STRICTURES 
 
 ON THE 
 
 MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES 
 
 THE NATIONAL GALLERY, 
 
 4th February, 1847. 
 
 WILLIAM CONINGHAM, ESQ. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 WHITTAKER AND CO., AYE MARIA LANE. 
 
 BRIGHTON: 
 
 ARTHUR WALLIS, 5, BARTHOLOMEWS. 
 
 1847. 
 
BRIGHTON : 
 
 PRINTED BY ARTHUR WALLIS, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, 
 
 5 , BARTHOLOMEWS 
 
STRICTURES, &c. 
 
 It is a melancholy fact, that in the year 1847, we appear to be 
 further than ever from realising the sanguine anticipations of Sir 
 George Beaumont, who looked forward to the time when mediocrity 
 in art would be neglected, and excellence never be passed over. 
 The very existence of the treasures which have been so munificently 
 bequeathed to us, is now compromised, unless the Trustees of the 
 National Gallery can be induced to arrest the hand of the spoiler. 
 When Rome was sacked, Parmegiano and his "Vision of St. 
 Jerome” were protected from injury and from insult, by the rudo 
 German soldiery of the Constable of Bourbon; and shall we permit 
 that which commanded respect from ignorant barbarians, to be 
 condemned to slow r but sure destruction? 
 
 The Official Report of Mr. Eastlake to the Trustees of the 
 National Gallery, has been laid before the House of Commons. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Trustees of the Gallery, held on the 4th 
 of Eebruary, 1847, it was "Resolved, — that in the opinion of 
 the Trustees, the report so made by Mr. Eastlake is entirely 
 satisfactory, and justifies the confidence which they have reposed 
 in his judgment, with respect to the treatment of the pictures 
 in the National Gallery.” The public ought not to be influenced 
 by this resolution of the Trustees, as it appears from the report 
 itself, that they have never taken any step on their own responsi- 
 bility, but have always adopted the opinion of Mr. Eastlake, or 
 rather that of Mr. Seguier, who is evidently the real keeper of the 
 Gallery. Whatever might have been the individual opinions of 
 the Trustees, unless prepared publicly to condemn their own 
 
4 
 
 proceedings, they could not avoid assuming the responsibility of 
 measures carried out under their immediate directions. The 
 resolution is, in fact, a formal approval of the treatment of all 
 those pictures which have been cleaned since the summer of the 
 year 1844. Thus, if people can but convince themselves, that 
 any one of those pictures has been over- cleaned, my case will be 
 established, and it will then become a question merely of degree. 
 
 The doubtful portrait, seems to be one of those illegitimate 
 offspiing which would willingly be disowned by all parties. At a 
 Meeting of the Trustees on the 7th of April, 1845, Mr. Eastlake 
 was empowered to purchase this " Libel on Holbein,” at a price 
 not exceeding eight hundred guineas; and I have obtained 
 moreover, certain information, that it was originally recommended 
 to the Gallery, by a member of the Royal Academy. It is stated 
 in Mr. Eastlake* S defence, that he had nothing to do with this 
 purchase ; but it was his duty, as the keeper of the Gallery, and 
 the confidential adviser of the Trustees, to enter a formal protest 
 against the purchase of this bungling forgery. As he did not 
 protest, and as he was the negotiator employed to complete the 
 purchase, his silence amounted to a tacit approval, of the most 
 objectionable acquisition ever made for the National Gallery. The 
 report contains a very important statement by Mr. Eastlake, viz : — 
 that till undeceived by Mr. Seguier, he had supposed that the 
 ‘ Peace and War” might have been restored at some former period. 
 After such an admission, how can Mr. Eastlake*s opinion be 
 accepted, when this fact shows him to be entirely dependent on 
 the judgment of his cleaner, and proves that he is incompetent to 
 decide, whether, the pictures have or have not suffered under the 
 manipulations, or from the solvents of Mr. Seguier ? 
 
 In the vacation of 1 844, " The Brazen Serpent,” by Bubens ; 
 "The Venus and Adonis,” attributed to Titian; "The St. 
 Erancis,” by Lodovico Mazzolini ; " Lot and his Daughters,” by 
 Guido ; " The Portrait of Doge Loredano,” by Bellini, all passed 
 through Mr. SeguiePs ordeal. "The Judgment of Paris,” by 
 
5 
 
 Rubens; “ The Landscape/' by Yan der Neer and Cuyp, and I 
 believe also “ The Misers,” by Teniers, were cleaned by Mr. Boden 
 Brown. A short time after this I called at Mr. Brown's to look 
 at some pictures on sale, and was rather amused at the anxiety 
 manifested by that gentleman to assure me, that he had cleaned 
 only the three pictures above mentioned ; though too cautious, or 
 having too much esprit de corps, to censure the operations of a 
 brother cleaner. Mr. Brown himself had overcleaned, though in 
 a less degree, the Rubens and the Yan der Neer, in consequence 
 of which the sky of the Yan der Neer has become pre-eminently 
 flat. In 1845 “The Susanna,” by Guido, was purchased, and of 
 course cleaned, though it had already undergone that operation 
 while in the possession of Mr. Buchanan. Poor Susanna ! she 
 now looks “ pale as her smock.” 
 
 The grand finale, it is to be hoped, was reserved for the vacation of 
 1846. The “Bacchus and Ariadne” by Titian, the “Peace and 
 War” by Rubens, the “ Sunny Landscape” by Albert Cuyp, the 
 “Royal Boar Hunt” by Yelasquez, were all cleaned in six weeks, 
 and at a time of year when days were not at the longest. Yelasquez, 
 as Mr. Pord remarks, in his delightful Hand Book of Spain, is a 
 dangerous master to clean, in consequence of his method of paint- 
 ing, and of the use of the peculiar brown , made by himself of 
 burnt beef bones ; hence the name, negro de hueso. Mr. Ford's 
 observations on the picture cleaners of the Museo at Madrid, are 
 so applicable to our own Gallery, that I shall here quote the entire 
 passage. 
 
 “ While the Spanish kings patronized art at home, their viceroys in Italy 
 and the Low Countries collected and sent home the finest specimens of the 
 great artists who flourished from Raphael down to the Carraccis and Claude ; 
 and, more than all, these glorious gems were preserved pure as when they 
 issued from the studios of their immortal authors. Spain was their last 
 stronghold, for left neglected in a dry conservative climate, at least the 
 incurious A <j)i\oKa\ta of the natives unintentionally did art good service. 
 “ All praise, all English gratitude is due,” wrote Lawrence to Wilkie, “ to 
 his tasteful ( ? tasteless) indolence of the monks.” Hence the pure undis- 
 
6 
 
 turbed freshness, the unadulterated surface, dirty and cold if you will, and 
 often not even varnished, but not tampered with, but left just as they were 
 when they received their last touches ; not things that were pictures, like 
 the flayed Correggios at Dresden, or the Drench-repainted Raphaels. Thus 
 the preserving mantle of neglect, nay, the monkish dirt of the Escorial, 
 accidentally (as usual in Spain) preserved Titian, just as the intentional mud 
 daubed by the early Christians over the Egyptian hieroglyphics proved a 
 protection to the colours beneath. 
 
 “The invaders were the first to ravish and then to defile these virgin 
 pictures, and, what was worse, they set a bad example and taught lessons of 
 corruption which have since been fearfully carried out. Those pictures 
 which returned demoralized and denationalized, captivated with repainted 
 glitter and varnished faces the native authorities, who, now thinking the 
 rest of their gallery dull-looking and out of fashion, preferred the rouge of a 
 strumpet to the simple blush of a maiden. 
 
 “The cleanings and restorations done at Paris were at least done by ingenious 
 Erenchmen, and who understood the operative portion of their craft, and 
 were demigods compared to their unmechanical imitators in Spain, where a 
 Guerra al cuchillo was proclaimed. The onslaught of the entire gallery 
 hav ' ng been planned, picture after picture was taken down and ruined. There 
 is scarcely a pure Murillo left in the whole collection, for on him the cruel 
 experiments were first tried, as in corpore vili ; the work of havoc goes on, 
 and whenever an empty frame bears the fatal sentence JEsta en la restauracion, 
 the condemned is placed en Capilla , and all hope is at an end ; it is gone to 
 a purgatory from whence there is no deliverance, no c indulgence the last 
 penalty is enforced in under-ground dissecting-rooms, where the familiars 
 sweep away the lines where beauty lingered, racking and torturing art like 
 their inquisitors did living nature. This record is true : quseque ipse miser- 
 rima vidi ! — all remonstrance was useless. When a Spaniard takes anything 
 into his head, however injurious to himself and his country, nothing, as the 
 Duke said, will prevent his carrying it out. The chief executioners were 
 Lopez, Ribera, Bueno, Sarafin, Huerta, Garcia, etc. Alas for the fine arts ! 
 thus flayed, scoured, and daubed over. The glazing and half-tints were 
 effaced, and much became raw and opaque which once was tender and trans- 
 parent ; while new crude colour was bahado or spread on, until, in some 
 cases, the outline only of the original is left.” 
 
 Mr. Eastlake remarks, that the “ Brazen Serpent” has now 
 acquired due mellowness of tone. No painting in the Gallery has 
 been more improperly, or more injudiciously cleaned, than this 
 very picture. The lights, which are the most solid and projecting 
 
7 
 
 portions of the painting, have been laid bare and their surface 
 injured, while the shadows remain nearly untouched; and this 
 once really lunimous or light-reflecting picture, is now dull and 
 out of harmony. When the enamelled surface of the ancient 
 colour has been removed, either by friction or by solvents, it must 
 lose in a great measure this light-reflective power, the objects in the 
 picture no longer possess the same relief, and consequently, the 
 whole becomes crude and flat : light moreover, is neither white nor 
 achromatic. But I shall not attempt to enter into an examination 
 of the pictures that have been cleaned. Those who have eyes 
 and a small quantity of brains, can see and judge for them- 
 selves. Mr. Eastlake says in his report, that “The question, 
 which pictures should be near the eye, and which should be 
 sacrificed, is a point on which amateurs would certainly 
 differ.” There is one point, however, on which all would 
 agree, and that is, in preferring originals to copies. As long 
 as we see spurious pictures of Correggio, of Guido, of Van- 
 nucchi, and of Poussin, and doubtful Claudes, placed in a 
 favourable light, while fine original pictures are hung out of sight, so 
 long will Mr. Eastlake be obnoxious to the accusation of ignorance 
 or of bad taste. The " St. Bavon,” a notorious imitation of Rubens, 
 now occupies one of the best places in the Gallery, as an original. 
 Greuze, at the best, is an inferior master, but the villainous copy 
 which has been lately placed near the fine landscape by Salvator 
 Rosa, is positively disreputable. 
 
