E391026C. Findens’ Tableaux (1840).
The Literary Gazette, 26 October 1839, p. 676.
As reprinted in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 4, 411–412.
“The Dream,” which graces the title-page of this elegant volume, is a beautiful specimen of the whole plan, which consists of twelve plates of human groups, by Mr. Browne. It represents a lovely boy sleeping, and his dream shews many small groups of figures (such as surround the other engravings), invented with great taste, and drawn with infinite grace and spirit. All these bear reference to the principal, and serve as a framework commentary on the subject. We have not seen more appropriate and characteristic accompaniments. With regard to the principal designs, they are generally well conceived; but, perhaps, upon the whole, too smooth and pretty. The young men (such as the Woodcutter) are peculiarly liable to the remark of being effeminate, and like handsome girls in male attire. The females are much better—we except the Roundhead’s daughter with her round shoulders, and almost the beacon, with its indifferent foreshortening. Wherever there are children introduced, they are deliciously painted; and most of the subjects are of a touching nature. Of the letterpress, we cannot say much: “Venice,” a poem, by Barry Cornwall; and “The Bride,” and “The Woodcutter,” two of the editor’s neat little prose narratives, being the only essays to be noticed with praise as literary productions. But, after all, such publications must rely chiefly on the Arts; and in this respect the Tableaux are worthy of the high names of the Findens.
Reviewed:
Findens’ Tableaux, ed. M.R. Mitford, London: 1840.
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