DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.22424#0344
330 SIR THOMAS SEBRIGHT'S COLLECTION. Letter VI.
early representation in colour of this group, however, it has a
certain interest.
drawing-room.
Willem van de Velde.—A calm sea. Among the vessels
which enliven the surface, one in the middle-distance, somewhat
towards the left, is remarkable. Warm and clear in tone, and of
masterly treatment.
The Adoration of the Kings, a rich circular composition, with
numerous portrait-like figures, is here arbitrarily assigned to Gio-
vanni Santi. But all who, like myself, are acquainted with the
authentic pictures of ithis master in Italy and elsewhere, will feel
that conception and character of heads, as well as the hard outlines
and very dark general tone, are at variance with the father of
Raphael. Judging from all these characteristics, and also from
the treatment of the gold, especially in the drapery of the kneeling
king, I am inclined to believe this to be a remarkable picture of
the early Spanish school. The head of a youth in profile is of
great beauty.
the gallery in the great hall.
Sir Joshua Beynolds.—Portraits of Mr. Croft and his wife.
Almost to the knees. This is one of his pictures which unite an
animated conception with a very solid execution. The portrait of
the lady is also very attractive for her beautiful features.
lady sebright's bed-room.
Cornells Huysman.—1 and 2. Two landscapes. Belonging
in composition and execution to his better works.
The library also contains numerous rare old engravings and
MSS. with miniatures. Among the first I may name the very rare
first edition of the Book of Common Prayer. Among the MSS. is
one which, in Sir Thomas Sebright's opinion, was executed for
Leo X., and in mine for Clement VII. It is adorned with careful
miniatures, erroneously attributed to Giulio Clovio, who flourished
later. Also a prayer-book of French miniatures of moderate artistic
value, executed about 1460.
The visitor to Beechwood will also be struck by the rich furniture,
and by the number of noble trees. The largest cedar of Lebanon
I have yet seen in England is here.
early representation in colour of this group, however, it has a
certain interest.
drawing-room.
Willem van de Velde.—A calm sea. Among the vessels
which enliven the surface, one in the middle-distance, somewhat
towards the left, is remarkable. Warm and clear in tone, and of
masterly treatment.
The Adoration of the Kings, a rich circular composition, with
numerous portrait-like figures, is here arbitrarily assigned to Gio-
vanni Santi. But all who, like myself, are acquainted with the
authentic pictures of ithis master in Italy and elsewhere, will feel
that conception and character of heads, as well as the hard outlines
and very dark general tone, are at variance with the father of
Raphael. Judging from all these characteristics, and also from
the treatment of the gold, especially in the drapery of the kneeling
king, I am inclined to believe this to be a remarkable picture of
the early Spanish school. The head of a youth in profile is of
great beauty.
the gallery in the great hall.
Sir Joshua Beynolds.—Portraits of Mr. Croft and his wife.
Almost to the knees. This is one of his pictures which unite an
animated conception with a very solid execution. The portrait of
the lady is also very attractive for her beautiful features.
lady sebright's bed-room.
Cornells Huysman.—1 and 2. Two landscapes. Belonging
in composition and execution to his better works.
The library also contains numerous rare old engravings and
MSS. with miniatures. Among the first I may name the very rare
first edition of the Book of Common Prayer. Among the MSS. is
one which, in Sir Thomas Sebright's opinion, was executed for
Leo X., and in mine for Clement VII. It is adorned with careful
miniatures, erroneously attributed to Giulio Clovio, who flourished
later. Also a prayer-book of French miniatures of moderate artistic
value, executed about 1460.
The visitor to Beechwood will also be struck by the rich furniture,
and by the number of noble trees. The largest cedar of Lebanon
I have yet seen in England is here.