graceful and animated manner; and many affluent connoisseurs present, the countenance is full of disdain, they did not seem inclined to bid; disappointment, and resentment. The but when they found that the works whole contour of the figure is astonish- in general were interesting objects to ingly grand, yet the anatomy perfectly artists of acknowledged judgment, correct. The sculptor has taken that they became as eager as they were bemoment of time when Briseis has fore negligent; and the shade of Rombeen torn from Achilles, by order of ney had no reason to be dissatisfied Agamemnon; and the action is de- with the fate which attended the rescribed by the preceding lines of Ho- mains of his genius. mer. The waves of the ocean wash the base of the figure, which is elevated on a pedestal, about three feet high. The figure measures a little more than eight feet. MISCELLANEOUS. It appears by a Report from the Custom House, printed by order of the House of Commons, that in 12 years, from 1799 to 1804, there were A magnificent work is announced built and registered in the several at Paris, by Messrs. Treuttel and ports of the British empire 11,259 Wurtz, under the title of Voyage Pit- vessels of all sizes, from three tons toresque de Constantinople et des Rices and upwards, containing 1,205,847 du Bosphore, which is to contain forty- tons. In 1803 the number of vessels eight plates, and to be published in was 1,407, and that of tons 185,692; twelve parts, accompanied by suitable which fell in 1804 to 991 vessels, contexts, printed by Didot. The price of taining 95,979 tons. each print will be 100 francs to the subscribers at Paris, and the first part has, we believe, already appeared. It appears from Derrick's Memoirs of the Rise and Progress of the Royal Navy, that in the year 1548, under Mr. West, of Cork, is preparing to Edward VI. the number of vessels bepublish twenty-four PicturesqueViews longing to the royal navy was 53, and of Cork and its Environs, engraved the tonnage 11,268. In 1793 the vesby Mr. F. Calvert; accompanied by sels were 498, and the tonnage 433,240. appropriate descriptions and illustra- In 1805 the vessels were 949. tive notes, written by himself. Messrs. Boydell and Co. have announced as nearly ready for publication the third number of Liber Veritatis, containing twenty fac-simile prints after Claude's drawings in the collection of Earl Spencer and Charles Lambert, Esq. engraved by Earlom. The annual Report of the London Dispensary, for curing diseases of the eye and ear, under the care of Mr. Saunders, in Charterhouse - square, states, that from the 25th of March, 1806, to the same day in 1807,-1050 patients have been cured of diseases of the eyes, and 49 of discases of the ear. The pictures of the late Mr. Romney, consisting chiefly of sketches and The city of Batavia contains about unfinished portraits, have been sold 115,000 inhabitants, the annual loss by Mr. Christie to great advantage, of which by deaths is about 4000; and considering the little progress the art- the Dutch in proportion to their num ist had made in most of them, They, bers contribute inore largely to this however, bore strong marks of taste list of mortality. The Dutch, includand genius. A juvenile portrait of ing the half-cast, lose 9 in 100; the Mrs. Siddons, with a comic arrange- Chinese 3; the Natives and Malays ment of the features, was bought by 2; and the Slaves 73. The mortality Tresham, who also bought many among European feinales is not nearly sketches of Lady Hamilton. He was so great as among the males; and this offered eighty guineas advance upon fact proves that intemperance is the all these sketches, but he gallantly declared that he would never suffer principal cause of mortality. the semblances of that lady to be undervalued, or consent to part with any of them. Hoppner purchased several unfinished studies, strongly characterized by original genius. It is somewhat curious that, though there were America. Mr. J. D. Burk has lately published two volumes of the History of Virginia, which will speedily be followed by a We understand third and fourth. that the History of Virginia is not only valuable, as the production of a supe- piece of this sculptor, who is now in Denmark. M. Barthey has re-written his celebrated work on the Elements of the Science of Man, which it is expected will produce a kind of revolution in the science of physiology. The island of Mors, situated in the M. Tenou has lately presented to north-west of Jutland, and separated the National Institute, a description by the great gulph of Limfiord, which of the Teeth of the Cachalot and Cropenetrates far into the interior of this codile. The teeth of the former have peninsula, deserves to become the no enamel, but only the osseous