose worth will be better appreciated by posterity than by ourselves. We trust this handsome gift will be duly appreciated and acknowledged.