Though last in the field, (for it is scarcely published) the _Bijou_
will doubtless occupy a different place in public favour. Its
embellishments are selected with much judgment, and in literary
merit, it equals either of its contemporaries. Its second title is
an Annual of Literature and the _Fine Arts_, and from the choice of
its illustrations, deservedly so. Thus, among the painters, who have
furnished subjects for the engravers, we have Holbein, Claude, and
Primaticcio; and two from Sir Thomas Lawrence. The engraving from
Holbein, Sir Thomas More and his Family,--is a novelty in an Annual,
and is beautifully executed by Ensom. It has all the quaintness of the
great master, whose pictures may be called the _mosaic_ of painting.
The Autumnal Evening, engraved by Dean, after Claude, is not so
successful; although it should be considered that little space is
allowed for the exquisite effect of the original: still the execution
might have been better. The Frontispiece, Lady Wallscourt, after Sir
Thomas Lawrence is in part, a first-rate engraving; Young Lambton,
after the same master, is of superior merit. The face is beautifully
copied; and, by way of hint to the _scrappers_, this print will form
a companion to the Mountain Daisy, from the _Amulet_ for the present
year. There are, too, some consecrated landscapes, dear to every
classical tourist, and of, no common interest at home--as Clisson,
the retreat of Heloise; Mont Blanc; and the Cascade of Tivoli--all of
which are delightfully picturesque. The view of Mont Blanc is well
managed.
In the _prose_ compositions we notice some of intense interest, among
which are the Stranger Patron and the Castle of Reinspadte--both of
German origin. There is too, a faithful historiette of the Battle of
Trafalgar, which, with the History of the Family of Sir Thomas More,
will be read with peculiar attention. Our extracts from the poetical
department are by Mrs. Hemans and Miss Landon.