cortex. subject of special notice; though The one, we are informed, may be hitherto in a manner unknown to the easily distinguished from, the other; Danes themselves. The population because the enamel is much harder, of it is about 8000 persons, and they and is entirely dissolved in the acids, speak a language peculiar to themselves, without leaving any gelatinous parenA Glossary has lately been published chyme. The tusks of the elephant, containing 700 words unknown else- and the grinders of the bear, have no where. This information will interest other envelope. those who investigate the northern languages. The Scandinavian Society of Copenhagen continues its labours with great activity. They have published several interesting dissertations on the antiquities of Scandinavia in the journal called the Scandinavian Museum, which is printed both in the Danish and Swedish languages. France. The French have lately been successful in naturalizing cotton and indigo in their southern provinces; and their attention is now directed to the New Zealand Flax, Phormium tenax, or Phormium textile, of the botanists. Capt. Cook first discovered this plant, which unites in a superior degree the useful qualities of the hemp and flax of Europe. It is now cultivated with success in Norfolk Island; and Capt. Baudin, in his late voyage round the world, brought from thence nine plants to France. Under the care of Thouin, these have brought their seeds to maturity, and seedlings have been since sent to the departments Seine Inferior, Herault, La Drom Le Var, and to the Island of Corsica. The young plants are found to thrive well in the most southern of these provinces. The artists and amateurs of Paris crowd to the workshop of Dejoux, in the Louvre, to see his colossal model of the statue of General Desaix, designed to be cast in bronze, and placed on the pedestal in the Place des Victories. It is universally judged to be the masterUNIVERSAL MAG. VOL. VII. Germany. A composer of Vienna, named Bohdomowitsch, has lately announced the execution of a great musical piece, under the title of Klopstock's Battle of Herrman. Several thousands of persons will be required for its representation; and the theatre is to be an open country, with woods, meadows, &c. The most curious part, however, will consist in an interlude taken from modern times, in which a great number of cannon and small arms will form the bass, and for which purpose the composer gravely requests the assistance of musical artillerymen and cannoneers., A German Journal, of some reputation, affirms, that there are beavers in Westphalia, on the banks of the Lippe; and that they continue there in spite of the endeavours of the inhabitants to destroy them. This appears, it is said, very evidently from the great number of trees which are fallen on the river sides. The question arising from this fact, if admitted, is, whether these beavers live in societies, in pairs, or solitary? M. De Murr, a learned antiquary of Nuremberg, has sent to the Emperor of Russia three manuscripts in the hand-writing of Regiomontanus, of several rare printed works of that celebrated mathematician. The Emperor has ordered them to be deposited in the imperial library, and has sent a handsome ring to M. de Murr. The Director of the Museum of 3 L Munich has gone to Augsburg, to longing to the Duke of Brunswick, is chuse a convenient place for the late likewise doomed to furnish several of Dusseldorf Gallery. It is supposed the best paintings to embellish the that the new Gallery will be established in the Convent of the Nuns of St. Ursula. Prussia. capital of the conquerors; and a selection has been made by them of the most rare engravings, medals, gems, and manuscripts of that celebrated library. Among the MSS. were four original pieces, which serve to illustrate the history of France. Bonaparte has ordered a great number of the Works of Art to be sent from the Prussian dominions to Paris. Amongst others he has sent the Chariot The number of students in the prinof Victory drawn by four horses, which cipal universities of Prussia have been stood on the Brandenburg gate at Ber- given as follows:-Halle, in 1802, 634; lin, and remarkable for the singular Erlangen, in 1801, 800; and Konigsmanner in which it was made. All berg, in 1802, 300. Switzerland. the parts of it are of copper, and formed with a hammer, and joined together The bust of the celebrated Haller is with nails. However difficult such a arrived from Paris at Berne, and is to work may seem, the artist has treated be placed in the Botanic Garden; but it with great truth and correctness. the subscriptions of the Bernese havBonaparte was so struck with the ing fallen short of the expense, a beauty of it, that he sent for the artist, second subscription, rot