 The Academicians have proved themselves incompetent judges of 
 the ancient masters ; it is evident that in their own pictures they do 
 not aim at the same results, and every unprejudiced person that passes 
 from the exhibition rooms of the Royal Academy, to those of the 
 National Gallery, must at once acknowledge that light and darkness 
 are not more opposite than the ancient and modern schools of paint- 
 ing. I am not an artist, and I can merely judge of the result of a 
 process, which I do not pretend to teach. The modern system of 
 the exhibition room tempts the artists to outvie each other by crude 
 
8 
 
 and glaring contrasts of colour.* There is also a prevalent idea 
 that anything is good enough for the Art Unionists, who perforce, 
 must annually spend a large sum of money upon works of art, and 
 who frequently possess but little discrimination. Such a system is 
 degrading to the art, and must eventually reduce it to the level of 
 a dishonest manufacture. The Eoyal Academy has come to the 
 rescue of Mr. Eastlake, and a candid gentleman from Hanwell, 
 inspired by " his detestation for anonymous and scurrilous writers,” 
 has been let loose upon us in a rabid state. Mr. Mulread/s letter 
 is concise, and to the point. He states, that the Eubens and the 
 Titian have not been injured since he has known them ; hence, we 
 are to infer, that in his opinion, these pictures had been damaged 
 at some former period, but in the Eeport we are assured that the 
 Eubens is in a singularly “ pure state of preservation.” The Titian 
 had certainly been injured, and on that score alone was a most 
 dangerous picture to tamper with. Mr. Etty goes so far as to 
 assert, that till now, he always felt at least indifferent to the 
 “ Peace and War ! ” In order fully to appreciate this gentleman's 
 present theory of colour, I entreat unprejudiced persons to look 
 at Mr. Etty's pictures in the British Institution, and they will no 
 longer wonder, that the Art Union was found to be an indispen- 
 sable auxiliary to the new style of the modern painters? Mr. 
 Landseer says, that he never saw so much large art on a small 
 scale, as in the Velasquez ; it is to be hoped that he will take 
 example by that great painter. Elimsy execution, and meagreness 
 of detail, are certainly not the characteristics of Velasquez; and 
 for small art on a large scale, I refer the public to the exhibition 
 rooms of the Academy. There is a solemn hyperbole in the letter 
 of Mr. Uwins, that has something in it quite affecting. He con- 
 fesses to have "turned away with disappointment and disgust” 
 from the noble Eubens, because it was covered with dirty varnish. 
 
 * The late Mr. Collins, It. A., writing to Wilkie from Rome, in 1837, 
 says, “What a wretched thing it is, to find, that the more fit one may 
 become for the society of the old masters, the more one suffers in the 
 company of the new.” 
 
9 
 
 On the other hand he informs us, that picture cleaning is an 
 art worthy of respect and veneration. Alas then, for the pictures 
 at Buckingham and Windsor ! 
 
 I shall merely call the attention of Mr. Stanfield to the fact, that 
 varnish can but slightly obscure the genuine qualities of a picture, 
 but can never render crude and opaque colour luminous, nor express 
 true aerial perspective. The horizon and distance, in the pictures 
 of the Academicians, do not recede from the eye ; consequently, 
 the objects in the foreground are wanting in relief. Whatever may 
 have been the method pursued by Rubens, by Cuyp, or by Adrian 
 Ostade the greatest of Dutch colourists, it has never been discovered 
 by those gentlemen, and I have yet to learn that mere painters of 
 genre are to be our instructors, while it is in our power to refer 
 to the genuine works of the great painters of the sixteenth 
 century. Their masterpieces remain to us, and silently witness 
 against such degenerate successors. 
 
 Mr. Emmerson, in common with Mr. Eastlake, has a theory, 
 that the pictures will, in a few months, greatly have regained 
 their tone, thereby acknowledging that they have lost tone ; but 
 he ventures to predict that they will soon recover it under the 
 magic influences of a London atmosphere. Why does not Mr. East- 
 lake quote the opinions of the leading dealers, the acknowledged 
 heads of their profession? Because their verdict is against him. 
 1 also know that I express the opinions of many of the most 
 experienced collectors, in saying that they feel indignant at this 
 miserable trifling. 
 
 If the picture cleaners be such wonderful magicians, let the 
 Royal Academy be delivered over into their hands ; they may per- 
 haps infuse some vitality into that useless corporation. Picture 
 cleaners in possession of the Academy, would afford a practical 
 illustration of Mr. St. John Long's theory of friction, as applied 
 to the fine arts. 
 
 The total absence of method, in the arrangements of our 
 Gallery, is most remarkable. A correct classification of the pic- 
 tures is a thing of great importance, and some attempt at a cliro- 
 
io 
 
 nological arrangement, though necessarily a very imperfect one, 
 might be made. We already possessed a mass of pictures by 
 Rubens, by Rembrandt, and by the Bolognese painters ; yet the 
 large purchases made within the last three years, have, - with one 
 exception, been entirely limited to the works of these masters. 
 
 The works of Giotto, the founder of the great Florentine school, 
 who gave form and expression to painting, as Dante gave harmony 
 and rhythm to his native tongue, and who created a pure and 
 elevated style under the inspiration of deep and earnest devotional 
 feeling, appear to be unknown in this country. With the excep- 
 tion of the “ St. Catherine,” by Raffaelle, and a female portrait by 
 Bronzino, we have no genuine works of that school in the gallery ; 
 und of the Umbrian masters, we have but one picture erroneously 
 attributed to Perugino. Of the Paduan school, founded by 
 
 Squarcione, there is not a single example, and one portrait by 
 Giovanni Bellini is all that we possess of the early Venetians; a 
 school which completely revolutionised the art of painting in 
 Italy. The style of Michelagnolo was too lofty to be imitated; 
 with the exception of Prate del Piombo, * the genius of his 
 followers seems to have been dwarfed and oppressed, by the 
 magnitude of the task. Of him, they might have said what 
 
 Cassius says of Csesar — 
 
 “ He doth bestride the narrow world 
 
 Like a Colossus ; and we petty men 
 Walk under his huge legs, and peep about 
 To find ourselves dishonourable graves. 55 
 
 * In spite of the clearest evidence to the contrary, the fine writers main- 
 tain that the figure of Lazarus must have been executed by Michelagnolo. 
 Vasari’s account is very minute ; and the Prate, in a letter dated Roma , 
 26 ~Dece7nbre , 1519, written to Michelagnolo, at Florence, speaking of the 
 “ Resurrection of Lazarus, 55 then completed, says — “ Rasta che avete visto 
 l 5 opera prencipiata ed e quaranta figure in tutto senza quelle del paese. 5 ’ 
 Mrs. Jameson in her Catalogue of the National Gallery, places this picture in 
 the Florentine school ! Small studies by Michelagnolo for the Lazarus are 
 now in the damp and royal gallery at the Hague. 
 
1L 
 
 Of the school of Lionardo da Vinci we have a fine but much re- 
 stored picture; of the Siennese artists, Memmi and Razzi, nothing; 
 of the German school, one beautiful picture by Van Eyck, a master 
 of the greatest rarity, and for a complete history of the art, a most 
 important acquisition. This picture was purchased for a few 
 hundred pounds, while thousands have been paid for pictures of 
 no value in the history of art, and which viewed as models for imita- 
 tion, are highly objectionable. Were we to study the genuine works 
 of the early masters, we should no longer tolerate the contemptible 
 German plagiarisms with which we are threatened, but the true 
 models for imitation, are the works of the great masters of the 
 sixteenth century. In the cartoons of Raffaelle, we find a noble 
 and elevated conception of humanity, combined with a wonderful 
 unity of dramatic power, and they rank among the most perfect of 
 his compositions. Let it be never forgotten, that for the possession 
 of these inestimable works, we are indebted to the great Puritan, 
 who so ably ruled the destinies of England. By Cromwell's order, 
 they were purchased for the nation — in those times almost an act 
 of heroism. To him therefore be all honour — he recognized the 
 genius of the divine master, while we have basely permitted the 
 finest collection ever known, of the drawings of Michelagnolo and 
 of Raffaelle, to be wrested from our grasp, by the monarch of a 
 feeble and impoverished state. 
 
 Note. — In Kugler’s Hand Book of Painting, Bonifazio is said to be a clever 
 mechanical painter. The “ Finding of Moses,” a celebrated and first-rate 
 picture by that great master, in the Brera at Milan, is, in this book, attri- 
 buted to Giorgione, and pronounced one of his most beautiful works. So 
 much for German criticism ! This is only one of innumerable errors of the 
 same kind. 
 
 Brighton : — Printed by Arthur Wallis, 5, Bartholomews. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 r ■?. a ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY. 
 
 RETURN to an Address of the Honourable The House of Commons, 
 dated 26 January 1 847 \—for, 
 
 A “ COPY of the Minutes of the Trustees of the National Gallery 
 during the Years 1845 and 1846, with the Names of all the Trustees present 
 at each Meeting; — Also, Copies of the Orders and Instructions to the 
 Keeper of the Gallery respecting the Cleaning of the Pictures, and any 
 Directions in respect to their Arrangement ; and of any other Documents 
 relating thereto.” 
 
 Ordered, by The House of Commons, to be Printed, 4 February 1847. 
 
 COPY of the Minutes of the Trustees of the National Gallery during 
 the Years 1845 and 1846. 
 
 AT a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 
 3d March 1 845 : Present, — The Mosf Hon. the Marquess of Lansdowne, k.g., 
 in the chair, The Right Hon. Lord Colborne, Samuel Rogers, Esq. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, A note from the executors of her late Royal Highness the Princess 
 Sophia Matilda, forwarding the copy of a codicil to the will of her Royal High- 
 ness, in which she bequeathed to the Trustees a picture by Salvator Rosa, to be 
 placed in this Gallery. 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees accept this bequest, and that the executors of her 
 Royal Highness be acquainted with this decision. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. M, Forster, offering to present, for the Gallery, a 
 picture, “ Nymphs and Satyrs,” by Francis Wouters, which was brought to the 
 view of the Trustees. 
 
 Resolved, That this picture be accepted, and the thanks of the Trustees returned 
 to Mr. Forster for his donation. .. 
 
 Read, A letter from the Rev. T. Cornthwaite, offering to present a picture by 
 Gaspar Poussin. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Eastlake be requested to examine this picture, and report 
 his opinion of it to the Trustees. 
 
 Re.id, Letters from Messrs. J. & R. M'Cracken and Mr. Maude, of Middle- 
 wood Hall, stating the particulars of a bequest by the late Mr. George Skilbeck 
 Maude of ten pictures, to be selected by the Trustees of the National Gallery 
 from his whole collection. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Eastlake be requested to examine this collection, at such 
 time as the executors may be prepared to show them, and report to the Trustees 
 the result of his inquiries. 
 
 Read, A letter from Lieut. Francis Higginson, r.n., giving the particulars of 
 two pictures by Rubens and Ostade, and offering to allow them to be made use of 
 under the sanction of the Trustees in every possible way. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Higginson be informed, that the regulations of this Gal- 
 lery do not admit of their availing themselves of his oS'er, lor which, however, 
 they return him their thanks. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. Henry Vint, offering to present to the Trustees a 
 picture by the late Mr. William Redmore Bigg, k.a., to be placed in this Gallery. 
 
 Resolved, That their acceptance of this picture be declined on the usual 
 grounds, and the thanks of the Trustees given to Mr. Viut for his offer. 
 
 40. A 
 
2 COPY OF THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 Read A letter from Mr. S. J. Rochard, offering to submit to the Trustees for 
 purchase two pictures by Holbein and Morales. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Koehard be informed (by a letter in Form No. 3), that he 
 has the authority of the j 1 ustees for sending the picture by Holbein to this Gallery 
 for their inspection, previous to their next meeting. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined : 1 >e Kev. Dr. Spry, Mr. T. Thompson, Mrs. Eliza Reddie, 
 Mr. F. Jeffery, Mr. Chaumont, Mr. Caudwell, Mr. Chase, Mr. Cropp. 
 
 (signed) “ Lansdowne." 
 
 7 April 1845. 
 
 A r a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 7th 
 April 1845 : ^ r . e ! ent ’ 7 T^ he Most Hon. the Marquess of Lansdowne, k. o., in 
 the chair, The Most Hon. The Marquess of Northampton, p. it. s., The Right 
 Hon. Lord Ashburton, The Right Hon. Lord Colbornc, The Right H011. 
 Lord Monteagle, The Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel, Bart., William Wells, Esq. 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Sir Robert Peel called the attention of the Trustees to the advantage of so far 
 altering the usual course pursued in respect of accepting pictures, or other works 
 of art, offered as donations, as to admit, in certain cases, of such works being 
 accepted for the purpose of being transferred, with the consent of the parties 
 offering them, to other public Museums. 
 
