Page:A tribute to W. W. Corcoran, of Washington City (IA tributetowwcorco00boul).pdf/69

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W. W. CORCORAN.
57

to the Elizabethan age—the high-fluted ruffs at the throat, the stock-i-net, gay velvet coats, &c. The saloon is very rich in all of its appointments, such as carvings and drapery. On a stand at a little distance off are a silver pitcher, a wine bottle and glasses, by the side of which have been laid a sword, a mantle of ultramarine blue, and a hat with a white feather. The artist has been very successful in the likeness. Intellect is stamped upon every face; but chief of all is the great Shakspeare, whose high, full forehead is wonderfully indicative of the brains that have conceived and built up a world of knowledge. Upwards of 14,000 engravings have been made of this original picture, and sold in England and the United States, for which Mr. Corcoran most generously gave the copyright. No. 33. Castle Gondolfo, Lake Albano, Italy, by Cranch. A fine large picture, showing a harmonious union of color, and a high order of talent. Nos. 34 and 35. Happy and Unhappy Families, by Fde. Brackaleere, 1852. This artist has admirably dealt with the sunshine and shadow of life. In the former we are imbued with the idea that a Dutch home can be made very jolly. In the poorer ranks the spirit of content The children are to our eye is always very striking. The children are having a high festival over a wooden doll-baby, stiff and ungainly in itself, but with two long strings tied under its arms, and managed by the dexterous hand of a little child, we must imagine it a graceful figure under the inspiration of grandpapa's fiddle. His frow stands by his side and claps her approbation, feeble old woman that she looks! A middle-aged visitor also seems well pleased, and holds his pipe in his hand, waiting to indulge after the frolic is ended. The mother of the little children is about to step forward with some "good cheer," to refresh the "inner man." Nat-