Spiers: Memoranda of an autumn tour in 1836
<<< previous page next page>>>
CONTD 12. FRI.
exhibited by the persons raising the cross – the flushed faces are excellent. The carving of the confessionals which are formed of four figures large as life between which are the 3 seats required have an endless variety of characters & in the other churches we afterwards visited, the beauty & delicacy of the works is beyond all praise. The length of the aisle is great & from being entirely open is seen to greater perfection. The museum which we next visited has some curious pictures – one by Quintyn Matsys which is more stiff than if the figures were of wood, (indeed the wood carvings have life itself portrayed) – except one female head stooping & an old man with a beard which taken from their respective bodies are perfect as Raphaels. On one of the wings the two frightful executioners of St John have an addition made to one of their garments which would certainly be required by the angels composing the picture of Flors, his father in law, which is opposite. This picture of Flors requires perhaps to be covered, for it would take females by surprise. It is the celebrated one of which the story is related (which Sir J.R. disbelieves & so do I) – but which I will copy in the appendix. The Crucifixion of Rubens makes me admire him more than ever. It is remarkably useful to have the beauties pointed out by others in the manner our handbook details. Many others of Rubens, Vandyk Jordaens & others who were born or flourished here occupy the walls.
A new picture by the president of the Ant: acad: is much honored by a curtain. It resembles in style and color the painting of Addisons death in the Oxford picture gallery & when Van Bree is gathered to his fathers will probably meet with a similar fate in that of being hung out of sight as I fear it will be thought to deserve. Rubens' chair occupies a place here preserved in a glass case. – At the table d’hote were some nice looking demoiselles, not French but with Spanish expression, which I was glad of. High cheekbones I like not. – We amused ourselves industriously until dark with the curiosities of the old town &
<<< previous page next page>>>