 Resolved, That considering the limited space which it is possible to appropriate 
 to the exhibition of new pictures or works of art, that may be presented to or 
 acquired by the Directors of the Royal National Gallery, it is desirable to stipu- 
 late, in the case of pictures or sculpture gratuitously offered to the Directors, that 
 the Directors shall beat liberty to appropriate them, if they shall think fit, to the 
 use of public Museums that may be nflw or hereafter established in different parts 
 of the United Kingdom. 
 
 Read, A letter trom Mr. Ambrose Poynter, of the 19th March, offering to 
 present to the Trustees, for this Gallery, the original marble of Banks's well known 
 relievo, “Thetis rising from the Sea.” 
 
 Resolved, That this work he accepted, und the thanks of the Trustees expressed 
 to Mr. Poynter for hip valuable donation. 
 
 Read, A letter from the Rev. T. Cornth waite, of the 28th November last, 
 offering to present to the Trustees, for this Gallery, a picture by Gaspar Poussin. 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees decline accepting this picture, but desire their 
 thanks to be returned for his offer. 
 
 Read, A letter front Mr. Samuel Woodburn, addressed to the Marquess of 
 Lansdowne, submitting to his Lordship an arrangement, by means of which a 
 collection of drawings in his possession might, on certain terms named, be made 
 available for the uTMTfl&meiK of art. 
 
 Resolved, That thiJLffer not being within the sphere of their power of accept- 
 ance, they find thems4ves compelled to decline it. 
 
 Read, Letters from Mi\ S. J. Rochard, of the 1st and 25th March, offering for 
 sale three pictures, by Holbein, Morales, and Giorgione, the first and last of 
 which were brought to their view. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Eustlake is empowered by the Trustees to negotiate the 
 purchase of the picture, “A Portrait of a Gentleman,” by Holbein, at a price not 
 exceeding 800 guineas. 
 
 The purchase of the pictures by Gior«ione and Morales declined. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined: viz. The Venerable Archdeacon Hare, Count D’Orsay, Messrs. 
 Smith, Mr. Iiiddulph, Mr. Hertz,* Dr. Clark, Mr. Novarro, Mr. H. Jobson, Mr. 
 E. H. Stanley, Mr. E. S. Collins’ Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Clemmctt. 
 
 (signed) “ Colborne. 
 
 5 May 1845. 
 
 °flenng f or sale a collection of Cartoons by Correggio. 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 1845 & 1846; &c. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the yl, 
 dav of May 1845 : Present,— The Right Hon. Lord Colborue in the chair 
 The Most Hon. the Marquess of Lansdowne, k.g., The Right Hon. Lord’ 
 Ashburton, Samuel Rogers, Esq., William Wells, Esq. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Mr. Eastlake reported, that iri pursuance of the authority given him by the 
 minute of the Trustees of the 7th ult., he had agreed with Mr. S. J. Rochard for 
 the purchase of a picture, “ A Portrait by Holbein,” for the sum of 600 guineas. 
 
 Resolved, That this purchase is approved by the Trustees, and that a letter be 
 addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, requesting their Lordships to sanction 
 the purchase, and to give directions for the payment to Mr. S. J. Rochard of 
 the above-named sum. 
 
 The Trustees took into their consideration a memorial read at the last meeting 
 from certain students of the Royal Academy, praying the Trustees to afford them 
 increased facilities for painting in oil colours in the National Gallery. 
 
 Resolved, That the Keeper be authorized to permit 20 students of the Royal 
 Academy, (in addition to the number of general students already permitted to 
 paint in oil colours in the Gallery,) to be admitted for the purpose of studying 
 according to the prayer of the memorial, for such periods and under such regu- 
 lations as shall be determined upon by the Keeper, after communicating with the 
 authorities of the Royal Academy, and with the students themselves. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined : Mr. J. E. Denison, Mr. Rochard, Mr. T. Dawson, the Rev. 
 Mr. Biederman, Mr. R. Lane, Mr. Win. Bentall, Mr. E. N. Shannon, Mr. E. 
 Williams. 
 
 (signed) “ Northampton." 
 
 2 June 1845. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 2d 
 June 1845 : Present, — The Most Hon. the Marquess of Northampton, p.r.s. 
 in the chair, The Right Hon. Lord Ashburton, The Right Hon. Lord Col- 
 borne. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 The Trustees having taken into consideration the inconvenience that may 
 occasionally be felt from refusing admittance to pictures offered for purchase, and 
 tendered for their inspection at their meetings; 
 
 Resolved, That a discretionary power be granted to the Keeper, and in his 
 absence to the Secretary, to allow pictures brought to the Gallery under such 
 circumstances to be received, when they shall appear to them worthy the atten- 
 tion of the Trustees. 
 
 Read, A Letter from Mr. M. F. Tupper, offering, on the part of his family, to 
 present for the Gallery, under certain conditions, a picture by Camillo Procac- 
 -*cini ; and Mr. Eastlake having reported on this work, 
 
 Resolved, That a letter be addressed to Mr. Tupper, in the terms usually em- 
 ployed when pictures of large dimensions are offered, informing him that the 
 Trustees are compelled, from the limited space at their disposal on the walls of 
 this Gallery, to decline his and other similar offers, but returning their thanks for 
 his liberal intentions. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined: Mr. Martin, Mr. E. Atherstone, Mr. Delafosse, Mr. S. J. 
 Rochard, Mr. Broadbent, Mr. James Ward, Mr. Fradelle, Messrs. Konig and 
 Sp’itzer. 
 
 (signed) “ Lansdowne." 
 
 18 June 184,5. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Wednesday, the 
 18th June 1845 : Present, — The Most Hon. the Marquess of Lansdowne, 
 k.g., in the chair, The Right Hon. Lord Colborne, The Right Hon. Lord 
 Monteagle. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 The Trustees again took into consideration a letter of the 12th November last 
 from Mr. John Maude, executor of the late Mr. George Skilbcck Maude, bring- 
 40. a 2 * n S 
 
4 COPY OF THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 ins to the notice of theTrustees a bequest by the latter gentleman of ten pictures, 
 to be selected from hisentire collection, to be placed in the National Gallery. 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees are fully sensible of the liberal intentions of the 
 testator in his bequestfbut they find themselves compelled to decide, that the 
 pictures which have been submitted to their view are not of the description to 
 admit of their being afleepted and placed in a prominent situation, with the tes- 
 tator’s name attached.! 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined : R. R. Reinagle, Esq. k.a., Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Field, Mr. 
 Rabbeth. ] 
 
 (signed) “ Ashburton." 
 
 30 June 1845. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 30th 
 June 1845: Present, — The Right Hon. Lord Ashburton in the chair, 
 Samuel Rogers, Esq. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined: Mr. R. R. Reinagle, offering a picture by Rubens for 1,800- 
 guineas, Mr. H. Artaria, Mrs. Utterton, Mr. Whitelock, Mr. Verney, Madame 
 Forget, Messrs. M‘Cr»cken, Mr. Giinber, Mr. E. Williams. 
 
 (signed) “ Northampton .” 
 
 4 August 1845. 
 
 At a meeting of the trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 4th 
 August 1845: liesent, — The Most Hon. the Marquess of Northampton, 
 p. r. s. in the chafr, The Right Hon. Lord Colborne, The Right Hon. Lord 
 Monteagle. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. Buchanan, offering to the Trustees for sale, a picture, 
 “ Susanna and the Elders,” by Guido, for 1,500 guineas; also two others by 
 Rembrandt, and Hobbima. 
 
 Resolved, That coi^idering as well the intrinsic merit of the “Guido,” now in 
 the possession of Mr. Ruchanan, the historical evidence of its genuineness, and its 
 peculiar value to the 4 rallerv, in conjunction with the companion picture already 
 purchased from the late Mr. Penrice, the Trustees are of opinion that it would 
 form a very desirable iddition to the Gallery, at the price of 1,200 guineas. 
 
 I hat this resolution be submitted on behalf of the Trustees to the First Lord 
 of the Treasury, by Mr. Eastlake. 
 
 It having been- srs2»sl to the trustees that Mr. Buchanan has the control of.lhe 
 
 sale of the picture bf Raffaelle now in the possession of the heirs of the late 
 Cardinal Fescb, for wlfich Mr. Woodburn was commissioned to bid. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Eastlake be requested to communicate with Mr. Buchanan 
 
 Na°iona r i Gallery''' 81 ” ^ F ' Ce ^ thi ® picture ma * be aC( l uired for the 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. Seguier, communicating an offer from the Hon. Francis 
 Chartens, to deposit lor a time in the National Gallery his fresco by Pelem-ino 
 Tibaldi. 0 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees are not desirous of sanctioning deposits in this 
 Gallery, by private individuals, of works of art ; and that Mr. Seguier be re- 
 quested, in making this decision known to Mr. Cliarteris, to return him the best 
 thanks of the Trustees for his obliging offer. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined : Mr. R. R. Reinagle, (a second time offering pictures by Rubens 
 and Guido), Mrs. Venables, Mr. O. Miindler, Mr. Henry Wilkins, Mr. Bennett 
 Mr. Romilly, Mr. Strawson. 
 
 (signed) “ Lansdowne 
 
 2 February 1846. 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 1845 & 1846; &c. 
 
 At • meeting of the Trustees of the National Gahery, held on Monday, the 2d 
 February 1846 : Present -The Most Hon The Marquess of Lansdowne, 
 k. g., in the chair, The Right Hon. Lord Monteagle, Samuel Rogers Esq 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury,' of which the following is a 
 copy : 
 
 T . , , “ Treasury Chambers, 14 August 1845. 
 
 “ My Lords and Gentlemen, D 
 
 “ Sir Robert Peel having submitted to the Lords Commissioners of Her 
 Majesty’s Treasury a minute of the Trustees of the National Gallery, recom- 
 mending the purchase from Mr. Buchanan of a picture by Guido, for the sum of 
 1,200 guineas, I have received their Lordships’ commands to express to you their 
 opinion, that before this purchase is effected, it will be desirable that Mr. Seeuier 
 should be consulted as to the condition of the picture, and that tw o other eminent 
 judges of the merit and pecuniary value of Italian pictures should be requested 
 to give their opinion as to the merit and value of this picture. 
 
 “Mr. Woodburn and Mr. Farrar might probably be selected with advantage 
 for the purpose or any others whom Mr. Eastlake might consider preferable. 
 
 “ My Lords think that it would be satisfactory that the same course should be 
 adopted in future, when the Trustees may be disposed to recommend the acquisi- 
 tion of pictures for the National Gallery. 
 
 “ It appears to their Lordships, that there ought not to be any permanent 
 appointment of persons to he consulted by the Trustees, but that the selection 
 should be made from time to time with reference to the class of art to which the 
 pictures may belong, and to the qualifications of the parties to be selected to judge 
 of its value. 
 
 (signed) “ I have, &c. 
 
 “ Edw. Cardwell.” 
 
 “ The Trustees of the National Gallery.” 
 
 Read, Letters from Mr. Seguier, giving a favourable opinion of the condition 
 of the picture by Guido, offered to the Trustees for sale by Mr. Buchanan, 
 “ Susanna and the Elders and from Mr. Farrar, giving his opinion that it is an 
 original picture, painted in the artist’s second and best manner, and valued by 
 him at 1,500 /. or guineas. 
 
 Read, A letter from Sir Robert Peel, authorizing an offer for the Guido of the 
 sum of 1,200 guineas. 
 
 Read, A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, acquainting the Trustees 
 that the Lords Commissioners have given directions to the Paymaster of Civil 
 Services to pay to Mr. Eastlake the sum of 1,260/., to enable him to purchase 
 from Mr. Buchanan, for the National Gallery, a picture by Guido, representing 
 J'Susanna and the Elders.” * 
 
 ” Mr. Eastlake then reported to the Trustees that he has made the purchase of 
 this picture, and that it is now before the public on the walls of the Gallery, after 
 undergoing the cleaning and restoration which was considered necessary. 
 
