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Article Science, Art, and the Drama. Page 1 of 1 Article PAINTERS AND OTHER ARTISTS IN THE REIGN OF JAMES I. Page 1 of 1 Article PAINTERS AND OTHER ARTISTS IN THE REIGN OF JAMES I. Page 1 of 1 Article REMARKS ON THE LEADING THEATRES. Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1
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Science, Art, And The Drama.
Science , Art , and the Drama .
A " MYSTERY PLAY" IN THE BLACK COUNTRY .
( Continued ) . In one of these brick walls , just over Absalom ' s chair , is a window of six small panes , resembling that of a larder or dairy . Enter a stranger , in ordinary dress , who proves to be a suitor weary of the law ' s delay . The conversation between him and Absalom is so slavishly copied from the elliptical narrative in the Bible that nobody learns who the stranger is ,
whence he comes , or what is his business . Nevertheless , Absalom , who knows no more about him than the audience , assures him that " his matters are good and right . " On the retirement of the stranger enter several consp irators , in buttoned coats , belts , and caps . They salute Absalom , and are instructed to extol him everywhere as a radical reformer . No sooner have the conspirators departed than a messenger enters , announcing that
everywhere " the hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom . " Re-enter the conspirators ; and after two or three sentences from them to the same effect , Absalom says , " Let them sound the drums and proclaim me king . " There is a prodigious drumming behind the wings , the conspirators salute and cry " God save King Absalom ! " Almost before the rattle of the drums have ceased , another messenger appears , announcing- the flight of
David , to which Absalom replies , " 'Tis better thus ; now are we king indeed . " Scene g suggests the encampment of David ; at least , there is a Lilliputian tent in the middle of the stage , formed of a white sheet thrown over a painter ' s easel . Joab and a number ol David ' s followers come marching on , and J oab asks if there is any news from Jerusalem . Zadok , the priest , is announced ; there is nothing distinctive in his costume . Then
enters David—dressing gown , gut-paper crown , Sec , as before . He dismisses Zadok , with instruction to employ his son Ahimaas as messenger . Hushai the Archite is also directed to offer his services to the usurper . Scene 10 . —Absalom , in pink robe and felt hat , is surrounded by his friends , conspicuous among whom is Ahithopel ( pronounced Ay-it-to ' e-piel ) . Hushai the Archite ( oh , as in church )
tenders his submission . A council of war is held , and the contradictory opinions of Ahithopel and Hushai are given , the latter having the preference . The entire dialogue is -verbatim from the Bible . As the council breaks up , Hushai lags behind , and to Zadok , who enters at the same moment , he briefly reports what has passed , urging that a message should be sent to David bidding him hasten over Jordan . Scene II . shows the tent
as before , Joab and soldiers marching around . Enter David , to him Ahimaas , who reports the result of the council . " Ahithopel " ( he says ) " was a wise man ; he went home , set his house in order , and hanged himself . " David produces his sword , declaring that he is now ready to lead his friends to battle . Joab remonstrates ; David ' s life is worth ten thousand of theirs ; he must not incur needless danger . David acquiesces ; but begs
Joab to" deal gently with the young man , " and all march off . Re-enter Joab , without a moment's interval , to him a soldier announcing , " I saw Absalom hanged in an oak . " The short Biblical dialogue in this place is somewhat abridged , and Joab rushes out saying : " I may not tarry thus with _ tb . ee . " " Last scene of all , which ends this strange eventful history . " David and an attendant are beside the tent . . Enter successively Ahimaas
and Hushai , who narrate the battle , and the death of Absalom . David cries out : " My God , why hast thou forsaken me ? " The harmonium in the corner strikes up a few bars of the Dead March , and the body of Absalomis brought in , covered with a sheet , upon a bier that has evidently been designed for the obsequies of the swinish multitude . David delivers an oration in the approved style of the theatrical " heavy father . . " concluding
with the well-remembered words—so touching in their proper place , so absurdly incongruous at the close of a long speech— " Oh I my son , Absalom , would God I had died for thee . " The whole company not forgetting the angels gather round the bier and sing to the tune Pilgrims of the Night , a dirge of which the burden is " Too late , too late for grace . " So ended " the Sacred Drama of Absalom . " It was unmistakably regarded
, both by actors and audience , as a great success ; and the hearty singing of the Doxology seemed in no wise out of place , in view of the spirit in which theentire proceedings were conducted . There was no suspicion of anything ludicrous in the performance ; the conduct of the actors was reverent throughout , and , even in the tedious , yet laughable dinner scene , the extemporised dialogue was designed to inculcate gratitude to God for the trood
things of this life . We will not express an opinion as to the utility of such a performance from either a moral or religious point of view ; but , at least , the intention was unimpeachable . We had been brought within a measurable distance of the religious life ol 15 th century , and it seemed lo us that between the simple piety that inspired the "Cherry Tree Carol " and the " Coventry Mysteries , " and that of the Primitive Methodists in the Black Country , the interval was much less than is generally supposed .
