claimed to be the architect of that building; what I claim is, to have originated a plan, which has been ably carried out by Mr. Smirke and Mr. Fielder, under my own eyes and constant superintendence, even to its minutest details. My object was to provide a useful building, fit for the reception of a great library, and for the comfortable accommodation of a large number of readers. I believe I have succeeded; and I am amply rewarded by the praise bestowed on me during more than ten years, without any objection on Mr. Smirke's part." The subject of our sketch, like all other public men of more than ordinary ability, has had his detractors; but he has not been without the generous recognition of some of the most distinguished men, as well as having been spoken of in very high terms by various organs of public opinion. I may be permitted to quote from one or two of these sources, by way of illustration. The Quarterly Review says of him, in an able article, vol. CIV., p. 206:—“To this distinguished foreigner England owes a debt of lasting gratitude. By his learning, his sagacity, his energy, and - his firmness, he succeeded, in the face of great opposition, in noting and supplying the enormous deficiencies in the numerous different classes of works, and in perfecting the complicated arrangements which so vast a collection entailed. It is doubtful whether any man in Europe possessed the peculiar combination of powers for his position in an equal degree-the knowledge, the bibliographical lore, the administrative talent, the undaunted perseverance, and the ability to expound and enforce his views. He has rendered the library of the British Museum one of the finest in the world." The same Review, in a subsequent article upon the British Museum, vol. CXXIV., pp. 161, 178, 179, says: "In 1852 the idea of constructing the Reading-room was conceived by Mr. Panizzi; and about 1858 the building issued forth, full grown, from the brain of the British Museum Jupiter, armed at all points against criticism; the largest, best built, best lighted, best arranged, and really the most beautiful apartment the world has yet seen. Moreover, the only structure erected in London, within the memory of man, which has escaped censure." In another part of the same article, the Reviewer remarks:-"We may be permitted to revert more particularly to a distinguished name, which is indissolubly connected with the fame and fortunes of the British Museum, and to which frequent mention has been made in this article. Like a self-satisfied people, as in some respects we are, we have been apt to merge our pride in the possession of Mr. Panizzi, as the head of this national institution, in the admiration of our own good sense in having placed him there. One result of those public Commissions, one compensation for their frequent fruitlessness, is the faithful record they incidentally preserve of the individuality of such men as Mr. Panizzi. In these answers before his peers" [referring to his frequent examinations before the Royal Commissioners, appointed to inquire into the state and management of the British Museum,] "better than in any writings, speeches, or notes of conversation, posterity will trace the power, judgment, clearness, firmness, and even the wit of the great magnate of learning, who has borne the Museum through stormy times on his Atlaslike shoulders." On its becoming known that Mr. Panizzi was about to retire from the office of Principal Librarian, a subscription was set in foot in the Library to present him with some fitting testimonial of the high appreciation of the manner in which his management of the department had been discharged. After some consideration, it was decided that a portrait of the late keeper should be painted by a distinguished artist. Mr. Panizzi was so good as to give Mr. George Frederick Watts, R.A., several sittings, in order that it might be executed forthwith. This admirable portrait, when finished, was exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1868, and is considered to be a good likeness; though to some who knew the subject in the prime and vigour of his active life, it seems somewhat deficient in the expression of his earnest and intellectual countenance. The massive head and the broad features are there; but it needs, in the estimation of those of us who were in daily contact with the man, the sparkle of the keen eye, and the lighting up of the expressive face, that characterized the original. It is undoubtedly the work of a great artist; but it wants breathing into it the breath of life to make it stand out as a fitting remembrance of one who was far too remarkable a man to pass anywhere unnoticed, and whose wellknown face and form are indelibly impressed upon all who were round about him. In a matter of this nature it ill becomes one, who knows nothing of art, thus to criticise the work of a distinguished painter; but I cannot conceal the fact that a first glance at the picture brought with it a feeling of disappointment, that was, I know, shared by many of my fellows. However, the portrait is a most valuable memento of a man who has not only rendered eminent public services, but who is also endeared to many by a thousand kindly recollections, whose pleasure and privilege it was to serve under so able and kind-hearted a chief. As far as the criticism of the portrait is concerned, I am glad to quote the opinion of two gentlemen whose opinion is far more valuable, as art-critics, than the remarks that I have ventured to record. Mr. Algernon Swinburne, in his Notes on the Royal Academy Exhibition, 1868, says, of this presentation portrait:-"I know not if even Mr. Watts has ever painted a nobler portrait than this of Mr. Panizzi; it recalls the majestic strength and depth of Maroni's work; there is the same dominant power of hand and keeness of eye, the same breadth and subtlety of touch, the same noble reticence of colour." The other opinion is from the pen of Mr. W. M. Rosetti, who says, of the same picture in the work above-named :— "That this is about the finest portrait of the year, need scarcely be specified, Mr. Watts being its author. It was presented to Mr. Panizzi by the officers of the British Museum on his retirement, and happily expresses, in the sitter, great powers of work, long in active exercise, and now in well-earned repose." On his final retirement from public life, Mr. Panizzi addressed the following letter to Mr. Winter Jones, his successor in the Principal Librarianship. It is dated from the British Museum, 16th July, 1866:— "I cannot leave the Museum and close my official connection with those whom I have had the honour and pleasure of serving the Trustees with for so many years, without returning to all and each of them, individually, my warmest thanks for the efficient help which I have received from them in the discharge of my duties. 66 Although conscious of having at all times acted to the best of my ability, and only for the advantage of the Museum, and of those connected with it, I wish to add that, if I have ever given unnecessary pain to any one, I regret it most sincerely, and trust that credit will be given me for having been uniformly influenced solely by a sense of public duty. "Allow me to request that you will bring this communication to the individual knowledge of every person in your department. I shall always take the warmest interest in their future happiness, and shall never cease to feel the sincerest regard for them. "Believe me, dear Jones, "A. PANIZZI." |