The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-11-13
The Gallery Of Christ,an Art.

A very unique collection of pictures, styled Tho
Bryan Gallery Of Christian Art" is now on exhi-
btion at the Athenaum. The possessor of this
valuable gallery Of ancient pictures has spent several
years in Europe in the laudable endeavor of procur
ing works Of unquestionable beauty and originality
These, we learn, are the nucleus of gallery which
Mr. Bryan contemplates establishing in this city.
Gentlemen conyersant with art are well aware that
the Dulwich and the Vernon galleries Of England
the former Of ancient and the latter of modern art
were established by the iberality of Sir Francis
Bourgeious and the late Mr.. Vernon. The Dulwich
gallery contains about three hundred and fifty pi,-
lures the works of the great masters Of Europe and
oil these are open to the public without charge.
The disgrace which our city lies under, in not
having reputable public gallery, is painfully felt
by both artists and men Of taste, and we are con-
stantly reproached for the absence of proper pro-
vision for The abode of art. In all cities except
those Of our own country art keeps pace with the
accumulation of wealth. It's de slime with us is a
rsproof too significant of mercenary spirit among
the most gifted of our opulent citizens and
obtuse city rulers The present collection, together
with the iaudable design of its possesser presents
a most favorable opportunity for proper action on
the part Of al interested in the elevation of art and
the dissemination Of correct taste on this most
interesting subject. Arranged in chronological
order, comprising subjects from the Flemish, the
Spanish Italian, Dutch and French schools, are
paintings which excite sentiments of admiration as
well as gratitude for the instruction they impart
Hitherto all efforts at q permanent gallery have
failed, the causes Of which may hereafter be gone
into infinitely when the proper time arrives 1t is
sufficient to say, for the present. that all past efforts
have been divided ones. from which came, as might
have been expected, failure and nothing but failure.
The modification consequent has been felt alike by
artists and by those whose confidence in the man
sgement Of such institutions as have been erected
has been abused. But it is lot our purpose to in
dulge in reflections On the past, but to invite
cordial CO. operation for the future. We see no
rssson why the city authorities should not make
ample provision for public gallery, on plan of
magnifcerce and liberalty worthy of our wealth
provision for the accommodation of artists, in
such a manner as to make their arduous labors
rather pleasure than a penalty, as it now it,
in the pursuit of their ill requted VOCATION
The collection of pictures owned by Mr. Nye,
who is row engaged in co nmercial pursuits
in China, the pictures belonging to the New York
Gallery, the National Academy of Design, and t ne
American Art Union, are all closed to the public
Nothing but some elaborate works of art, from the
pupils Of the Dusseldorf school, are open to the
public now. In running over the catalogue of Mr..
Bryans pictures, the readers will find the names of
The most illustrious in art, and the works ascrbed
to them will be found worthy of their renoTn. Is
i. not, then, the interest and the duty Of all who
appreciate high art, to exert themselves to the
utmost in aid Of measures to secure tho end h. has
in view. Hereafter, as opportunity shall offer,
other works great value win be added to this fine
collection and the whole viii be devised by their
owner a. TO constitute perpetual gallery, after the
manner of the two galleries in London to which We
hsve referred at the commencement Of this article.