Chief astrologer.-Jew of distinction.-Jewish women.

to ascertain what was his interpretation, but there is also perceived, by the drawing down of the right corner of the mouth, in such a manner as to expose the clenched teeth, a deadly hatred, and a wrathful spirit of revenge for the indignity offered to the Persian astrologers. The second of the soothsayers is seen in profile, and by the contemptuously closed mouth, the protruding under lip, lowering brows, and malignant eyes sternly fixed upon Daniel, he betrays his utter scorn and proud defiance of a presumptuous rival for the confidence and favour of the court.

"The principal astrologer is of gigantic proportions, and towers above his exasperated compeers with such a diabolical expression as might well be presumed to denote a God-defying potentate of hell. The other has been only so far delineated as to prefigure the size and position, with the mere indication of the profile and features; but even in that, there is discoverable a steadfast look towards the prophet, and a stubborn disbelief in his revelations.

"Next to the soothsayers, yet, beyond them in the middle distance, sits an old man, who is evidently a Jew of distinction; leaning forward with his left hand a little raised, his lips slightly parted, and looking earnestly towards Daniel, while a gleam of triumph rests on his face. Next, on the right of the last, there is seated a younger man, who is thrown so entirely into the shade, that it requires a near approach to the painting to perceive his features, his flashing eyes are immoveably directed towards the king, and glare with the malignity of gratified revenge.

"On the left of Daniel, and in front of several superb Jewish women, who are anxious spectators of the wonderful scene before them, are two youthful females; one of whom, with an eager effort, yet timid expression, is leaning forward, and cautiously extending her hand to touch the hem of Daniel's garment, an

Sacred vessels.-Golden candlestick.-Grandeur of the empire.

act of reverence peculiar to the Jews. The other has kneeled near the feet of the prophet, lowly bowed her head, and with clasped hands, and her eyes cast down, has assumed the humblest posture of self-abasement, and of the most profound veneration for the chosen messenger of the Almighty. In this surpassingly lovely girl are united all the most attractive attributes of beauty.

“A young man who forms a prominent figure in front of the group of Jews, which has been named, having been enabled from his advanced position, to perceive the sacred vessels on the banqueting-table, has turned his face towards the women in the rear, and extending his hand in such a manner as to invite their attention, points with the other to this revolting desecration of those sacred symbols of their faith.

"Behind the two attendants of the queen is a man standing quite alone, who, from costume and bearing, appears to be a Hebrew of the highest rank. He has just discovered the golden candlestick with the seven branches, which is placed over the throne, and so is he amazed and horror-stricken at the sacrilege, that he hears not the awful words of the prophet, nor heeds the startling scene around him.

"At the head of the table which is seen between the queen and Daniel, a princess who occupies the highest seat has fainted, and a lady on her left has risen up, and leaning over her, is imploring assistance; but so wrapt in wonder are all the other guests, that no one regards them. Immediately below is a grandee of the empire, who is earnestly looking at, and eagerly listening to Daniel, utterly regardless of the effect which terror has produced so near him. His countenance has a stern and fearless expression; and he seems prepared to firmly hear and boldly meet, the worst that can be said or done. In a word, so diversified in expression, attitude, and costume, are the numerous

Literary productions of Allston.

figures of this stupendous work, that the resources of the art would seem exhausted in its production."

"Allston was a man of finished literary education, having studied and taken his degree at the university of Cambridge. The best authors in several languages were familiar to him, as much so as the great models in his art.

"Some of his published poems are not surpassed by any thing in American literature. Every reader is familiar with his magnificent ode to England and America. As a prose writer, he is chiefly known as the author of 'Monaldi.' There are paragraphs in that book in which the very soul of the writer seems to pour itself out in strains of the richest melody. There are innumerable passages of such graphic beauty as could only be traced by the hand that painted for all coming time Beatrice, Rosalie, and Amy Robsart.

"Mr. Allston's conversation was singularly attractive. The graces seeking a shrine, certainly chose his soul for a temple. His peculiar and striking personal appearance can never be forgotten. His tall and slender figure, his pale countenance, the towering pile of his forehead, his regular and pleasing features, his large hazel eye, the venerable locks that waved in the solemn beauty of silvered age from his shapely forehead-formed in their combination an image which he who has once seen can never forget.

"The serene close of his days gave the finishing touch to the picture of his life. He died sitting in the same chair from which he had so often delighted his friends by his conversation. Beautiful in death as he had been in life, he looked like some gracious work of art just beginning its silent immortality."

24*

Inman.-Engagement with Jarvis.

HENRY INMAN.

Henry Inman was born at Utica, in the state of New York, in 1801. His early delights were connected with pictures, and his first aspirations were for fame as an artist. About 1812, his parents removed to New York, and there he commenced the study of drawing, under a competent teacher.

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When Westmüller's celebrated picture of Danäe was exhibited at Mr. Jarvis's rooms in Murray-street, young Inman visited it, and gives the following account of his first interview with Jarvis : On my second visit, I saw Mr. Jarvis. He came in from his painting-room, with mahl stick in his hand and palette on his arm. I removed my hat, and bowed. At that time I regarded an artist with peculiar reverence. Without noticing my salutation, he walked rapidly up to me, and with his singular look of scrutiny, peered into my face. Suddenly he exclaimed, 'The very head for a painter! He then put some questions to me, invited me below stairs, and permitted me to examine his portfolios. He shortly after called on my father, and proposed to take me as a pupil. I was at that time preparing for my entrance at West Point as a cadet, for which I had already obtained a warrant. My father left the matter to myself, and I gladly acceded to the proposal. I accordingly entered on a seven years' apprenticeship with him."

Mr. Inman remained with Mr. Jarvis during the whole time of his engagement, and with him visited New Orleans and other cities.

About 1822 he commenced business for himself as portrait and miniature painter. In the latter style he was highly auccessful, though he soon abandoned it. In 1825 Mr. Inman

National Academy.-Height of his popularity.-Embarks for England. assisted in the formation of the National Academy of Design, of which he was the first vice-president. He held the office until 1831, when he removed to Philadelphia. About this time he painted full-length portraits of William Penn, Col. Varick, ChiefJustice Marshall, and other distinguished individuals.

After a residence of about a year in Philadelphia, Mr. Inman removed to Mount Holly, New Jersey. He thus wrote to a friend, before his removal: "I have always panted to live in the country, where I can be surrounded with something pleasanter to look upon than the everlasting brick walls of a city. I shall then be better enabled to withdraw myself gradually from mere facemaking, to practice in the more congenial departments of art— namely, landscape and historical painting."

Mr. Inman resided at Mount Holly between two and three years, and removed to New York in October, 1837. At this time his popularity was at its height. His annual receipts, for the succeeding five years, were from eight to ten thousand dollars.

For some time Mr. Inman had been subject to annual attacks of severe illness, which were eventually found to proceed from an organic affection of the heart. The attacks gradually increased in violence; and becoming involved in pecuniary embarrassments, in 1844 he embarked for Europe, with the double object of benefiting his health and fulfilling several commissions for portraits and landscapes. While abroad he painted portraits of several distinguished persons: among them, Dr. Chalmers, for Mr. Lenox; the poet Wordsworth, for Prof. Reed; and Thomas B. Macaulay, for Mr. Carey. Forced to give up his project of visiting France and Germany, after a stay of eight months in England, he returned to New York.

His health now rapidly declined; still he continued, at