Note 6 — NATIONAL GALLERY. REPORT OF COMMISSION.

We owe it to Mr Stansfield to say, that had the authority we quoted given, with Mr Stansfield’s answers, the subsequent explanation of them, we should not have used such an expression as that he “confessed an astonishing indifference.” We therefore quote his explanation. He is asked, (Question 3628,) “You have stated that you have not studied these pictures in the National Gallery much; that you were not very conversant with the works of the old masters; and that you had not studied those pictures in particular; so you, from your previous knowledge of them, feel competent to give an opinion whether or not they have been injured in the minute details to which reference has been made? Yes. I think I may; because when I spoke of my ignorance, I did it in reference to my not possessing the information that I know many gentlemen belonging to the Academy have. I should refer to Mr Dyce at once as a very great authority, and also to Sir Charles Eastlake himself. I have not their experience in Italian works of art, but still the pictures that are before us I have looked at with admiration, and I know that if there is any material injury done to them I should detect it as soon as any one.”