confined to and after making him many flattering the city, is opened for the reception compliments, engaged him to remove of further aids. to Paris. The gallery of Saltzhal, be ENTERTAINMENTS AND EXHIBITIONS. ten by Mr. Lewis, entitled Adelgitha; Emperor of By- Mr. RAYMOND Robert Guiscard, Mr. H. SIDDONS Lothair of Michael Claudia Mr. ELLISTON Mrs. POWELL Mrs. H. SIDDONS Mr. Lewis's language in this play displays a classical taste, but perhaps a too prejudiced one. Mrs. Powell was the heroine of the piece: her remorse, her love for her husband, and all the contending passions which the consciousness of present virtue, and the wish to conceal past frailty produce, were pourtrayed with a most impressive effect. COVENT-GARDEN, April 16.-This evening a new serio-comic ballet of action, called The Ogre and Little Thumb, or The Seven League Boots, was produced for the first time at this Miss BOYCE theatre. The incidents are taken This tragedy having already been principally from Mother Goose's tale performed at the Theatre, Covent- of Little Thumb, combined with the Garden, renders it unnecessary to de- Adventures of Count Manfredi; Orscribe the plot, especially as it has lando, his friend; Scamperini, the been also printed some time. The count's servant; and Marian, daughpurity of morals and the rigidness of ter to Gaffer and Gammer Thumb. virtue which are enforced by this tra- The agents of Anthropophagos the gedy, called forth the best approbation of a numerous audience. Mrs. H. Siddons played Imma with her usual feeling and interest; but Mr. Raymond's Michael would have been bet Ogre, are Will o' the Wisp and Jack a Lantern, which lead the children of Gammer Thumb, the count and Scamperini to the castle of the Ogre, from which they are released by Lit tle Thumb, who possesses himself of Titus or a Marcus Antoninus. This the Ogre's seven league boots, and Opera, is perhaps, without exception, brings about his destruction. The one of the best dramatic pieces of the scenery was extremely beautiful, par- present season. The character of Peticularly a cataract of real water, ter (imaginary as it is) is uncommonly which was well managed. The inte- well drawn; there is sometimes great rior of Gaffer Thumb's cottage and force and sobriety in his declamation; the brazen tower produced a grand and the shipwright is a very respeceffect,, as did also the scene of a table attempt at humour. The music, mountainous country. The music is by M. Jouve, is charming; and almost by Mr. Ware, and is very fine, espe- every song was encored. The scenery cially the overture. is beautiful, particularly a view of April 22. This evening, Mrs. Sid- ships at anchor; and there is a grand dons returned to this theatre, in the allegorical transparency, in which the character of Lady Macbeth. She was Cyclops are introduced. received on her entrance with a CONCERT OF ANCIENT MUSIC.warmth of public favour worthy of her The Ninth Concert was on the 15th of high talents, and she exerted herself April, under the direction of the Earl throughout the performance with a of Uxbridge for the Earl of Chesterdegree of zeal that procured her many field. The selection was from Handel, repetitions of applause. with the exception of a beautiful CanMay 8.-This evening, a new mu- zonet of I, my Dear, was born to-day, by E sical drama, in three acts, called Peter Travers, which Mr. Harrison and Mr. the Great, or Wooden Walls, was pro- Bartleman sang in the finest style, and duced, from the pen of Mr. Cherry. the glee of Now is the Month of Maying. The characters were Peter the Great Le Fort Mauritz Mr. C. KEMBLE Mr. SIMMONS Mr. MURRAY Michael Petrowitz Mr. INCLEDON Paulina Miss BOLTON The Tenth Concert was on the 22d of April, under the direction of the Earl of Darnley. Handel was the source of selection, and his Acis and Galatea afforded ample scope to Harrison, Bartleman, and Mrs. Vaughan, who obtained high approbation. Come if you dare was given with strong expression by Harrison. Knyvett, Elliott, and Sale acquitted theinselves with their usual ability. The Eleventh Concert was on the The story relates to the pilgrimages 29th of April, under the direction of of Czar Peter, in the disguise of a the Earl of Chesterfield; and the semechanic, to England, Holland, and lection was from the more serious muGermany, in order to acquire a know- sic of Handel, which Mrs. Vaughan, ledge of the several trades of those Mr. Harrison, Mr. Bartleman, and Mr. countries, for the purpose of introdu- W. Knyvett executed in their finest cing civilization into Russia.