Painters And Other Artists In The Reign Of James I.
PAINTERS AND OTHER ARTISTS IN THE REIGN OF JAMES I .
( Continued . ) The Revolution in France forced the persecuted clergy to supply themselves with the means of emigration from the private sale of the stained glass in their chapels . Our English agents were particularly industrious to
procure it under the pressure of such circumstances and were great gainers . A few notes of the new proprietors and application may prove of interest . A window—subject , the Nativity—was purchased by the Earl of Radnor , at Algiers , in 1787 , and by him replaced in the church of Coleshill . in
Berkshire . In consequence of the suppression of monasteries in Flanders , many chapels , most richly ornamented with stained glass , were dilapidated and sold . Sir Brooke Boothby , Bart ., being at Liege , in 1800 , purchased the glass , long celebrated , of the chapel of Herkenrode , near that city , for £ 200 , which has been erected , and now fills seven large windows of the choir in the cathedral of Lichfield . The subjects were Scriptural , with emblazoned portraits of the Counts of Egmont and Horn . Hates from
53--I 539- Initials of artists , & c . A great importation of stained glass , collected in the Netherlands , was sold by auction in London in 1 S 07 , which was purchased by individuals , and given to churches . The meeting of th R a i lilizabeth i irom thc chapel of St . Nicholas , at Rouen , bought by e karl of Carlisle , and given to the cathedral of York in 1804 .
Christ before Pilate Ely Cathedral . Evangelists and Prophets ... Tottenham Church . Crucifixion Rickmansworth Church . Life of St . Barbara Cholmondely .
Painters And Other Artists In The Reign Of James I.
Another collection , not inferior to the above , was offered for sale in 1808 . It had been taken from the cathedral and other churches at Cologne , from the Carthusian monastery at Rouen , which consisted of 12 lights , en grisaille describing the history of eremitism ; the Last Supper ( 1542 ) from St . John ' s Church , in that city , and 11 large subjects , of most brilliant colouring , taken from a chapel in the cathedral of Cologne . The works , en
grisaille , were chiefly by Pinaigriers . In a chapel at the Vine , Hants , is a series of stained glass brought from Boulogne . The three upper tiers contain Scriptural subjects , and the lower have the portraits of Francis I ., with his two wives , Claude and Margaret , and their tutelar saints . Of smaller pieces , the finest collection made by Sir T . Neave , Bart ., is now at his seat , at Dagenham , Essex . It may not be unwelcome to those who are
curious to learn some facts relative to the revival of the taste for painted glass in England . Price , as we have said , was the only artist in that style for many years in England . Afterwards , one Rowell , a plumber at Reading , did some things , particularly for the late Henry , Earl of Pembroke ; but Rowell ' s colours soon vanished . At last he found out a very durable and beautiful red ; ' but he died in a year or two , and the
secret with him . A man at Birmingham began the same art in 1756 or 1757 , and fitted up a window for Lord Lyttelton in the church of Hagley , but soon failed in business . A little after him , one Peckett , at York , was successful , and made good proficiency . A few lovers of the art collected some dispersed panes from ancient buildings , particularly the late Lord Cobham , who erected a Gothic temple at Stowe , and filled it with arms of
the old nobility , & c . About the year 1753 , one Asciotti , an Italian , who had married a Flemish woman , brought a parcel of painted glass from Flanders , and sold it for a very few guineas to the Hon . Mr . Bateman , of Old Windsor . Asciotti went again to Flanders , and brought back 450 pieces , for which , including the expense of the journey , he was paid 36 guineas . His wife made more journeys for the same purpose , and sold her collection
to one Palmer , a glazier in St . Martin's-Iane , who immediately raised the price to one , two , and five guineas for a single piece , and fitted up entire windows with them and with mosaics of plain glass of different colours . In 1761 , one Paterson , an auctioneer at Essex House , in the Strand , exhibited the first auctions of painted glass , imported in like manner from Flanders . AH this manufacture consisted in rounds of Scripture stories , stained in
black and yellow , or in small figures of black and white , birds and flowers in colours , and Flemish coats of arms . Edward Norgate , though of a very i inferior walk in the profession , deserves to be remembered for his uncommon j excellence in his way . He was the son of Dr . Robert Norgate , Master of I Bennet College , Cambridge , where Edward was born . He was brought up I by Nicholas Felton , Bishop of Ely , who married , his mother , and who ,
observing his inclination to limning and heraldry , permitted him to indulge his genius . As he had good judgment in pictures he was sent into Italy by the great collector , Thomas , Earl of Arundel , to make purchases for him ; but , returning by Marseilles , was by some accident disappointed of the remittances he expected . ( To be continued . )
Remarks On The Leading Theatres.
