. Villa of Maecenas. One of _Wilson's_ most celebrated
compositions, of classic fame.

181. Master's Out, "The Disappointed Dinner Party." _R.W. Buss._ A
scene of cockney mortification humorously treated.--An unlucky Londoner
and his tawdrily-dressed wife, appeared to have toiled up the hill, with
their family of four children, to a friend's cottage, the door of which
is opened by an old housekeeper, with "Master's out," while the host
himself is peeping over the parlour window-blind at the disappointment
of his would-be visitors. The annoyance of the husband at the
inhospitable answer, and the fatigue of his fine wife, are cleverly
managed; while the mischievous pranks of the urchin family among the
borders of the flower-garden remind us of the pleasant "Inconveniences
of a Convenient Distance." The colouring is most objectionable; though
the flowers and fine clothes are very abundant.

194. Falls of Niagara. _Wilson._ A sublime picture of this terrific
wonder of the world.

196. Erzelin Bracciaferro musing over Meduna, slain by him for
disloyalty during his absence in the Holy Land. _Fuseli._ A
composition of touching melancholy, such as none but a master-mind could
approach.

199. The late R.W. Elliston, Esq. One of _Harlow's_ best portraits:
the likeness is admirable, and the tone well accords with Elliston's
unguent, supple expression.

204. Portrait of Dr. Wardrope. _Raeburn._ This is one of the
artist's finest productions: it is clever, manly, and vigorous--painting
to the life, without the flattering unction of varnished canvass. The
fine, broad, bold features of the sitter were excellently adapted to the
artist's peculiar powers.

205. Portrait of Thomson, the Poet. _Hogarth._ The well-known
picture. How fond poets of the last century were of their
_dishabille_ in portraits: they had their day as well as nightcaps.

217. Johnny Gilpin. _Stothard._ This lively composition is well
known, as it deserves to be; but it may not so well be remembered that
the popularity of John Gilpin was founded by a clever lecturer, who
recited the "tale in verse" as part of his entertainment. (_See page
367._) What would an audience of the present day say to such
puerility; though it would be certainly more rational than people
listening to a French play, or an Italian or German opera, not a line of
which they understand.

229. Portrait of R.B. Sheridan. The well-known picture, by
_Reynolds_, whence is engraved the Front