But below all this splendor there was little of true vitality — there was a monotony of human character — the groupings were unlike the happy and careless combinations of nature, and the figures seemed distributed over the canvas by line and measure like trees in a plantation. He wanted fire and imagination to be the true restorer of that grand style which bewildered Barry and was talked of by Reynolds. Most of his works, cold, formal, and passionless, may remind the spectator of the Valley of Dry Bones, when the 

Fig. 13. — Pratt : American Academy, Metropolitan Museum.  

flesh and skin had come upon the skeletons and before the breath of God had informed them with life and feeling." 

Something might be saved from this general condemnation. The "Death of Wolfe," apart from being a courageous innovation, is finely grouped and will hold its own against any of the numerous similar scenes produced more or less in emulation with it;the "Battle of La Hogue " is equally good, and all of his modern scenes have value ; but it must not be forgotten that his preeminent success was in no way proportionate to a preeminent skill, even in suiting the peculiar 

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