REMARKS ON THE LEADING THEATRES .
Fortune just now is certainly kind to the leading theatres . Despite the late dinner hour of the " haut ton , " the rivalry of music halls , and the seduction of the after-dinner cigarette , Messrs . Fredk . Harrison and Cyril Maude have made what the Americans call " their pile " at the Haymarket * Mr . Tree might have done the same thing at that historic house ; but he elected , very wisely , to give hostages to fortune over the way , and splendid
hostages they have proved . So tar his ambition has been rewarded with artistic fame . If the fortune has yet to come , " Twelfth Night " has laid its foundation , and the name of Beerbohm Tree will go down to posterity in connection with the new and beautiful dramatic temple , " Her Majesty's , " even if the encroaching Carlton Hotel should at some future day make siege to its gorgeous neighbour . Bro . Sir Henry Irving and Miss Ellen Terry
are back at the old house in Wellington-street , both heartily welcomed by devoted audiences . Sir Henry ' s personality has not moulted a feather of its old attractiveness and charm , and in his production of " Coriolanus " there is that subtle touch of artistic appreciation that has always given to the Lyceum stagt under his management a unique and unrivalled supremacy .
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\/ C ^ j | N . NOVKL CO . Ol'KKAT'lVE PLAN OP is.,Goic^ft\20MONTHLY CaseS'
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Science, Art, And The Drama.
Science , Art , and the Drama .
A " MYSTERY PLAY" IN THE BLACK COUNTRY .
( Continued ) . In one of these brick walls , just over Absalom ' s chair , is a window of six small panes , resembling that of a larder or dairy . Enter a stranger , in ordinary dress , who proves to be a suitor weary of the law ' s delay . The conversation between him and Absalom is so slavishly copied from the elliptical narrative in the Bible that nobody learns who the stranger is ,
whence he comes , or what is his business . Nevertheless , Absalom , who knows no more about him than the audience , assures him that " his matters are good and right . " On the retirement of the stranger enter several consp irators , in buttoned coats , belts , and caps . They salute Absalom , and are instructed to extol him everywhere as a radical reformer . No sooner have the conspirators departed than a messenger enters , announcing that
everywhere " the hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom . " Re-enter the conspirators ; and after two or three sentences from them to the same effect , Absalom says , " Let them sound the drums and proclaim me king . " There is a prodigious drumming behind the wings , the conspirators salute and cry " God save King Absalom ! " Almost before the rattle of the drums have ceased , another messenger appears , announcing- the flight of
David , to which Absalom replies , " 'Tis better thus ; now are we king indeed . " Scene g suggests the encampment of David ; at least , there is a Lilliputian tent in the middle of the stage , formed of a white sheet thrown over a painter ' s easel . Joab and a number ol David ' s followers come marching on , and J oab asks if there is any news from Jerusalem . Zadok , the priest , is announced ; there is nothing distinctive in his costume . Then
enters David—dressing gown , gut-paper crown , Sec , as before . He dismisses Zadok , with instruction to employ his son Ahimaas as messenger . Hushai the Archite is also directed to offer his services to the usurper . Scene 10 . —Absalom , in pink robe and felt hat , is surrounded by his friends , conspicuous among whom is Ahithopel ( pronounced Ay-it-to ' e-piel ) . Hushai the Archite ( oh , as in church )
tenders his submission . A council of war is held , and the contradictory opinions of Ahithopel and Hushai are given , the latter having the preference . The entire dialogue is -verbatim from the Bible . As the council breaks up , Hushai lags behind , and to Zadok , who enters at the same moment , he briefly reports what has passed , urging that a message should be sent to David bidding him hasten over Jordan . Scene II . shows the tent