 Read, Letters from Mr. Samuel Woodburn, of the 4th November and 7th 
 December last, and of the 12th ultimo, in which he proposes that, in consideration 
 of a salary of 200 l. per annum, for his brother, William Woodburn, during a term 
 of three years, travelling and other expenses included, he engages to offer to the 
 Trustees, annually, a certain number of pictures, at a profit of from 20 to 30 per 
 cent., and to send them direct to the Gallery, leaving them there during one month 
 for approval or rejection ; and also engaging not to offer any fine picture to any 
 person until rejected by the Trustees, during that period. Also stating, that lie 
 has it in his power to offer to, or procure for, the Trustees, some works of art ot 
 a superior character, should they be inclined to recommend to the Government 
 an expenditure of about 20,000 l. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Eastlake be requested to write to Mr. Woodburn, stating that 
 the Trustees do not consider themselves authorized to acquiesce in the arrangement 
 proposed by Mr. Woodburn, but are ready to use their judgment with respect to 
 any pictures in his possession, which he may be inclined to offer them. 
 
 Read, A letter of the 5th December last, from William R. Hamilton, Esq., ad- 
 dressed to Mr. Eastlake, offering to prescut to the Trustees, for this Gallery, a 
 
 40. A3 picture 
 
6 
 
 copy OF TBE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 picture representing ‘*1 Padre Eterno,” by Andrea di Salerno, bequeathed to him 
 by the late Abbatc I lfcodoro Monticelli ; and further offering, if this proposition 
 is acceded to, to writwto Mr. Michele Monticelli to place the picture in the hands 
 of Mr. Temple, our minister at Naples, and also to Mr. Temple, begging him to 
 hold it at the orders <# Mr. Eastlake. 
 
 Resolved, That a letter be written to the Lords Commissioners of the Tteasnry, 
 communicating to their Lordships the above offer by Mr. Hamilton, and request- 
 ing that their Lordships will give the necessary instructions to Mr. Temple to 
 receive the abovenienttoned picture from Mr. Michele Monticelli, and cause it to 
 be furwarded to the Trustees, previous to their deciding as to its reception, or re- 
 jection, as an addition to the public collection ; and that a letter be addressed 
 to Mr. Hamilton, making a corresponding statement to him. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. James C. Dansey, of Exeter, of the 28th December 
 last, offering to present to the Trustees, for this Gallery, a large picture by Luca 
 Giordano, “ The Rape of the Sabines.” 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees are compelled to decline this offer, not having 
 space at their disposal on the walls of this Gallery for this and similar offered 
 donations. 
 
 Read, A letter fronji Mr. Brooke Boothby, offering for sale two pictures, “ A 
 Portrait of Sir Joshua Reynolds,” by himself, and a repetition by Fuseli of his 
 picture, “ The Nightmare both the property of Sir William Boothby. 
 
 Resolved, That a letter be written to Mr. Boothby, requesting him, if conve- 
 nient, to send the Jcture by Sir Joshua Reynolds for the inspection of the 
 Trustees, previous totheir deciding upon the purchase of it, or otherwise. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined I Mr. Thomas Minett, Mr. R. G. Pigot, Mr. E. A. Turley, 
 Messrs. Gintherr anclStaples, Mr. G. de Walden, Mr. J. R. Stanford, Mr. J. R. 
 Bullen, Signor Franci, Monsieur D’Ambly, Messrs. Lightly and Simon, Mr. Els- 
 worth, Mr. Jos. Quir^, Mr. W. H. Jackson, Mr. Daniel, Mr. Gillum, Dr. Schlegel, 
 Leiden; Mt. W. H. P. Walsh, Mr. Dos Santos, Mrs. Ann Headland. 
 
 (signed) “ Northampton.” 
 
 2 March 1846. 
 
 At a meeting of tliefrrustces of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 2d 
 March 1 846 : P*sent, — The Most Hon. the Marquess of Northampton, p.r.s., 
 in the chair. Till Right Hon. Lord Colborne, The Right Hon. Lord Mont- 
 eagle, Samuel lfcgers, Esq. 
 
 Read and confirm®! the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, A letter fiofc the Secretary of the Treasury, informing the Trustees that 
 directions, in accordncc with their wishes, have been forwarded to Mr. Temple, 
 front the Lords Commissioners, to forward to the National Gallery a picture left 
 by the lute AMatrttr T4todoro Monticelli, to Wm. R. Hamilton, Esu. 
 
 Read, A leUer fYoifl M r. Warner Ottley, offering for sale a collection of p- 
 by the early Italian masters, purchased in Italy by the late Mr. Win. Young 
 Ottley. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Eastlake is requested to inspect this collection of pictures, 
 and to furnish the Trustees with a list of such of them as he may deem eligible 
 for this Gallery. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. Buchanan, offering for sale three pictures, “ A Portrait 
 of Justus Lipsius,” by Rembrandt ; “ A Portrait of a Venetian Commander,” by 
 Tintoretto ; and a picture by Annibale Carracci, “ Susanna and the Elders.” 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees decline recommending to Government the pur- 
 chase of the pictures by Rembrandt and Tintoretto, and are not prepared to decide 
 with respect to that by Annibale Carracci ; and that Mr. Buchanan be informed 
 of these proceedings, and that the Trustees do not wish him to refuse offers from 
 other parties for the purchase of this picture. 
 
 The Trustees proceeded to examine the picture by Sir Joshua Reynolds (Ins 
 portrait) offered for sale by Sir Wm. Boothby, which was forwarded to them in 
 pursuance of the wish expressed in their minute ofthe 2d ultimo. 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees decline recommending the purchase of this pic- 
 ture, and that this determination be made known to Sir Wm. Boothby, and the 
 thanks of the Trustees returned for his compliance with their wishes. 
 
 i he 
 
7 
 
 NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 1845 & M84G; &c. 
 
 The Trustees again took into their consideration the offer of a picture by Spag- 
 noletto, for sale by Mr. Farrar. 
 
 Resolved, That it be communicated to Mr. Farrar that the Trustees are not 
 prepared to come to a decision with respect to this picture 1 but that they do not 
 desire that he should, on that account, refuse any offers that may be made for it, 
 previous to their decision, by other parties. 
 
 The Trustees took into consideration the unsatisfactory condition of the picture, 
 No. 178 of the Catalogue, “ Serena rescued by Sir Calepinf” by Hilton. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Eastlake is requested to consult with Mr. Seguier with 
 respect to the best method of restoring this picture. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures - for sale the 
 Trustees declined : Mr. Bendixen, Mr. Major, Mr. Jos. Butt, Monsieur Letesue, 
 Mr. Nicholls, Mr. P. M'Muhon, Mr. Malet. 
 
 (signed) Northampton 
 
 6 April 1846. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 6th 
 April 1846: Present, — The Most Hon. the Marquess af Northampton, p.r.s. 
 in the chair, The Most Hon. Marquess of I.ansdowne, k.c., Samuel Rogers, 
 Esq., William Wells, Esq. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. < 
 
 Read a letter to Lord Monteagle, from Sir Robert Gordon, offering to the 
 Trustees, for purchase, singly, his picture by Raff'aelle, (a portrait,) for 3,000 /. 
 
 Resolved, That a letter be addressed to Lord Monteagle, acquainting him that 
 the Trustees do not consider it advisable to recommend td the Government the 
 purchase of this picture at the price mentioned by Sir ! Lobert Gordon in his 
 letter, namely, 3,000/. 
 
 The Trustees took into consideration the offers made by the following persons 
 of pictures fur sale, as under: — “The Holy Family,” by darnnrdino Luini, (in 
 tempera,) offered by Mr. Buchanan for 1,000 l.\ “A Huntipg-piece,” by Rubens, 
 offered by Mr. Niewenhuys for 2,000/. 
 
 Resolved, That a letter be written to the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty’s 
 Treasury, submitting to their Lordships the recommendation of the Trustees, that 
 they should be empowered to offer to the above parties the following sums for 
 their pictures respectively : to Mr. Buchanan, for the picture by Luini, 800 /. ; 
 to Mr. Niewenhuys, for the picture by Rubens, 1,800/. 
 
 '1 he Trustees took into consideration the propriety of having the answers to 
 letters from persons offering pictures for sale, &c. (which arenow written according 
 to specified forms,) printed ; and they gave directions to the Secretary to this effect. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. Seguier, (to Mr. Eastlake,) statingthat having examined 
 the picture by Hilton in this Gallery, he does not feel any confidence in being 
 jble to restore it. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, offering picturesfor sale, which pictures 
 the Trustees authorize the parties to send to the Gallery for their inspection: 
 Mr. B. A. Cock, Mr. J. Koffway, Mr. J. E. Read. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined : Mr. Buchanan, his offer of a picture by Anle. Carracci ; 
 Mr. Nicholay, his offer of two cartoons by Raffaelle; Mr. Rioruce Bacon. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. Costello, offering for sale a pictme by A. Durer, a 
 tracing of which he forwarded to the Trustees by order of General de Mazzarado. 
 
 Resolved, That the picture being at Madrid, and the Trustees, therefore, 
 unable to form their own judgment of its merits and value, they cannot entertain 
 the proposal. 
 
 (signed) “ Northampton .” 
 
 4 May 1 846. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 4th 
 May 1846: Present, — The Most Hon. the Marquess of Northampton, P.R. s., 
 in the chair, The Right Hon. Lord Ashburton, William Wells, Esq. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, requesting the Trustees to 
 favour the Lords Commissioners with any information thev may possess, derived 
 \ . J from 
 
8 COPY OF Tt$E MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 f anv instances inBhich either of the pictures mentioned in the Secretary’s 
 prirr to' their Lords! A, of the 7 th April last, may happen to have been .exposed 
 ieiiti ivj .1 nnaKKmr tlioir T .nrnfthins tO lOnil 
 
 for public sale, or tiorjlany other circumstances, enabling their Lordships 
 
 ^ResoS d Thaf it Bommunicated to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury 
 that the nictate by R»ens was sold at Mr. Bryant’s sale for l.ooo guineas, and 
 at that of Sir Simon Barke and G. Hibbert, Esq., for 1,850 guineas, as appears 
 from Smith’s Catalog® Raisonnde. It is understood that it has been since sold 
 for a sum between fioSand 700 guineas. 
 
 That the other picBe by Luini, imported from Italy, does not appear to have 
 been publicly sold inKngland ; and that upon further inquiries respecting both 
 .1. _ r r... iM'oconi ^icr»n«pH tn nrp.ss the nuthoritv ot the 
 
 the pictures, the Trusftes are not at present disposed to press the authority of the 
 Lords Coinmissionerfcr their purchase. , _ „ 
 
 The Trustees exainBed the following pictures, forwarded to the Gallery, at then 
 request, for their in>i*tion, by the parties offering them for sale : viz. 
 attributed to Paulo Vjronese, offered by Mr. B. A. Cock; a picture att 
 Vander Heist, offered*ly Mr. Koffway ; two drawings said to be by Van 
 
 The Trustees examined the following pictures, 
 
 m • — c~.. . viz. a picture 
 
 attributed to 
 
 Vander Heist, offered’iy Mr. Koffway ; two drawings said to be by Vandyck, &c. 
 offered by Mr. lleaJj all which pictures the Trustees considered unworthy ot 
 
 admission to the Gallffy. . . f 1 .1 
 
 Read Letters froJthe following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined: A&. Hogarth, offering two pictures by Gainsborough; General 
 de Mazzarado; Mr. flchanan, a picture by Luini (in tempera); Rev. E. Venables, 
 a collection at Hurstflbnceux ; Mrs. Morris ; Mr. Puckle ; Mr. J. Cole, Pictures of 
 the late Mr. HickmJj Mr. Bath, Mr. Stillwell, Mr. Gk.guedance, Mr. 1 . PI. 
 
 Wilson, Mr. ComettEIMr. Richter, Mons. Veurcheux. 
 
