UNKNOWN

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 571, 1 March 1878, Page 2

UNKNOWN

We have been afforded the privilege of viewing a pair of oil paintings from the hands of Mr. Edward A. Gilford. The ono represents a .type of New Zealand floral scenery in Milford Sound, the other u waterfall in Supper Cove. They are the lirst fruits of tlio expedition undertaken by Mr. Gifford a few months ago to the fiords of the West Coast, and will, we venture to say, take first rank as works of high art—and of that class too that professes to depict on canvas New Zealand nature in its true aspect. The view of Milford Sound is a gem. The artist has

chosen—and we think rightly—to render it as it appeared to him on a bright sunny day, with just sufficient cloud in the sky to let one know that the day, though fino, was scarcely likely to enjoy an immunity from passing showers, as the £jtr light clouds floating in the uppeite air will attest. The Mitre Peaks, gleaming with sunshine, towers proudly and prominently over head, and forms a fitting background to the vivid colouring of the verdure-cliul peak in front of it, and the reflection of the mountains upon the waters of tin; Sound are of a nature to recall to our memory home recollections of Horatio AlacCulloch. Again wo have to the right, and forming a fairy-like foreground to the. picture, scenery which by no othur term than Sylvan can he called, thu beautiful woods and silver strand reminding one of that far-famed scene in Katrine's Loch so justly celebrated by JSir Walter Scott in his " Lady of the Lake." To the left we have a high crowned hill, doubtless sombre enough in the ab.soneo of the sun, but hero relieved by a few warm rays, so filled in as to convey to one the idea that, the subject must have been taken at the time of (lay when old Sol had reached his zenith, thus lending an additional charm to an already most charmiii); picture. To add to the cheerfulness of the subject a brace of wild duck appear (•merging from the still waters of ths Sound, where, doubtless, they had been coolly disporting themselves until disturbed by the approach of our talented artist. Altogether, this painting is of a high order ; the various gradations of light, the well-judged perspective, and the harmonious blending of the whole, combine to stamp it as one of more than usual merit.

The other subject, that of 11. waterfall in Supper Cow, is simply excellent, from the highest point of the cataract down to the softest ripple on the bosom of thu Sound. Tin; subject is one of great dillieulty by reason of Mm vast, number of Mu; various species of forest trees and shrubs that, have to be contracted into a comparatively narrow .space. Tlio waterfall is natural, and the spray boiling up at it« base is quite lifo-like. We regret, that such valuable works of art should have to leave Oamnrti iiiiiik;diately, as many will be debarred from (lie pleasure of inspecting them; but an they have been executed for a gentleman who is just, leaving the Colony for China, they cannot be delayed. One of these pictures was on view at Mr. Ferrier's during to-day, and we are pleased to learn there is a probability that, the other will be on view at the same place to-morrow. This will afford the townspeople, at all events, an opportunity of seeing them.

We shall look forward for some further proofs of the artist's ability before long ; meanwhile we cannot but feel flattered to receive a gentleman amongst us who him the touch of a true artist about, him—one, indeed, who, ere leaving England, had already achieved considerable celebrity.