The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-12-17
ne Fine Arts.

The distribution Of the American Art Union prizes
which take place the twentieth Of this month
ct Tpler Hail. will be interesting event. The list
Of productions comprises many admirable works but
O. have already reviewed every picture in the GAL
lsry not necessary to point cut fully the
merits Of the various works Though there have been
with respect to the occasional acts of
persons who have been connected with the Art Union
vt We have reliable information that can impugn
the general Of the institution 1t appears
to have given satisfaction to cur artists who
questionaby have been much benefited by its estsb
lshmsnt. The number and quality Of the paintings
the activity Of the composition and the interest taken
in the whole affair the best proofs that the
plants occasionally heard proceed rather from cark
ing and csTppg discomfort than from any very well
grounded for their fault finding At least
are not disposed to deprive the republic of of the
manifest advantages derived from the American Art
Union, till the ideal reforms of the dissatisfied have
taken practical shape, to be Of real utility to
artists Doubtless there be Improvements in the
manag ement Of the institution and may naturally
anticipate that the time will when the best
judges of painting will be actively engaged in the in
stitution.
However, the great end and aim Of the institution
seems to be accomplished by the annual distri-
button, and the daily exhibitions which Precede
IL. The London Art Union, and the unions on
the continent Of Europe, have furnished valuable
hints for the government OF the enterprise, and
We have nothing that does not supply source OF
com uaten to those interested In the arts. Per
hsps the most substantial proof Of the real merit of the
institution is its popularity Each year to add
additional evidence of the public interest, may be
perceived by the anxiety to obtain chance for fine
picture Thousands are willing to contribute
nus sum Of dollars each for the general good Of
artists rresps ctive OF the expectation Of obtaining
prize; utlwhen the incentive to making such con-
trbuton ID the hope of fine painting worth large
sum of money tits not surprising that there should be
found twenty thirty thousand persons hazarding a
trife. The investment is an honest, rational, and
we think charitable one. 1t is as legitimate any
ulstion in which money is hszarded for the
tin Of succefs This at least the general
op inion the hour for distribution approaches
we ind Thousands hurryng to enter their in the
exciting contest.
Another pleasing topic connected with painting is
the asn taste in the metropolis for rescoes In
the ancient republics Of Venice, Genoa, Florence,
and Lucea, the shops often beautifully decorated
This taste seems to be growing in New York. Not only
In the principal, but in retired streets have
several shops beautifully painted and several italian
artists smong have already gained great credit in
this branch Of art. Tripler Hall Is extensive speci
men and several churches and theatres supply other
iEktapcts VI uhppy introuuclon VI cihsslc Do
lognese school of the art without doubt public
buildings will eventually have their bald white walls
suppaned by frescoes oratye Of events which
cannot be made too familiar to cur countrymen.
Our metropolis has been receiving, during the last
three months, quite augmentation Of its list of
native and foreign painters Among these, the NEST
famous is the celebrated Fsgnani, Of Naples lie has
NJ sde himself eminent the painter of the Queen of
Spain, and as the portraitist Of Louis Philippe and
many crowned heads in Europe. His portrait Of the
lady OF minister to the Court of St. James has
created very highly favorable Impression Of his style
that will facilitate his career in this country.
On the whole the general activity in the studio, Of
our painters and sausts to say nothing of that in
the higher and SUMMER regions Of the dagaerrests
shows tina. music has not the monopoly Of public
taste The sister srts seem to 90 hand in hand and
the winter promises to be profitable to every who
has the industry to accomplish and the force to make
his merits known.