 (signed) “ Lansdowne. 
 
 8 June 1 846. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 8th 
 June 1846: Pr bent, — The Most -Hon. the Marquess of Lansdowne, K. g. 
 The Most Hon the Marquess of Northampton, r. u. s. 
 
 Read and confirm* the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, A letter frort Messrs. Atkins and Andrew, on behalf of the executrix ot 
 the late William U|*ott, Esq., of Islington, together with an extract from that 
 gentleman’s will incised with it, and a catalogue containing the details of the 
 nature of the crayonMul oil pictures bequeathed by him to this Gallery. 
 
 Resolved, That Mjfcsrs. Atkins and Andrew be informed that the Trustees are 
 sensible of the good Htention of the testator in his bequest; but as guardians for 
 the public of the Nt*onal Collection (provided the pictures in oil and crayons set 
 forth in the catalog!* referred to be tfie whole amount of the bequest), they have 
 decided to place th epvhole at the disposal of the executrix for the benefit of the 
 pgf flte. as -sjuitttestecGfr them, notwithstanding the favourable opinion they e nter- 
 - -tain of tiie works 01 the late Mr. Ozias Humphrey, not having r hi 1111 mu niHfflj 
 the limited space at their disposal on the walls of the Gallery, to receive man^works 
 of art w hich might otherwise be considered eligible. 
 
 Read Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined : Mr. Warner Ottley, offering four pictures by early Italian 
 painters; Mr. W- A. Cooke, Mr. Henry Cooke, Mr. D. B. King, Mr. J. D. 
 Ferguson. 
 
 ° (signed) Monteagle. 
 
 6 July 1846. 
 
 x meeting of the Tru stees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 6th 
 AT July 1 846 : P‘ ese «t,— ' The Right Hon. Lord Monteagle, Samuel Rogers, 
 
 jly 
 
 Esq 
 
 „ , and confirmed th e minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 6 rt A letter fro® ‘he E ar i 0 f Ashburnhatn, offering to part with his valuable 
 1 , ri’n ofpi^ ur / S m ^ eTrU3t ees, for this Gallery. 
 
 Also A letter f'° m Mr. Edward Solly, making a similar offer with respect to 
 his collection- Resolved, 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 1845 & ,8 46 ; & c. 9 
 
 Resolved, That a letter be addressed to the Lords of the Treasury, stating that 
 these collections are offered for sale to the Trustees, should their Lordships be dis- 
 posed to authorize them to enter into negotiations with the parties on the subject, 
 and that, upon an answer being received from the Treasury, the Secretary is em- 
 powered to call a meeting of the Trustees to take the same into consideration. 
 
 Resolved further, That copies of the abovementioned letters be forwarded to 
 the Lords Commissioners, and that letters be addressed to Lord Ashburnham and 
 Mr. Solly, acquainting them, that the Trustees are aware of the importance of their 
 collections for this Gallery, but that they have not yet any authority from the 
 Government to enter into any negotiations on the subject, and that they have com- 
 municated with the Treasury respecting their offers. 
 
 The Trustees again took into their consideration, the offer made by Mr. William 
 R. Hamilton to present to them a picture, attributed to Andrea di Salerno, to be 
 placed in this Gallery ; and having examined this picture, 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees do not consider this picture suitable for the 
 National Gallery, but offer their best thanks to Mr. Hamilton for his liberal in- 
 tention in proffering it to them, and that a letter to this effect be written to him 
 accordingly. 
 
 The Trustees examined a picture, forwarded to the Gallery for their inspection, 
 I attributed to Giorgione, and offered for sale by Mr. J. M. ^ylor , the recommen- 
 ^*dation of which for purchase they declined. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined: Mr. Geo. Mordaunt, Mr. G. W. Wilson, Mr. John Gilbert, 
 Mr. John Maule, Mr. F. J. Stephens, Mr. C. Fenton, Mons. Ange Boucheroy, 
 Mr. R. J. Barlow, Mr. Edmund Atherstone. 
 
 (signed) “ Monteagle,” Chairman. 
 
 3 August 1846. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 3d 
 August 1846: Present, — The Right Hon. Lord Monteagle, in the chair ; The 
 Riiiht Hon. Sir Robert Peel, Bart. ; Samuel Rogers, Esq. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, A letter from the Lords of the Treasury, in answer to that of the Trustees of 
 the 7th July last, on the subject of offers made by the Earl of Ashburnham and 
 Mr. Edward Solly for the sale of their collections of pictures to the National Gallery; 
 in which my Lords acquaint the Trustees, that before they can decide whether it will 
 be proper to enter into negotiation with the Earl of Ashburnham and Mr. Solly for 
 the purchase of the whole or any portion of their respective collections of pictures, 
 it is necessary that their Lordships should be assisted by their advice, and therefore 
 requesting that the Trustees will take the subject into consideration and favour the 
 Board with their opinion upon it. 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees request Mr. Eastlake to put himself in communica- 
 tion w ith Lord Ashburnham, in order to ascertain more accurately his Lordship’s 
 views with respect to iiis parting with a portion of his collection of pictures. 
 
 Read, A letter from the Earl of Ellesmere, offering to part with, to the Trustees, 
 the two following pictures, for the sum of 3,000 /. : “A Dutch School,” by Jan Steen, 
 from Lord Camden’s collection ; a picture by Wouvermans, from that of Cardinal 
 Fesch. 
 
 Resolved, That a letter be addressed to his Lordship, acquainting him that the 
 Trustees have at the present time in view the purchase of a portion of two very 
 valuable collections of pictures, and, in consequence, are unable to entertain 
 his proposal, and request that his Lordship will not reserve the pictu res for this 
 Gallery. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. Buchanan, offering tw o pictures, “ Christ raising the 
 Widow’s Son,” by A gostino Carracci, and “ Christ Curing the Blind,” by Ludovico 
 Carracci, for the sum of 4,500 guineas. 
 
 Resolved, That a letter be addressed to Mr. Buchunan, acquainting him that the 
 Trustees are not disposed to recommend the purchase of the two pictures by 
 Agostino and Ludovico Carracci, at the price named in his letter. 
 
 Had.it been in his power to make them an offer of these pictures, together wit h 
 the third picture of the Carracci, of the Lucca collection, “ Christ and the Woman 
 of Samaria,” by Annibale Carracci, the Trustees would have been inclined, in that 
 
 4°- B case. 
 
10 COPY OF THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 case, to recommend the purchase of the three at a price not exceeding 7 000/ the 
 sum they formerly offered for them. 0 7 ’ ’’ 
 
 Read, Letters from the foHo«-inp persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined : Lieut.-Colonel Angelo, Mr. T. B. Barber, Mr. John Maule 
 (signed) Northampton." 
 
 24 August 1846. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 24th 
 
 fhe rh 8f mr reS f ‘’ 7 i The ^ 0s v t , Hon - the Marquess of Northampton, p. u. s. 
 m the chan The Most Hon. the Marquess of Landsdowne, k. g. The RiHit 
 Hon. Lord Colborne, The Right Hon. Lord Monteagle. 0 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 Read, A letter from the Treasury, of which the following is a copy : 
 
 " ^‘ r ’ J| “ Treasury Chambers, 12 August 1846. 
 
 “ ,^ he f ord f Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Treasury have had under their 
 consideration the arrangemenis that have been made from time to time for the an- 
 
 "*wwii > y^^fc?b,i., i v, 
 
 communication with the Members of the Government, responsible for the financial 
 measures of the country, has been heretofore obtained by the appointment to the 
 office of Trustees of nfblemen and gentlemen who have at the time filled the offices 
 of First Lord of the Tjasury or Chancellor of the Exchequer ; but their Lordships 
 consider that the object in view would be better attained try the addition of those 
 officers of State ex-ofl|tio to the Board of 'Trustees. 
 
 “ I am therefore directed to inform you, that the First Lord of the Treasury and 
 the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the time being are to be considered hencefor- 
 ward ex-officio Trustees of the National Gallery. 
 
 * • “ I have, &c. 
 
 “ The Secretary of the Trustees (signed) “ C. E. Trevelyan .” 
 
 of the National (jallery.” 
 
 The Trustees have under consideration a communication from Sir Robert Peel, 
 one of their body, informing them that the picture by Velasquez, belonging to 
 Lord Cowley, may now be purchased for the natron at the price of 2,200 7 . 
 
 Resolved, That considering that the purchase of this picture has been three 
 times recommended, and that in the years 1839 and 1841 the Trustees had 
 placed the value of 3,000/. and 2,500/. on this picture, they have no hesitation 
 in now recommending the purchase to the Lords of the Treasury in the strongest 
 manner, at the price of 2,200 /. 
 
 Lord Monteagle suggested to the Trustees the purchase of a picture by Anni- 
 bale Carracci, the property of Lord Dartmouth. 
 
 Resolved, That the purchase of the picture by Annibale Carracci, which is 
 offered to the Trustees by the Earl of Dartmouth for 750 guineas, being the price 
 at which it was sold at Lord Radstock’s sale in 1826, be recommended in the 
 strongest manner to the Lords of the Treasury. 
 
 The Trustees resumed the consideration of the offer made them by the Earl of 
 Ashburnham, to part with, to them, his Lordship’s valuable collection of pictures. 
 
 Resolved, That as the Trustees understand that his Lordship is not disposed to 
 part with a selection from his collection, a communication be made to him, to the 
 effect that the Trustees are unwilling, under present circumstances, to trouble 
 his Lordship further on the subject. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. Tbos. Felton, on the part of clergymen of the Church 
 of England and others, asking for admission to the Trustees of a deputation, for 
 the purpose of stating their objection to the representation of the “ Eternal 
 Father,” in some of the pictures of this Gallery. 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees, not agreeing in the objection raised against the 
 picture by Murillo, alluded to, and others purchased by the nation, from their 
 merits as works of 'art and as the control of the Gallery rests exclusively with 
 the Treasury, subject to the authority of Parliament, the Trustees contemplate no 
 practicable consequences from the interview sought, which they therefore beg 
 leave to decline : this decision to be communicated to the parties. 
 
 Mr. 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 184.5 & 1846; &c. „ 
 
 Mr. Eastlake reported to the Trustees, that some of the pictures of this Gallery 
 stand in need of cleaning, and other restorations. 
 
 Resolved, That Mr. Eastlake is empowered by the Trustees to use his discre- 
 tion in causing such pictures as appear to him to be in want of this treatment, to 
 be cleaned and otherwise restored, by competent persons whom he shall select for 
 the purpose, as far as practicable during the approaching vacation. 
 
 (signed) “ Monteagle ,” Chairman. 
 
 25 January 1847. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held m Monday, the 25th 
 January 1847: Present, — The Right Hon. Lord Moiteagle, in the chair. 
 The Right Hon. Sir James R. G. Graham, Bart., Williar Wells, Esq., Samuel 
 Rogers, Esq. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 1 
 
 Read, A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, communicating to the 
 Trustees the approval by the Lords Commissioners of tha recommendation of, 
 and authorizing the purchase of a picture by Velasquez, belo®rjng to Lord Cowley, 
 at the price of 2,200 L; and also of a picture by Annibale ^}j rracc j (or lhe su f„ 
 of 750 guineas, and making arrangements for the payment or these sums. 
 
 Read, A note from the Earl of Ellesmere to the Secretaw, requesting him to 
 lay before the Trustees a letter he had received from Mr. Morris Moore, of the 
 10th December last, enclosed with his Lordship’s communication ; in which letter 
 Mr. Moore states his opinion that three pictures, the “Bacchus and Ariadne,” by 
 Titian ; the “ Peace and War,” by Rubens ; and the newly purchased picture 
 by Velasquez, have been injured in the cleaning they have recently undergone. 
 
