International studio (18.1902/1903)

as ample in simpHcity of style as Girtin's sun-
set in the ITHz'/f a/ a picture which
Turner rated very highly. He confessed, indeed,
according to tradition, that this was work he had
never surpassed himseif. One morning a dealer
caHed on him in a hackney coach, and looking at
his pictures said: " These are very hne, Mr.
Turner, but I have brought something hner with
me." " I don't know what that can be," Turner
answered, "uniess it's Tom Girtin's iTW/c Zfwrg
The now the property of Mr.
Horatio Michoiis, hangs to-day near a Turner
water-coiour, as weli as in the same room with
several works by David Cox ; and it not only hoids
its own quite easily, but enables any one to arrive
at a clear understanding of the distinctive merit of
its painter. Girtin goes straight to his point,
wasting not a single second on anything unessen-
tial to the ampiitude of his general effect. In
his methods of work, however subtie the resuits
produced, there is aiways an assured strength, a
soldierly directness, a seif discipline that gives him

ease and confidence and dignity; and so perfect in
iargeness of design is the restfui, quiet beauty of
his that his best works have an abiding
vaiue hard to over-estimate. Though remarkabie for
the sobriety of their coiour, they have yet, within
their low tones, a pecuiiar radiancy fuil of persuasive
charm, a sort of modest radiancy that seems to
shine gentiy through a whoie room. Again,
beautifui as these best works are when studied
near the eye they do not invite close examina-
tion ; rather do they keep one at a distance, in
order that their light and breadth may be seen
iargeiy in focus. It is not thus that Turner's
infiuence comes to anyone through his water-
colours. A handiing like Turner's, wonderfuily
subtie, inhnitely delicate and intricate, cannot but
be admired iike a jewei. It entices one to
examine it closeiy at arm's length, and one feeis
that the piay of imagination and the charm of
colour are too exquisite to be decorative in pictures
for a waii. In truth, water colours by Turner are
treasures for a portfoiio; they cannot be studied
with an attention too minute, nor can they be


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"THE GUILDHALL, EXETER " FROM THE PENCIL SKETCH BY THOMAS GIRTIN

84