CARTOON, is a word used by artists to sig nify the full-sized drawings or studies made in chalks, or body colour (tempera, as it is called in Italy), preparatory to executing any great work either in oil colour or fresco. Car toons are also made when the design is to be copied in tapestry. The great masters seldom commenced any extensive picture without first making studies or cartoons in chiaro'scuro. Many of those by Raffaelle, Andrea Mantegna, Domenichino, the Caracci, and others, remain to attest the laborious diligence and care with which their great works were accomplished. By this means the composition, drawing, ex pression, and light and shade, were all per fected before the colouring of the picture was attempted.
The finest specimens of cartoons that are known aro those executed by Raffaelle d'Ur bine, which were sent to Flanders, in the reign of Pope Leo X., to be copied in tapestry, in two sets. The tapestries (only shadows of Raffaelle's exquisite designs) were finished, and one set is now in Rome. The cartoons, originally twenty-five in number, were left neg lected at Brussels, and most of them seem to have been lost or destroyed. A few, however, escaped this fate, and seven are now in Eng land in the royal collection at Hampton Court.
Their history ever since their arrival in Eng land is eventful. They were bought in Flan ders by Rubens for King Charles I. At the dispersion and sale of the royal collection, the cartoons were secured to the country by purchase, by Cromwell's particular command; at which time, we are told, the Triumphs of Julius Ctesar, by Andrea Mantegna (still pre served at Hampton Court) were valued at 20001., while the cartoons of Raffaelle were estimated at only 3001. In the reign of Charles II. they were again consigned to neglect. They had been sent to Mortlake to be copied in ta pestry, where they were seriously injured. Wil liam III. had them repaired, and built a gal, lery at Hampton Court for their reception. George III. removed them to Buckingham Palace, and subsequently to Windsor Castle. They were again removed to Hampton Court, where they now are.
The subjects of these seven Cartoons are as follow :— 1. Paul preaching at Athens.
2. Death of Ananias.
3. Elimas the Sorcerer.
4. Christ delivering the keys.
5. Sacrifice at Lystra.
O. Apostles healing the Sick.
7. Miraculous draught of Fishes.