as before , Joab and soldiers marching around . Enter David , to him Ahimaas , who reports the result of the council . " Ahithopel " ( he says ) " was a wise man ; he went home , set his house in order , and hanged himself . " David produces his sword , declaring that he is now ready to lead his friends to battle . Joab remonstrates ; David ' s life is worth ten thousand of theirs ; he must not incur needless danger . David acquiesces ; but begs
Joab to" deal gently with the young man , " and all march off . Re-enter Joab , without a moment's interval , to him a soldier announcing , " I saw Absalom hanged in an oak . " The short Biblical dialogue in this place is somewhat abridged , and Joab rushes out saying : " I may not tarry thus with _ tb . ee . " " Last scene of all , which ends this strange eventful history . " David and an attendant are beside the tent . . Enter successively Ahimaas
and Hushai , who narrate the battle , and the death of Absalom . David cries out : " My God , why hast thou forsaken me ? " The harmonium in the corner strikes up a few bars of the Dead March , and the body of Absalomis brought in , covered with a sheet , upon a bier that has evidently been designed for the obsequies of the swinish multitude . David delivers an oration in the approved style of the theatrical " heavy father . . " concluding
with the well-remembered words—so touching in their proper place , so absurdly incongruous at the close of a long speech— " Oh I my son , Absalom , would God I had died for thee . " The whole company not forgetting the angels gather round the bier and sing to the tune Pilgrims of the Night , a dirge of which the burden is " Too late , too late for grace . " So ended " the Sacred Drama of Absalom . " It was unmistakably regarded
, both by actors and audience , as a great success ; and the hearty singing of the Doxology seemed in no wise out of place , in view of the spirit in which theentire proceedings were conducted . There was no suspicion of anything ludicrous in the performance ; the conduct of the actors was reverent throughout , and , even in the tedious , yet laughable dinner scene , the extemporised dialogue was designed to inculcate gratitude to God for the trood
things of this life . We will not express an opinion as to the utility of such a performance from either a moral or religious point of view ; but , at least , the intention was unimpeachable . We had been brought within a measurable distance of the religious life ol 15 th century , and it seemed lo us that between the simple piety that inspired the "Cherry Tree Carol " and the " Coventry Mysteries , " and that of the Primitive Methodists in the Black Country , the interval was much less than is generally supposed .
Painters And Other Artists In The Reign Of James I.
PAINTERS AND OTHER ARTISTS IN THE REIGN OF JAMES I .
( Continued . ) The Revolution in France forced the persecuted clergy to supply themselves with the means of emigration from the private sale of the stained glass in their chapels . Our English agents were particularly industrious to
procure it under the pressure of such circumstances and were great gainers . A few notes of the new proprietors and application may prove of interest . A window—subject , the Nativity—was purchased by the Earl of Radnor , at Algiers , in 1787 , and by him replaced in the church of Coleshill . in
Berkshire . In consequence of the suppression of monasteries in Flanders , many chapels , most richly ornamented with stained glass , were dilapidated and sold . Sir Brooke Boothby , Bart ., being at Liege , in 1800 , purchased the glass , long celebrated , of the chapel of Herkenrode , near that city , for £ 200 , which has been erected , and now fills seven large windows of the choir in the cathedral of Lichfield . The subjects were Scriptural , with emblazoned portraits of the Counts of Egmont and Horn . Hates from
53--I 539- Initials of artists , & c . A great importation of stained glass , collected in the Netherlands , was sold by auction in London in 1 S 07 , which was purchased by individuals , and given to churches . The meeting of th R a i lilizabeth i irom thc chapel of St . Nicholas , at Rouen , bought by e karl of Carlisle , and given to the cathedral of York in 1804 .
Christ before Pilate Ely Cathedral . Evangelists and Prophets ... Tottenham Church . Crucifixion Rickmansworth Church . Life of St . Barbara Cholmondely .
Painters And Other Artists In The Reign Of James I.