 Resolved, That this letter be referred to Mr. Eastlake, in order that he may 
 report to the Trustees at their next meeting, to be speciallyisummoned to receive 
 this report, the steps he has taken in pursuance of the minute of the Trustees of 
 the 241I1 August last, and his opinion on the present state of these pictures, and 
 the proceedings resorted to in cleaning them, and their results ; and that a copy 
 of this minute be forwarded to the Earl of Ellesmere. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. J. Hardwick, executor of the late Mr. Richard Sim- 
 
 mons, communicating a clause of the will of the deceased, by which he directs 
 
 of 
 
 lery for their acceptance 
 
 that certain of his pictures should be offered to the Directors of the National Gal- 
 
 Resolved, That these pictures, to the number of 14, have been accepted; and 
 that the thanks of the Trustees be offered to the executors. 
 
 Mr. Eastlake having reported to the Trustees that the pictures bequeathed by 
 the late Mr. Richard Simmons, are framed with flats only, which he considers as 
 inappropriate for this Gallery, 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees acquiesce in this opinion; and that Mr. Eastlake 
 is hereby authorized to cause the w hole or any part of the pictures in question to 
 be framed anew in any manner he may deem most in accordance with the frames 
 of the other pictures in this Gallery. 
 
 Read, A letter from Mr. R. R. Reinagle, li.A., offering his services to clean any 
 pictures in the Gallery that may appear in future to stand in need of it. 
 
 Resolved, That it be communicated to Mr. Reinagle that the Trustees have no 
 present occasion for his services. 
 
 Read, Letters from the following persons, whose offers of pictures for sale the 
 Trustees declined : the Rev. H. Boyce, R. R. Reinagle, Esq. And desired that, 
 in answering the letters of the above, the following addition be made to the usual 
 communications: — “ 1 am further directed to inform you, that this picture (these 
 pictures) has been forwarded to the Gallery contrary to their regulations, the con- 
 sent of the Trustees not having been specially obtained for the purpose ; and to 
 request you will cause the picture to be removed without loss of time, furnishing 
 them with a receipt under your hand for the same.” 
 
 (signed) “ Aberdeen.” 
 
 1 February 1847. 
 
 4°. 
 
 B 2 
 
i2 COPY OF THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 Copy of Mr. Morris Moore’s Letter to the Earl of Ellesmere, referred to in the 
 Minutes. 
 
 My Lord, 27, Grafton-street, Fitzroy-square. 
 
 The importance of the subject ul, I trust, be considered a sufficient excuse for 
 thus trespassing on your Lordsh.p’s attention. 
 
 A national wrong, an inj ur . v a £ a,nst ‘be civilized world has been committed in 
 the wanton mutilation of severs fine works of art in the National Gallery and 
 the Keeper, in a printed pamphlet informs us that this has been done “ by direc- 
 tion of the Trustees,” and undei h.s daily superintendence.” Your Lordship, 
 as one of the Trustees, is hereby made to countenance these lamentable proceed- 
 ings. I nevertheless ap peal to your Lordship, as a scholar and a gentleman, with 
 perfect confidence that J'° ur Eoidslnp has not, knowingly, afforded them the 
 sanction of your name. . , n 
 
 During the last va-’ab on the Bacchus and Ariadne,” by Titian ; the « Peace 
 and War,” by Rubens; and the newly purchased Velasquez, have been mutilated 
 to a most alarming extent, and the injuries they have received are irreparable. 
 
 The “ Peace and War, previously so remarkably glowing and harmonious, is 
 no» as conspicuous! wjhe reverse ; so much so, that this princely gift of your Lord- 
 tl^^J^m^jW^cUizens is barely recognizable, 
 
 QmmmrnJUtr** p< 
 
 intings in the kingdom, as an Englishman jealous of the 
 
 I* T nrHcllllv’c '.w! Il'f) Sntarnno!ti/xn in I .. 1 1. _ I 
 
 -Uw 
 
 brated couectidnsol „ „ 
 
 honour of his count#, your Lordship’s active interposition is anxiously looked 
 forward to by all enlBhtened friends of Art. They feel that they are entitled to 
 it from your Lordshifs exalted rank and high character, and that they have a right 
 to expect it from th®on of that munificent nobleman who presented this noble 
 but ill-fated work of Rubens to the National Gallery. I trust that many of your 
 Lordship’s collenguesfwill view with unmixed indignation the enormities committed 
 in their names durini the last vacation, though none have so much cause for 
 regret as your Lords®). 
 
 The public are hi{*Jy indignant at these vandalisms ; the press has vehemently 
 denounced them, anil giieve to say that the statements in The Times, Spectator, 
 Examiner, and othtrfcapers, are far from exaggerated. 
 
 If active measuresBe not adopted to prevent the recurrence of such deplorable 
 acts, in a few years nit only will our finest public pictures be destroyed, but there 
 will be great cause toffear that the pernicious example of the National Gallery will 
 be speedily followed it our private collections. 
 
 The study of the bfet works of the great masters has been the occupation of my 
 life; 16 years of whifh were passed in Italy, where alone are to be found the most 
 perfect models. I hive had too many opportunities of witnessing there and else- 
 where, the injuries ilflicted on important pictures by the abortive attempts at 
 “ restoration,” that sdecious synonyme of destruction ; but I never saw such wan- 
 ton and wholesale desecration as that perpetrated against the “ Peace and War,” 
 in our National Gallfly. 
 
 I could enlarge on? the inferiority of all the purchases of late years, on the 
 injudicious hanging of the pictures, and on many other points connected with the 
 National Gallery, but I have I fear already trespassed too long on your Lordship’s 
 time. 
 
 I remain, &c. 
 
 The Right Hon. 1 (signed) Morris Moore. 
 
 The Earl of Ellesmerie. December to. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees of the National Gallery, held on Monday, the 4th 
 February 1847; Present, — The Right Hon. the Earl of Aberdeen, K.t. in 
 the Chair, The Most Hon. the Marquess of Lansdowne, K.G., The Right 
 Hon. the Earl of Ripon, The Right Hon. the Earl of Ellesmere, The Right 
 Hon. Lord Monteagle, The Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel, Bart., The Right 
 Hon. Sir James IL G. Graham, Bart., Samuel Rogers, Esq., William Wells, 
 Esq. 
 
 Read and confirmed the minutes of the last meeting. 
 
 . Read, A Report hy Mr. Eastlake, Keeper of the National Gallery, made by 
 him in pursuance of ttie minute of the Trustees of the National Gallery of the 
 
 25th 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 1845 & 1846; &c. , 3 
 
 25th January last, together with various testimonials and documents referred to 
 in the Report, (copies of which Report and documents are appended hereto). 
 
 Resolved, That in the opinion of the Trustees, the report so made by Mr. 
 Eastlake is entirely satisfactory, and justifies the confidence which they have 
 reposed in his judgment in respect to the treatment of the pictures in the 
 National Gallery. 
 
 Read, A Letter from the Under Secretary of State for the Home Department, 
 of the 29th ult., addressed to the Keeper of the National Gallery, of which the 
 following is a copy : — 
 
 Sir, Whitehall, 29 January 1 847. 
 
 The Queen having been pleased to comply with the prayer of an humble 
 address, presented to Her Majesty in pursuance of a resolution of the House of 
 Commons, dated the 26th January 1847, for “ A Copy of the Minutes of the 
 Trustees of the National Gallery during the years 1845 and 1846, with the Names 
 of all the Trustees present at each meeting ; also Copies of the Orders and In- 
 structions to the Keeper of the Gallery respecting the cleaning of the Pictures, 
 and any directions in respect to their arrangement, and of any other documents 
 relating thereto,” 
 
 I am directed by Secretary Sir George Grey to desire that you w ill cause 
 copies to be prepared accordingly, and transmit the same to me with the least 
 possible delay, in order that they may be laid before Tfie fftouse of Commons. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 (signed) Wm. M. Somerville. 
 
 The Keeper of the National Gallery of Pictures, 
 
 Trafalgar Square. 
 
 Resolved, That the Trustees direct that copies of the report by Mr. Eastlake, 
 before referred to, and of the various documents he has produced with reference 
 to it, be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Home Department, together 
 with a copy of the Minutes of the Trustees during the years 1845 and 1846, fur- 
 nished in pursuance of the instructions contained in his above letter, and also, 
 
 That copies be furnished of the Minutes of the Trustees of the National Gal- 
 lery of the 25th ult., and of this day. 
 
 My Lords and Gentlemen, National Gallery, 28 January 1847. 
 
 In obedience to your instructions, I have the honour to submit the following 
 report of proceedings which have taken place under my superintendence relative 
 to the cleaning of certain pictures in the National Gallery. 
 
 Some circumstances connected with the regulations of the present confined 
 establishment, and which affect the question to be considered, should be first 
 noticed. The National Gallery is closed for six weeks in September and Octo- 
 ber. As there are no large spare rooms on the floor of the Gallery itself, and as 
 the moving of pictures to a lower floor, where the light is not so good, would be 
 inconvenient and not unattended with risk, it has been the practice to clean pic- 
 tures in the chief apartments, and consequently during the vacation only. I had 
 adverted to this circumstance in a printed letter addressed to the Right Honour- 
 able Sir Robert Peel, Bart, as First Lord of the Treasury, in May 1845, observing 
 that if the building had been provided with spacious and well-lighted private 
 rooms on the same floor with the Gallery, the operation of cleaning pictures could 
 be carried on when required, and that the vacation might then be shortened con- 
 siderably “ (with a view only to repairs or general cleaning of the building) so 
 as to keep the Gallery open almost throughout the year.” 
 
 The six weeks’ vacation being, under existing circumstances, the only period 
 when the cleaning of pictures can conveniently take place, the operation has been 
 unavoidably limited to a small number at a time, and hence pictures that are 
 cleaned must present a temporary contrast in their appearance to the mass of the 
 collection. I . c .. 
 
 In the autumn of 1844, being duly authorized, I called in the assistance of Mr. 
 Boden Brow n, an experienced picture cleaner, Mr. Seguier having been on former 
 occasions alone employed. I had every reason to be satisfied with the skill and 
 care evinced by both those gentlemen, and intended, in the autumn of 1845, 
 a <rain to invite the assistance of Mr. Brown. I should have requested him to 
 undertake the cleaning of the picture by Rubens called the “ Allegory of Peace, ^ 
 
 40. B 3 
 
*4 COPY OF THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 ifnd I even stated to the First Lord of the Treasury, that I wished to employ Mr. 
 Brown on that work. On attentively examining the picture, however, I found it 
 extremely difficult, in consequence of the thick coats of darkened varnish with 
 which it was covered, to say whether it might have been repaired or not at a 
 former period. I therefore thought it my duty, in what appeared a difficult case, 
 to postpone the cleaning °1 picture till Mr. Seguier, who was then much 
 occupied, would have time to undertake it. In so altering my intention, I was 
 only desirous, while the °* the work were, as I conceived, uncertain, to 
 
 intrust the picture to the care of the same person who had before and more than 
 once cleaned pictures in the National Gallery, and on whose experience the Trus- 
 tees, as a body, were accustomed to rely. A question having now arisen whether 
 the picture referred to has been properly cleaned or not, I have reason to be satis- 
 fied that I took tin's course. 
 
 The correspondence on this particular subject with the First Lord of the Trea- 
 sury was private, but I avail myself of the permission of Sir Robert Peel to insert 
 it here. The reference to a picture by Guido is also connected with the present 
 question. 
 
 Dear Sir, 7, Fitzroy-square, 5 September 1 845. 
 
 You are, I presumeji^vare, by the communications which have been made to 
 
 (ll f llp pietnre. nf “ 
 
 made “ 
 
 er, made for it with your sanction, of 1,200 guineas, 
 be cleaned and put in order, and this Mr. Seguier 
 
 by Guido, has accept* the ol 
 The picture will rcquH to b< 
 
 will, with your permisBon, undertake. As he is much occupied, he is desirous of 
 having the picture at 9 s own house; he can there begin to do what is necessary 
 forthwith. The Natiofel Gallery closes on the 13th instant, and it will obviously 
 be impossible to bang Ip the picture before that time. The Rubens, which was 
 not cleaned last year f» want of time (I mean the “Allegory of Peace and War,” 
 presented by the MarqBs of Stafford), I propose shall now be cleaned by Mr. 
 Brown, of course in tliS Gallery. 
 
