The Arctic Council - A most striking picture under the above title, by Stephen Pearce, is now on view at the Messrs. Graves, 6, Pall Mall, prepatory to its being engraved.
Most paintings of this kind are generally a mere line of heads gazing at the spectator, but in that now before our notice the arrangement and composition seem most happy; for the principle figures, full of individuality and character, are earnest in their action and expression, and you feel as you regard the picture that it is not a mere meeting of form, but one where thought, speech, and deed are all being performed, and that with decision.
One of the most prominent in the group is the tall and officer like form of Sir Edward Parry, the greatest of our northern navigators. He has evidently just spoken to Sir George Back, who, standing by his side is earnestly regarding a small map. On the other side of the table is seated Sir Francis Beaufort, looking at Sir John Richardson, who energetically addresses him as he points to the arctic chart before them. By his side is Captain Hamilton, the secretary of the Admiralty, thoughtfully considering both the words spoken and the spot pointed at. To his right are Colonel Sabine , the eminent savant, and Mr. Barrow, of the Admiralty. To Sir Francis Beaufort's right are Sir James Clark Ross and his second in command, Captain Bird; while on the walls behind them are portraits of Sir John Franklin, Captain Fitzjames, and Sir John Barrow.
Not only are the portraits and figures admirably finished, but the accessories have been most carefully studied , and by the introduction on the table of the American letters to Lady Franklin, the sympathy of that nation is happily introduced. One letter is from Mr. Grinnell, the great promoter, and the other from Commander De Haven, the leader, of the American Searching expedition now afloat.
To the Navy, to men of science, and to the public, this picture has deep interest, not only on account of the brave officers and eminent men depicted, but as recording an historical meeting, the result of whose plans may, we trust, yet restore to their country Sir John Franklin and his brave companions.
We understand that the picture was inspected on Wednesday last by the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Albert, who commanded that their names should head the list for the engraving. - The Morning Chronicle, July 8, 1851.

The Arctic Council - A very excellent engraving from the picture thus entitled, painted by Mr S. Pearce, has just been published. The Arctic Council, composed of gentlemen whose names are distinguished in the annals of North-western discovery - such as Captains Parry, J. C. Ross, Richardson, Back, Beechy, Lt. - Colonel Sabine, &c, are represented discussing the plan of search for Sir J. Franklin, which they submitted to the Lords of the Admiralty in 1851. The subject is one of great interest to be diminished by his mode of treating it . The engraving from the picture, which is dedicated to Lady Franklin, is most brilliant and striking. The likenesses of the distinguished persons forming the "council" appear to have been preserved with scrupulous fidelity, and the heads display remarkable individuality of character. The execution is delicate, yet forcible; the colour is rich, and the plate has a fine effect of light and shade. - Morning Herald, April 7, 1853.

We must not, however, omit to call attention to the portraits, and amongst them those of Mr. Pearce, who has distinguished himself by the skilful and diversified manner in which the subjects are treated in his principle and interesting picture of the "Members of the Arctic Council." In it we find intelligence, dignity,  and qualities of a very high order. The likenesses are admirably preserved, the attitudes are easy, and like life, and the colouring finely-toned and harmonious. - Britannia, May 7, 1853.

The Arctic Council - Among the striking pictures at this year's exhibition of the Royal Academy, there is one of particular interest. We allude to the large picture of the Arctic Council discussing the plan of search for Sir John Franklin, painted by My Stephen Pearce. It includes portraits of Sir John Franklin, Captain James Fitzjames Sir John Barrow, Sir George Back, Sir William Edward Parry, Captain Edward J. Bird Sir James Clark Ross, Sir Francis Beaufort, John Barrow Lieut, - Colonel Sabine , Capt. W. A. Baillie Hamilton, Sir John Richardson, and Captain F. W. Beechy. This interesting historical picture, the masterly painting of which we have already had occasion to notice, has just been engraved for Messrs. Graves of Pall Mall, in mezzotint by Mr. Scott, a very talented engraver, who has produced a very effective work of art, admirably preserving the likenesses, and also rendering the general effect of the orignal picture so as to produce an admirable engraving. The engraving is accompanied by a descroptive key to the painting by W. H. O'Byrne, Esq., author of the "Naval Biography." It comprises an historical sketch of the various expeditions to discover the North-west Passge, and biographical memoirs of each of the distinguished me represented in the Arctic Council. - Morning Chronicle, July 19, 1853.

The Arctic Council: an Historical Picture, painted by Stephen Pearce. Having ourselves inspected this interesting work of art, now on view in the gallery of Messrs. Graves & Company, near the Opera Colonnade, we have satisfaction in directing public attention to the painting as a production of really remakable excellence. A more attractive subject could scarcely have beenselected by any artist, or one more singularly calculated to excite the sympathies of the population. It represents 'The Actic Council" as the members appeared when discussing a pla of search for Sir John

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