Another collection , not inferior to the above , was offered for sale in 1808 . It had been taken from the cathedral and other churches at Cologne , from the Carthusian monastery at Rouen , which consisted of 12 lights , en grisaille describing the history of eremitism ; the Last Supper ( 1542 ) from St . John ' s Church , in that city , and 11 large subjects , of most brilliant colouring , taken from a chapel in the cathedral of Cologne . The works , en
grisaille , were chiefly by Pinaigriers . In a chapel at the Vine , Hants , is a series of stained glass brought from Boulogne . The three upper tiers contain Scriptural subjects , and the lower have the portraits of Francis I ., with his two wives , Claude and Margaret , and their tutelar saints . Of smaller pieces , the finest collection made by Sir T . Neave , Bart ., is now at his seat , at Dagenham , Essex . It may not be unwelcome to those who are
curious to learn some facts relative to the revival of the taste for painted glass in England . Price , as we have said , was the only artist in that style for many years in England . Afterwards , one Rowell , a plumber at Reading , did some things , particularly for the late Henry , Earl of Pembroke ; but Rowell ' s colours soon vanished . At last he found out a very durable and beautiful red ; ' but he died in a year or two , and the
secret with him . A man at Birmingham began the same art in 1756 or 1757 , and fitted up a window for Lord Lyttelton in the church of Hagley , but soon failed in business . A little after him , one Peckett , at York , was successful , and made good proficiency . A few lovers of the art collected some dispersed panes from ancient buildings , particularly the late Lord Cobham , who erected a Gothic temple at Stowe , and filled it with arms of
the old nobility , & c . About the year 1753 , one Asciotti , an Italian , who had married a Flemish woman , brought a parcel of painted glass from Flanders , and sold it for a very few guineas to the Hon . Mr . Bateman , of Old Windsor . Asciotti went again to Flanders , and brought back 450 pieces , for which , including the expense of the journey , he was paid 36 guineas . His wife made more journeys for the same purpose , and sold her collection
to one Palmer , a glazier in St . Martin's-Iane , who immediately raised the price to one , two , and five guineas for a single piece , and fitted up entire windows with them and with mosaics of plain glass of different colours . In 1761 , one Paterson , an auctioneer at Essex House , in the Strand , exhibited the first auctions of painted glass , imported in like manner from Flanders . AH this manufacture consisted in rounds of Scripture stories , stained in
black and yellow , or in small figures of black and white , birds and flowers in colours , and Flemish coats of arms . Edward Norgate , though of a very i inferior walk in the profession , deserves to be remembered for his uncommon j excellence in his way . He was the son of Dr . Robert Norgate , Master of I Bennet College , Cambridge , where Edward was born . He was brought up I by Nicholas Felton , Bishop of Ely , who married , his mother , and who ,
observing his inclination to limning and heraldry , permitted him to indulge his genius . As he had good judgment in pictures he was sent into Italy by the great collector , Thomas , Earl of Arundel , to make purchases for him ; but , returning by Marseilles , was by some accident disappointed of the remittances he expected . ( To be continued . )
Remarks On The Leading Theatres.
REMARKS ON THE LEADING THEATRES .
Fortune just now is certainly kind to the leading theatres . Despite the late dinner hour of the " haut ton , " the rivalry of music halls , and the seduction of the after-dinner cigarette , Messrs . Fredk . Harrison and Cyril Maude have made what the Americans call " their pile " at the Haymarket * Mr . Tree might have done the same thing at that historic house ; but he elected , very wisely , to give hostages to fortune over the way , and splendid
hostages they have proved . So tar his ambition has been rewarded with artistic fame . If the fortune has yet to come , " Twelfth Night " has laid its foundation , and the name of Beerbohm Tree will go down to posterity in connection with the new and beautiful dramatic temple , " Her Majesty's , " even if the encroaching Carlton Hotel should at some future day make siege to its gorgeous neighbour . Bro . Sir Henry Irving and Miss Ellen Terry
are back at the old house in Wellington-street , both heartily welcomed by devoted audiences . Sir Henry ' s personality has not moulted a feather of its old attractiveness and charm , and in his production of " Coriolanus " there is that subtle touch of artistic appreciation that has always given to the Lyceum stagt under his management a unique and unrivalled supremacy .
Ad00503
\/ C ^ j | N . NOVKL CO . Ol'KKAT'lVE PLAN OP is.,Goic^ft\20MONTHLY CaseS'