 I have, &c. 
 
 The Right Hon. Sir Elbert Peel, Bart. (signed) C. L. Eastlake. 
 
 Dear Sir, ■ Downing-street, 6 September 1845. 
 
 I am desired by SiA Robert Peel to acquaint you that he approves of the 
 arrangements, proposeBin your letter of yesterday, for placing the picture by 
 Guido, recently purchased, under the charge of Mr. Seguier, for the purpose of 
 its being cleaned, anti for having the Rubens cleaned in the Gallery by Mr. 
 Brown. If you have nipt already done so, Sir Robert Peel says you should apply 
 officially to the TreasuB for the payment of the purchase money of the Guido, 
 referring to the TreasuB letter sanctioning the purchase. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 C. L. Eastlake, Esql (signed) G. Arbuthnot. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 7, Fitzroy Square, London, 6 Sept. 1845. 
 
 I had the honour t(f write to you yesterday on the subject of the Guido. With 
 respect to the Rubens, lifter carefully inspecting it to-day again, I am inclined to 
 think that it will be Hazardous to meddle with it; and unless Mr. Seguier can 
 undertake it, I should Acornmend postponing its restoration. 
 
 I have, See. 
 
 The Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel, Bart. (signed) C: L. Eastlake. 
 
 Dear Sir, 1 Drayton Manor, 7 September 1845. 
 
 ****** 
 
 I have requested thei Treasury to give the necessary directions for the pur- 
 chase of the Guido. I 
 
 Your judgment in respect of the Rubens will, I am confident, be acted upon 
 with perfect satisfaction by the Trustees of the National Gallery. Not to clean, 
 where there is doubt, isjthe safest and best decision. 
 
 Most truly, &c. 
 
 C. L. Eastlake, Esq. t (signed) Robert Peel. 
 
 Accordingly, the only picture in the national collection which was cleaned in 
 1845, was the Guido referred to in these letters. Mr. Brown attended merely 
 for the purpose of varnishing some pictures which he had cleaned in 1844. 
 
 I now 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 1845 & ,8 4 <»; &c. 
 
 *5 
 
 I now come to the operations of 1 846. 
 
 At a meeting of the Trustees, on Monday the 24th of August last, I stated that 
 several pictures in the National Gallery appeared to me to require cleaning ; 
 whereupon it was resolved, — “ That Mr. Eastiake is empowered by the Trustees to 
 use his discretion in causing such pictures as appear to be in want of this treat- 
 ment, to be cleaned and otherwise restored by competent persons, whom he shall 
 select for the purpose, as far as practicable, during the approaching vacation.” 
 
 The pictures which appeared to me more especially to require attention were, 
 the newly purchased Velasquez, “The Allegory of Peace,” by Rubens, “ The 
 Landscape,” by Cuyp, and “ The Bacchus and Ariadne,” by 'I itian. I considered 
 that one picture cleaner would be sufficient for the work proposed. I requested 
 Mr. Seguier to examine these pictures and give me his opinion as to the expedi- 
 ency of cleaning them, and the possibility of doing what appeared to be necessary 
 with safety. I may here observe, that I have known more than one instance when 
 Mr. Seguier has declined to undertake the cleaning of pictures, not because they 
 did not require cleaning, but because be considered that the operation would have 
 been hazardous. The opinions expressed by him on the occasion in question had 
 my entire concurrence. 
 
 Those opinions, founded on minute investigation, and requiring technical expe- 
 ^MNMMMggMprchend them, need not be detailed here. et ' l o ■ jii i ti?, — 
 
 that Mr. Seguier did not recommend cleaning the TitiaiiTso much as the other 
 pictures. Some of the Trustees, as well as Mr. Seguier auBhiyself, had remarked 
 an inequality in the upper and left corner of this picture, aVising from the canvas 
 having become partially detached from its lining. Mr. SeJSier stated that it was 
 not possible to get rid of this inequality entirely, without relining the picture; 
 but that operation I did not consider requisite. The picture was accordingly 
 cleaned only to the extent proposed by Mr. Seguier, and the defect in the canvas 
 was remedied as far as it could be. The latter operation was the only one, coming 
 under the head of restoration, which was considered necessaty in the late cleaning. 
 
 The Velasquez and the Cuyp were freed from the darkened varnish which 
 obscured them. In cleaning the latter it was hoped that two light spots in 
 the sky, produced by restorations, which had been made before the picture was 
 in the present building, would cease to be apparent. The result has been quite 
 satisfactory. The Velasquez speaks for itself. 
 
 The Rubens may be said to have been long buried inder repeated coats of 
 yellowed and soiled varnish. It was found that these could be removed with 
 perfect salety, as the surface of the picture had that extreme hardness which the 
 works of this master, above all others, often possess. The aoubt which I had ex- 
 pressed, whether the picture might have been restored at ajformer period, proved 
 to be unfounded. Mr. Seguier distinctly states that it is emremely rare to find a 
 large work of the age of this specimen in so pure a state ofjpreservation. 
 
 Having now explained what has been actually done to thl four pictures above- 
 named, and by whom the work was performed, I beg le.>v$ to repeat my entire 
 satisfaction at the result, and to express my acknowledgments to Mr. Seguier for 
 the care with which he executed the task undertaken by bin. I consider it unne- 
 cessary to say anything further on the subject of the r Ilian, the Cuyp, or the 
 Velasquez. I submit a few observations on the Rubens. 1 
 
 I have already remarked, that if some pictures are cleaneii while others hanging 
 beside them are in a dirtier state, the cleaned pictures inly tor a time present a 
 considerable contrast to the rest. This difference is mol likely to be apparent 
 when a Rubens, so placed, is freed from the accumulated effects of a London 
 atmosphere. A work by so florid a painter, in his brightesjmanner, (as suited to 
 a cheerful subject, such as an Allegory of Peace,) might nncjer almost any circum- 
 stances be expected to present a contrast to pictures originally executed in a much 
 lower tone; and this contrast must be greatly increased after such a picture lias 
 been cleaned. The difference however soon ceases to be striking, from the eflects 
 of time and of an impure atmosphere on the fresh varnish. The change has 
 been already witnessed in two pictures, “The Brazen Serpent!’’ nnd ‘‘The Judgment 
 of Paris,” by the same master. Those works were c leaned) in 1844, and at first, 
 as was generally remarked at the time, looked comparatively crude. They have 
 now acquired due mellowness of tone. 
 
 The preservation of the most delicately executed details in this picture, is a 
 proof of the care with which the surface has been cleaned. Lest however it should 
 be supposed that glazings may have been removed with the; soiled varnish, I beg 
 
 40. b 4 Lave 
 
i6 
 
 COPY OF THE MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 leave to observe, that ao experienced picture cleaner is not likely to be deceived 
 on such points. An e*pe rien , ced P ! Ct k Ur ?. cleaner knows > from long habit, the 
 general nature of the ia . s use , ^ 16 ? r f a * Pinters, and can distinguish 
 between such materials »" d ,he modenl varn,slles which may be spread over 
 pictures front time to time, to Pf erve or '^novate them, and which, sooner or 
 later, according to local circumstances and conditions, become discoloured. With 
 regard to the brilliant and extremely hght state , n which Rubens left his pictures, 
 two letters by the great »r |ist hlmse whlch are subjoined to this report, afford 
 conclusive evidence. ., .. ... 
 
 In the picture now uD<) cr consideration, the central portion, which has the most 
 unequivocal indicationsof ,lie Illasters hand, is painted either altogether or to a 
 great extent, on a dark g« ,un<1 ’ contrar - v t0 ^ usual l,al >“ of Rubens. The figures 
 to the left, again, appear^. P alnted on a S r °“ nd - , Those who are conver- 
 sant in the practical detail^ P a,ntm g> ^ these d.fferent conditions 
 
 generally involve an original. 1 difference of treatment. I he canvas on which the 
 picture is painted, is joined m many places, a circumstance not unusual in large 
 pictures of the period 111 thls case some of the additions may have been sub- 
 sequent to the comment of the central portion. 
 
 The above : .,p | hiy §i cl P al circumstances winch appear m rcl ateto t l^|ues^ 
 
 ww'ks 1 Jf Ivhich'the rMomil Gallery is com|>osed. 
 
 In the letter to I pich I have before referred, published in May 1845, I 
 remarked that “it ij Biot desirable to cover every blank space, at any height, 
 merely for the sake ol fclothing the walls, and without reference to the size and 
 quality of the picturJ I Every specimen of art in a national collection should be 
 assumed to be fit to I lallenge inspection, and to he worthy of being well dis- 
 played.” In wliateveMmode the pictures n.ay be arranged in the present building, 
 which is manifestly toHsmall for its contents, some must unavoidably be placed 
 too hivh to be properHseen. Mere dimensions are not always a criterion ; since 
 fine works of art, of Biatevcr size, should be placed where they can be appre- 
 ciated. The questioSwhich pictures should be near the eye and which should 
 be sacrificed (since sofle must be sacrificed), is a point on which amateurs would 
 certainly differ. It lifil been usual to place newly purchased or newly presented 
 pictures in conspicuoB si uations, at least for a time. This adds not a little to 
 the difficulties of the Brrangement. It would be desirable, if the building were 
 sufficiently spacious, C exhibit such newly acquired pictures where they might 
 undergo the ordeal off' examination without disarranging the gallery till a perma- 
 nent situation, suited L> their claims, could be assigned them. 
 
 The original arranaiment of the principal pictures of the National Gallery I 
 need hardly observe ws not under my superintendence. Some improvements, I 
 think, might be mat*, and an occasional change, merely as such, might be 
 desirable; but that esery good picture in the coilection can be duly exhibited to 
 view is, under existinjcircuiustances, impossible. 
 
 The following areftranslations of the letters by Rubens which were before 
 referred to. The oriAial text is also given. 
 
 Rubens to Peiresc. 
 
 ! London, 9 August 1629. 
 
 If I knew that my portrait was still at Antwerp I would cause it to be detained 
 and have the case opened, to see whether the picture is not spoiled, after having 
 been so long shut up ia the case without air; and whether, as commonly happens 
 to fresh colours, it hn not become yellow, so as to be no longer in appearance 
 what it was at first, “the remedy, however, if it should happen to be in so bad a 
 state, will be to exposclit several times to the sun, for the sun’s rays dissipate the 
 superfluity of oil whicp causes this change ; and if at intervals it should again 
 become brown, it shoald be again exposed to the sun’s rays, which are the only 
 antidote for this diseale of the heart. 
 
 Di Londra, il 9 d’Agosto 1629. 
 
 Se io sapessi che il .fenio ritratto fosse ancora in Anversa, io lo farei ritenere per 
 aprir la cassa, e vedetb se sendo stato rinchiuso tanto tempo in una cassa senza 
 veder l’aria, non sia gtasto e, sicome suole accadere agli colori fresehi, ingialdito, 
 di maniera che non ptriiif piu quello che fu. 11 remedio pero, se arrivara cosl 
 mal tratatto, sara di njetterlo piu volte al sole, che sa macerare questa ridundanza 
 del oglio che causa questa mutanza ; e si per intervalli torna ad imbrunirsi, 
 
 bisogna 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 1845 & ,8 4 6; &c. 17 
 
 bisogna di novo esparlo ai raggi solari, che sono l’unico antidoto contro questo 
 morbo cardiaco. 
 
 See Gachet, Lettres Incites de Pierre Paul Rubens, Bruxelles, 1840, p. 234. 
 
 Rubens to Justus Subtermans (or Sustermans). 
 
