The vast and clear firmament is studded with myriads of stars (whose apparent magnitude and relative position, we are assured, are preserved), of such refulgent brightness, that to the eye of the beholder they actually appear to scintillate. At the same time, they are so well relieved from all surrounding objects, that they seem to be floating in the immense ocean of space. The same remark may with equal justice be applied to a beautiful representation of the Aurora Borealis--a welcome visiter [sic] in those dreary wilds during the long absence of the sun. The varied hues and their gaseous appearance of this brilliant meteor are very happily depicted; but arduous as must have been the production of these effects, perhaps the greatest difficulty which the artist has had to overcome is the representation of the sombre yet clear twilight which pervades this desolate region for so long a period of the year. The effect is beautifully maintained throughout the picture, and it imparts to the painting a solemn stillness perfectly in accordance with the awful aspect of the scene.
-- The Times, 14 January 1834.
