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his having abandoned oil painting, as his proverbial accuracy and acquirements in the academic rules of art promised to have placed him at the head of any branch he may have chosen to select for his practice: and notwithstanding his having occupied for so long a term the undisputed position of the first miniature painter of the day it is also certain that this most difficult branch is not so fully appreciated as larger works in oil.

Mr Cumming's works are too well known to require comment and since, the time of the lamented Malbone he has been without a rival - many of his works have furnished subjects for our best engravers, and ornamented the choicest Annuals. His large half length [[strikethrough]] of the late Wm McLeod Esq. [[/strikethrough]] in scotch costume, will long be remembered as a strong picture, having all the [[strikethrough]] strength [[/strikethrough]] force of oil without loosing any of the peculiar delicacy and sharpness of drawing which characterises Mr C's miniatures. As a composition it is a study, and worthy the highest commendation. The Bracelet The Bride, the exchange of Queens, The Ariadne The miniature and The Lily [[strikethrough]] (a portrait of his lady) [[/strikethrough]] a portrait of this lady.. and the 3 half length miniatures exhibited in the Exhibition of the National Academy of Design in 1845 are among the many productions of this accomplished artist - for a more minute account of Mr Cummings merits we would refer the reader to a criticism which appeared [[strikethrough]] some [[/strikethrough]] 15 years since in the Spirit of the Times which was afterwards republished in pamphlet form and to Dunlaps history of the Art of Design & &c-