 Antwerp, 12 March 1638. 
 
 I fear that in a picture, packed up in a fresh state and remaining so long shut 
 up, the colours may have undergone some alteration, particularly in the flesh, 
 and that the whites may have become a little yellow ; hut one so great in our 
 profession as you are can easily remedy this by exposing the picture to the sun, 
 leaving it so exposed at intervals ; and, if it should be necessary, you have my 
 permission to put your hand to the picture and retouch it where it may require 
 mending, either in consequence of accident or from my inattention. 
 
 D’Anversa, ili2 di Marzo 1638. 
 
 Io temo, che stando tanto tempo una pittura a fresco Sncollata ed incassata, 
 ben potrebbono smarrire un poco gli colori, e particolarmente le carnagioni, e le 
 biacche ingialdirsi qualche poco; che per6 sendo V. S. si grind’ uomonella nostra 
 professione, vi rimedierh facilinente con esporlo al sole, lasciandolo per intervalii ; 
 e quando fosse necessario, ben potrk V. S. con mia permifiione inetterci la sua 
 mano, e ritoccarlo dove sara di bisogno, o per disgrazia, o per mia dappocaggine. 
 
 See Baldinucci Notizie De’ Professori Del Disegno. Milano, 1812, v. 12, 
 p. 48. 
 
 The picture to which this last letter refers is the “ Allegory of War,” now in 
 the Pitti Palace, at Florence. Mr. Rogers possesses the ordinal sketch. 
 
 As opinions have been expressed, in a letter addressed to the Trustees, and in 
 printed letters, for the most part anonymous, that the pieties which have been 
 recently cleaned have sustained serious injury, the Trusteeswill, perhaps, permit 
 me, in my own vindication and that of Mr. Seguier, to ssbjoin to this Report 
 copies of communications from some of the most eminent artists of this country, 
 and from other persons who have great knowledge of the works of the ancient 
 masters, and who, from long experience, are acquainted with the best modes of 
 cleaning pictures. 
 
 My dear Sir, Linden Grove, Bayswater, 1 January 1847. 
 
 The “ Bacchus and Ariadne,” by Titian, and “ Peace driving away the Horrors 
 of War,” by Rubens, are two of the pictures that l know best. I have seen these 
 w orks, and the Cuyp, since they were last cleaned, and I carefully examined the 
 parts within my reach, but I have not discovered any appearance that leads me 
 to suspect that the pictures have been injured in the process of cleaning, since I 
 have known them. 
 
 I retain, &c. 
 
 [ C. L. Eastlake, Esq. n. a. (signed) W. Mulready. 
 
 ! 14, Buckingham-street, Strand, 
 
 My dear Sir, 28 December 1846. 
 
 On Saturday I received a note from you, inquiring w hether I had heard of the 
 letters which have been in the papers, relative to the cleaning ijf some of the pictures 
 in the National Gallery ; I certainly did hear several persons mention that such re- 
 marks were in some of the papers, and as I was anxious to see the new pictures, and 
 also desirous to see how far I considered these remarks just, j[ took an opportunity 
 one fine day (as I have scarce been out lately) to look in, accompanied by a friend. 
 I was only there about a quarter of an hour, and did not see the Titian (“ Bacchus 
 and Ariadne”), as I was not aware it had been cleaned; but I saw the others 
 distinctly, and more especially the large Rubens (“ Peace andiVar”), and I have the 
 greatest pleasure in giving my testimony in favour of those who performed the 
 task. The pictures appear judiciously and admirably done, and more especially 
 the Rubens, which until then I confess I never could thoroughly like, because I 
 could not see it; its darkness, opacity, and heavy character, until it was thus 
 cleaned, so contrary to the bland, general sunny and clear detail of Rubens, always 
 made me at least indifferent to it. I turned to the friend with me and said, as 
 also in the hearing of an artist present, who asked me my opinion of what had 
 
 r' Itpf-n 
 
COPY OF T 
 
 *E MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE 
 
 been done, that I cor lidered any remarks that bad been made against the clean- 
 ing as void ot foundal Bn, and that for the first time in my life I liked the picture, 
 which I can now see find admire as a really fine Rubens. I was indeed so pleased 
 with it, that 1 instant* put in practice what I had before intended, that is, to 
 consign to the care olj Mr. Seguier a magnificent Bacchanalian I possess of Jor- 
 daens, to undergo the j same operation. 
 
 .M I remain, &c. 
 
 C. L. Eastlake, Estj. (signed) Wm. Etty. 
 
 Dear Eastlake, 1 Thursday Afternoon, 28 January 1847. 
 
 This morning, thelrst Wight day, I went to the National Gallery to look at the 
 pictures that have beet so much discussed and criticised lately. I have not seen 
 the violent letters thai appeared in the newspapers, wherein Seguier is so unwar- 
 rantably reflected on and unjustly attacked ; but having seen the pictures in 
 question, viz. the Rubens, Velasquez, Titian, and Cuyp, I should like you to 
 say to Mr. Seguier fram me how much obliged to him I feel for his judicious 
 cleaning, which enablis me to see the merits of the masters. He appears to me 
 to have removed the ®ggy varnish with great skill. What a fine fellow Velasquez 
 must have been ! I ilever saw so much large art on so small a scale. 1 should 
 very much like to go h the Gallery with you some sunny hour. 
 
 Believe me, &c. 
 
 (signed) E. Landseer. 
 
 Dear Eastlake, 1 Kensington, 8 January 1847. 
 
 My occupation at Buckingham Palace, which is not yet over, has prevented 
 me till now from visilj'ng the National Gallery with a view to that careful exami- 
 nation of the pictures Necessary to give a decided and conscientious opinion on the 
 subject. I have nowito say, that the first impression of my first hurried view is 
 entiiely confirmed bylhis second visit. The pictures seem to have been cleaned 
 with so much judgment, and such scrupulous care, that I am sure every artist who 
 knows the value of thl works will feel grateful to you, sir, for giving up time that 
 might be more profitably employed to this ill-requited charge. 
 
 In the full and enie approbation of what has been done, it is difficult to par- 
 ticularize. The glorftus Titian, however, is a subject in which my feelings are 
 particularly interested The cleaning in this case is not only entirely satisfactory 
 io its immediate resutt, hut still more from the promise of permanence and dura- 
 bility which the suJess of the experiment implies. Nothing can exceed the 
 beauty which the (Jyp and the Velasquez present as the efl'ect of the picture 
 cleaner’s skill ; but tip Titian and Rubens are more interesting from their much 
 greater comparative Bportance. The Rubens is indeed reproduced in what may 
 be imagined its origipl perfection. I have known the picture very many years, 
 hut never knew its value till now. It always appeared to be covered with a solid 
 mass of dirt, filth, and patches, from which 1 have turned away with disappoint- 
 TtfSBniOT ■(llSgtisT. .met a 1 T then ofltHTTZesr wittr ■w+rrefr i~have enjuytd tliis trrrm 
 tiful work in its preset intelligible state. I cannot but look with great respect! 
 and veneration on anWt that, conducted with judgment, experience, and taste, is 
 capable of doing so much towards restoring and perpetuating these national 
 treasures. 
 
 It would be out ofpl ace f or me to say anything of the conspiracy that has 
 been formed against 'you, a conspiracy which it is easy to trace to its source, 
 but 1 cannot refuse myself the pleasure of stating, that all persons ot real know- 
 ledge and judgment, to whom I speak on the subject, unite with me in me 
 
 opinions expressed it this letter 
 
 To <J. L. Eastlake, E sq . ( b .a. 
 
 &c. &c. &G. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 (signed) Thomas Uwins. 
 
 Mr. Uwins is Cur|t or 0 f the Pictures in Her Majesty’s possession. 
 
 My dear Eastlake, Mornington-place, 26 December 1846. 
 
 After a close inspection of the pictures that have been last cleaned by Mr. 
 Seguier in the National Qallerv I feel assured that no particle of colour or 
 glazing has been touched, an d ' t h a t nothing hut the accumulated varnish and 
 dirt of years lias been removed from any of them. 
 
NATIONAL GALLERY DURING 1845 &]i 8 4 G ; &c. 19 
 
 The restoration of the pictures to their present state «f almost pristine bril- 
 liancy by the removal of the intervening medium of itnlm ities through which 
 we have hitherto been accustomed to view them, is aloje, in my opinion, the 
 cause of the present outcry, and nothing can be moreTnjustifiabk; than’ the 
 attack made on Mr. Seguier, in whose judgment in thesefmatters every painter 
 in the Academy, and most of them out, have the fullestwj ance 
 
 ■lieve, kc. 
 
 ( si gJd) C. Stanfield. 
 
 Mr. Stanfield is Curator of the Gallery of Pictures in reenwich Hospital. 
 
 Sir, Bydorp House, HanwB, 29 January 1847. 
 
 It has come to my knowledge, that a few lines fromne stating my candid 
 opinion of the cleaning of four pictures, (viz. “ The Peac md War,” by Rubens, 
 “The Boar Hunt,” by Velasquez, “ The Bacchus and J ladne,” by Titian, and 
 “ The Landscape and Cattle,” by Cuyp,) in the Natic ,1 Gallery, would be 
 acceptable to you. Although, sir, I have not the hon • of being personally 
 known to you, yet from the warm and lively interest I ike in the Fine Arts, 
 and also from the thorough detestation I bear to all anaymous and scurrilous 
 writers, I most willingly comply with the wish you have fen pleased to express. 
 
 After the appearance in “ The Times ” new spaper ct the letters by Verax 
 and others (to which I shall on the present occasion Jrbear any observation 
 other than that they appear to me to have been elated in a spirit of 
 hostility to you, sir, rather than with an honest zeiAbr the Arts), I was 
 induced on two occasions to visit the National Gallery fJthe express purpose of 
 examining the four recently-cleaned pictures in questioned I am happy to say, 
 that the result of a careful inspection was, that the skjHorks of art have been 
 to the best of my judgment carefully and judiciously tjHed, and have received 
 no injury by the operation. 
 
 1 beg respectfully to say, sir, that you are quite at 
 any manner which you may consider most conducive 
 
 To C. L. Eastlake, Esq. r.a., 
 kc. &c. &c. 
 
 (signl 
 
 Author of the 01 
 works of the J 
 Flemish, and 
 
 ty to use this letter in 
 object of truth. 
 
 &c. 
 
 John Smith, 
 ue Raisound of the 
 lost eminent Dutch, 
 ch Painters. 
 
 To the Trustees of the National Gmy. 
 
 My Lords and Gentlemen, 20, Strat® place, 29 Jan. 1847. 
 
 At the present moment of excitement relative to thHlcaning of some of the 
 pictures in the National Gallery, I hope I may be pant® for expressing my indi- 
 vidual opinion to you that they have not received the sliHst injury from the recent 
 operation, but to the contrary, as will be 4,een and ail uB in a few months, when 
 they will have greatly regained their tone, as is found ff picture of Rubens of 
 “ The Judgment of Paris," and others thah might- lit ^ 
 
 I venture to say this from long experience in the TV Arts, and as a person 
 deeply interested in their welfare. j jl 
 
 (signed) * Thomas Emmerson. 
 
 Sir, No. 25, Sob-square, 1 Feb. 1847. 
 
 I can have no objection, but on the contrary great^leasure, in saying to you 
 what I have expressed in my letter to Mr. Vernon,— ^That I willingly give my 
 testimony, founded on long experience, that no injury he been done in the recent 
 cleaning to the pictures in the National Gallery. 
 
 Eastlake, Esq. r.a., 
 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 il have, kc. 
 
 (siffled) Peter Norton. 
 
 These documents, with the statements and opini® before submitted, will 
 perhaps afford sufficient information on the subject to *j c h the attention of the 
 Trustees has been called, and on which I was directed! > furnish a Report. 
 
 The Trustees of the National Gallery. ( s igJl)' aV * C. L. Eastlake.