The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-11-12
THE ARTISTS UNION

OF this city, is one OF those Institutions which
spring up in communities that have passed
through the pioneer stage, and have entered
upon more elevated and refined social con-
dition. But few years since, Amateurs, all
over the United States, made associated ef-
forts to give increased vitality to the existing
love of the fine arts throughout our country,
and thus bring into more frequent intercourse,
artists, and the friends Of Art.
These Associations bear, generally, the name
Of Arr UNIONS /; they have effected much good,
but the cumbersome machinery of their organ
ization, the novelty Of the movement, the in
experience Of Managers, and the absence Of
homogeneous feelings, have borne fruits that
have cOunterbalanced, to great extent, the
good they did, and are capable of doing, under
more auspiciOus circumstances. There is not
now one Of these Unions in full operation,
except the "Artists' Union" of Cincinnati !;
none, beside this one, will make q distribu-
ton Of paintings the preSpnt year. So far, its
career has been onward, and all around the
horizon the sky is clear; there is not the
smallest germ of trouble to be seen on the
contrary, the prospect is bright and cheering
and promising Of rich results.
The Gallery of the Artists Union" at the
MelodeOn, in this city is now open for the free
admission Of the public, and will be kept open
until January next, when the distribution will
be made. The collection though not yet as
large as it will be, is varied and interesting,
and is increasing daily BY additions from the
easels of our foremost artists. We cannot
review at length the many attractive works
that met our eye during a hasty survey day
or two since, but we must pause to note
characteristic group by 'CRIDLAND," Of this
city, from that delightful rural poem Of Gold
smith, the Deserted Village" The lines
areas follows,
Good Heavens what aorrows glOOmed that parting day.
That called them from their native walks away;
When the poor eXiles, every pleasure past,
Hung round blowers and iondly looked their last,
And took long farewell, and wished in vain
For seats like these beyond the western main;
And shudderng still TO- lace the distant deep,
Returned and Wept, and still returned to weep.
The good old sire, the first prepared to go
10 new found worlds, and wePt for others woe;
But iOr himself in conscious virtue brave
islovely daughter, loyelier in her tears,
The fond companion OF his helpless years,
Silent went next, negleetful OF her charms,
And LETT lovers Tor her fathers arms" &c.
There is also mountain scene by "Gris-
void" Of Tiffin, 0hio--an artist, who has
many admirers, and whose,wOrks indicate ge-
MUS that viii one day achieve widespread
reputation. Mr.. Griswold is the editor Of the
ARTISTS Journal, and has manifested in the
conducting Of that paper, just appreciation
Of all that belongs to artist life, interior and
exterior; in the branches closely united to the
useful, as we'll as in those which appeal chief
| ly to the sentiments Of our nature and graf
lily our noblest aspirations.
We noticed also, with satisfaction, the two
engrayings for Subscribers this year. "In q
Quandary, and Catching Rabbits" If it
Is one OF the highest merits Of an artist, to
tell the story tr1thfnlly, aud to depict in the
countenances Of the actors in the scene, the
feelings Of all concerned, then have the paint
ers aud engraVers from whom these two
sketches emanated, accomplished all that can
be done By genius and skill. These engra-
wings may be studied with advantage for an
honr or two, and they are very suggestive,
stirring ap trains Of thought pleasant to dwell
upon,
We should bo doing injustice to the ''Artist's
Union il we did not refer especially to those
allegorical pieces, so rich in ideas that excite
earnest and profound contemplation.
| To the Imaginative mind--to the spirit
| that longs 10 commune with itself to the heart
that, starting from "EDEN,' would make the
Voyage Of Life, ,.-there is, in these pic
lures, "a eternity Of time, and an infinitude
Of range.
Without referring farther to the minor OBJ
iects Of attraction, aud works Of merit which
grace the walls Of the "Artists, Union
rooms, We will present our readers with
graphic descriptions Of the two chef 6'esgres,
| sEDEN," By DUNCANsoN, from MiltOn's Par
adise Lost, and the VorAsE OF LIFE,' by
SoNNrAe, from Cole.
DEsCRIraoN o. "TsE GARDEN or EDEN.''
The Garden Of Eden faishfuy smbodes the imagery Of
Milton and throws into the scene great deal Of thatin-
spFaiion which ea he mind ol the ilusEFious posl
when dicating hB incompaFahlo composition. Tksrich-
neasof new CFeaon, Eedoent Of Ris and hsantg. and
lsennee charms inte elmnelS The asbsies Of feeling