On the day of the unfortunate destruction of the Oxford Street Diorama and
Bazaar, by fire, two new views were opened at the Diorama in the Regent's
Park. These are the _Interior of St. Peter's at Rome_, and the _Village of
Thiers_.
We have so often spoken in terms of the highest commendation of the
Regent's Park Diorama, that we hardly know in what set of words to point
out the beauties of these new views, the merits of which must not alter
our meed of praise, however the subjects may its details. The Interior of
St. Peter's is by M. Bouton. The point of view is at the east entry,
opposite to the choir; the reader, perhaps, not being aware that the choir
in this cathedral is situated differently from all others, being at the
west end. So beautiful are the proportions of the cathedral itself, that
its vastness does not strike at first sight, and this effect is admirably
preserved in the Diorama. We think we could point out a few inaccuracies
in the drawing; but the projections, capitals of the columns, and some of
the medallion portraits which ornament them, are so well painted, that we
can scarcely believe ourselves looking on a flat surface. Again, the
emmet-like figures of the distant congregation are admirable illustrations
of the vastness of the building; and above all, the flood of light shed
from the lantern of the dome is a perfect triumph of art.
The other view is the French Village of Thiers in the department of the
Puy de Doue, on the bank of the little River Durolle, which is actually
made to flow, or rather trickle over large stones; whilst smoke ascends
from the chimney of an adjoining cottage. As a romantic picture of still
life, its merits can scarcely be too highly spoken of, and when we say it
is quite equal to _Unterseen_, by the same artist, and engraved in our
last volume, we hope our readers will not be long ere they judge for
themselves. We could have lingered for an hour in the contemplation of
this peaceful picture, with the devotional interior of St. Peter's--and in
contrasting them with the turmoil of the Great Town out of which we had
just stepped to view this little _Creation_ of art.
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