Punch: Punch (97.1889)

206

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. [November 2, 1889.

A BIG BATTLE PICTURE!

Sketch oj a Grand National Historical Painting, by Sir IV. Historians Artcourt. R.A.

Extract from Descriptive Catalogue.

We have it upon a great authority that “It is the habit of
Englishmen, when they are satisfied with themselves and with the
rest of mankind, to dine.” It is the nature of that great and magis-
terial, if rather flamboyant English artist, Sir W. Historicus Art-
court, R.A., when he is “ satisfied with himself ”—which is often—
to paint a big picture, in very unctuous oils, and generally couleur-
de-rose.

The latest large picture of this Master, presented by him to the
National Liberal Club, but exhibited urbi et orhi in the present
Exhibition, is entitled, “ The Battle of Westminster! Critical
Moment! ”

It is decidedly ‘ ‘ un oeuvre de longue holeine f painted on a large

canvas with a full brush, and in the flowing, florid style so charac-
teristic of the artist.

It represents that scene in the great battle referred to when
F.M. Commander-in-Chief Gladstone, the “Great Leader’’ of the
Liberal Army, is awaiting the psychologic moment for giving the
decisive signal, “Up, Guards, and at ’em!” Reinforcements,
including welcome recruits from such patriotic places as Dundee,
Elgin and Nairn, Peterborough, and North Bucks, have come in
sight, to the great encouragement of the Liberal Chief, and the
equally great disappointment of the leaders of the rival hosts.
“ Coming,” says the Historian of the Epoch, “ at the close of a long
and hard-fought field, they arrived at a critical moment of this
great action, and justified the leader of the Liberal Army in ordering
a general advance of his host, and in giving the word, ‘ Up, Guards,