Virginia Argus

MR. WEST'S PICTURE.

From the Philadelphia Gazette.

This Picture, and the manner in which it has been lost to our city, has been a subject of considerable concern and discussion. The following letter from a gentleman lately arrived at Washington from England, gives some information, which will be interesting to the lovers of the arts, particularly to those who have any concern in this picture.

Washington, Aug. 4, 1811.

Robert Fulton, Esq.

DEAR SIR--I have the pleasure to inform you of my arrival in this city from England. The day before I left London, I saw our distinguished countryman and friend Mr. West, who desired to be particularly remembered to you, he was in good health, and busily employed in painting a second picture of "Christ healing in the Temple." Mr. West intends it, as you know he originally did the first, for a present to the Philadelphia Hospital, as a testimony of his attachment to the capital of his native state--he confidently expected to get it finished by the middle of August, or at all events in time to send it by one of the fall ships. I saw the picture, it was in great forwardness, and I ought to mention to you, that it is not to be a mere copy of that which he sold to the National Institution--the subject is the same, but the picture will be nine or twelve inches larger (both in height and breadth) and several new figures will be introduced, one in particular, a maniac, which cannot fail to give an increased effect to the whole Picture. Be assured, that the utmost efforts of Mr. West's genius will be exerted, to make this rival all his former works, and I have no doubt that he will be successful.

I regret very much, that the circumstances which induced Mr. West to dispose of his first Picture to the National Institution, have not been made known to his friends in Pennsylvania--had they been communicated, they must have satisfied every person, and prevented the unkind reflections, which I am sorry to find, some ardent minds have cast upon the conduct of that amiable and distinguished man, whose motive and actions are always correct, dignified and honorable.

Should you think that a knowledge of the following facts, will have a tendency to remove false impressions from the public mind; and do justice to the character of our immortal countryman--you will give them publicity, in such manner as you may deem most conducive to that end.

Mr. West finished his celebrated Picture of "Christ healing in the Temple" in March--on submitting it to the inspection of his friends, all, (artists and amateurs) with one accord, pronounced it superior to any of his former productions, a general enthusiasm prevailed, admiration and praise was universal. The members of the National Institution on learning that this Picture was intended for the U. States, determined if possible to purchase it--feeling that it would be a dishonor to the profession and to the country to allow so fine a work of Art to leave England, without an effort to retain it--a committee was accordingly appointed to wait on Mr. West, to know if he would on any terms dispose of the Picture--he replied, that having painted it expressly for a present to the Hospital at Philadelphia, to which institution he had for many years promised it, he would not otherwise dispose of it. The gentlemen returned to the Institution with this answer--whereupon, it was immediately resolved, that 5,000 guineas should be offered Mr. West for the Picture, and as a further inducement for him to part with it, it was determined, that it should be the first of a collection of Pictures to form a National Gallery, and Mr. West was to be at liberty to paint a second for the Hospital at Philadelphia. He considering what he owed to the interest of his family, and to his own fame, yielded to these offers, and disposed of the Picture to the National Institution, in whose gallery it is deposited. There to remain a lasting monument of his genius. But he did not part with it, until he had taken sketches of such parts as he intended to incorporate into his new Picture, for the Hospital of Philadelphia.

I am sir, with great esteem, &c.

SETH HUNT.