-The style. memorable adventure of his working The Twelfth and last Concert for in the yard of a shipwright, and his this Season was on May 6, under the meeting with Catharine, whoın he af- direction of the Earl of Dartmouth. terwards espoused, are the ground The selection was principally from works of the present piece. Every Handel, whose divine music was feature of the real characters of Peter charmingly given by Mrs. Vaughan, and Catharine are cast in the dramatic Mr. Bartleman, and Mr. Harrison; and, model, upon the plan of Arcadian the favourite Glee of Donald was rapsoftness and pastoral simplicity. The turously applauded. The manner in ferocity of this famed northern chief which these concerts have been contain is changed into a tone of ethical ducted reflects the highest honour on benevolence and moral philosophy; the directors. he makes as deep and pious reflec- BATH, April 22.-This evening, tions upon the use of supreme power, Madame Catalani gave a Concert in and the restraint of the passions, as a the Great Room, Bath, under the di rection of Mr. Rauzzini. The avidity four o'clock, though the concert did to hear her was so great that, notwith- not begin before eight. Madame Catastanding the tickets were at a guinea lani sang three airs with her wonted a piece for non-subscribers and 158. excellence, and the beautiful cavatina for subscribers, the room was filled by Ah Quanto Lamina was loudly encored. ADDITIONS TO, AND CORRECTIONS IN, FORMER OBITUARIES. JOHN OPIE, Esq. R.A. whose Death changed his place of abode from a prowas announced at p. 376. vincial city to the metropolis, and suc MR. OPIE was born in the year cessively removed from a little court 1761, at a place called Harmony- in the neighbourhood of LeicesterCot, in the parish of St. Agnes, Corn- square, first to Great Queen-street, and wall; where his father, who was a then to the politer air of Berners-street, master carpenter, resided. His mother where he afterwards lived till his death. was of the ancient and respectable fa- On his arrival in London, he was inmily of Tonkin, of Trevaunance. At troduced to notice by his friend Peter ten years of age he was an excellent Pindar; who is said to have received arithmetician, and wrote a most ad- a poundage from his labours, as mirable hand and was, immediately the price of his patronage. on leaving school, bound apprentice been four or five years in the metroto his father. It was during this period polis, however, before he began to exthat he discovered those innate marks hibit; as it was not until the year 1786, of genius, by which he was enabled to that any of his pictures appeared at bound over a gulph in which thousands Somerset-House. have sunk to oblivion. At this time, Dr. Wolcot (better known as Peter Pindar) resided in Truro; and some of young Opie's first attempts being shewn to him, he was so much pleased with them, that he could not help exclaiming Non sinè Dies animosus puer. He accordingly took him under his protection, cultivated his talents, and taught him to aspire to fame and fortune. Opie's first humble attempt at portrait painting was with a smutty stick against the white-washed wall of his paternal cottage; where he exhibited in dark colours indeed, but striking likenesses, the heads of his whole family. He then advanced a step farther, by drawing with ochre, on a sheet of cartridge-paper, several heads with such strong lineaments and so much taste, as to procure him the patronage just mentioned. Dr. Wolcot having furnished him with materials, and given him lessons, by which he profited in a manner that surprized even his tutor, and having made a rapid progress, Opie went to Exeter, where he acquired some knowledge of oil painting, and began to earn a livelihood by his pencil. He then He had From that time, wealth and reputation seemed to attend his efforts; he was first nominated an Associate, and soon after a Roval Academician, at which period he began to wean himself from subjects of history, and to fall into the more suc cessful and profitable trade of a fashionable portrait painter. The first specimen of his literary abilities was the Life of Sir Joshua Reynolds, in Dr. Wolcot's edition of Pilkington's Dictionary. He next published a letter in the Morning Chronicle, and since republished in "An Inquiry into the requisite Cultivation of the Arts of Design in England;" in which he proposed a distinct plan for the formation of a National Gallery, tending at once to exalt the arts of his country, and immortalize its glory. He was soon after engaged by the managers of the Royal Institution to deliver a course of lectures on painting at that establishment. These lectures never satisfied their author, and he declined the continuance of them.-His election to the Professorship of Painting at the Royal Academy happening nearly at this time, he resolved to per fect what he had perceived defective. In his lectures at the Royal Institution, he was abrupt, crowded, and frequently |