The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-05-26

To THE EDITOR or THE HERALD:-

10 THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
In this ago Of "gold seeking" almost every
thing which has q tendency to reform mans heart
and exalt the character Of the nation is totally for
gotten or neglected. The men whose pursuits and
studies, during their past lives, have eminently
things" left after years Of deep study and toll,
and the star Of hope still gittering in the distance
but which alas, destiny forbids their reaching are
left the and yellow leaves gather thick and
fast around their brows, to pine in want and unre-
warded toll. l am speaking, sir, of the painter,
who, with the exception of few golden hearted
and noble men, are neglected by the rest of their
rich fellow citizens and many an artist may cry in
gone % indeed, it would be far better for him, were
be qualified to rush with the world in search Of this
mighty mammon," and throw away the pencil in
disgust, not with his "divine art, but with those
whose manifest duty it is to encourage that art If
they feel one spark of desire, one wish to elevate
their city and country to the standards of other
cities and other countries, it is vain that we say,
"we have artists equal to those of foreign coun-
tries" it is false in the main; it may be true that
some few, "but they are few and far between, who
can take rank with foreign artists but even these
few perhaps are not dependent soley on the liberal
ity Of their own countrymen. That art might reach
the proudest point of elevation in this country, no
one can have q doubt, if our monied men would be
liberal 1t is mean and stale subterfuge, that
there is not wealth enough amongst individuals to
encourage art" 1t is distressing, Mr.. Editor, to
the men Of genius among panters-nay, it is morti-
flying and humiliating-that while other branches
Of the useful arts and sciences, to say nothing of
mechanics, are receiving an impetus, that will in
the end distance all competition, (Which is well, and
every American should feel proud of his country's
enterprise), it is humiliating, say to them, that
the wheels of art should drag heavily, through deep
ruts and quagmires, to reach their desired desti
nation. Should not the fine arts be considered use
full too? All yes Does it not embellish domestic
life!- does it not afford food for thought and study?
In mi cirsln
may be influenced by its ever opening beauties 3
how many youths may have implanted in their
hearts, by the study Of those beautiful pictures,
moral principles, which may carry them safely
through this stormy and tempting world! Are not
the fine arts useful Every man and woman who
will study good picture well, will rise from their
seats better men and better women have said,
sir, that the star of hope still glitters in the dis
horizon ofhis own life, behind dark and lowering
clouds; but still hope lures him on and on, and
that star will smile on him in happier world.
But not to sermonse, and in conclusion,
would remark that state Of things exists at
the present time painful and alarming to the artists
The most perfect apathy exists and unless change
takes place, many will be compelled to change their
occupation. This will do for the young and single;
but what will those do who have spent their best
youth and their mature life, even to old age! What
will they do! 1t is a very serious matter, Mr..
Editor. Go to the artists, and they will tell you
that they cannot sell their pictures unless at greatly
Ieuuceu piices-t prices Inul VIII precluue inc pos
sbity ofany advancement in the profession; and if
not advancement, then retrograde movement must
inevitably take place. This state Of things can be
accounted for most satisfactorily, but not now-it
would occupy too much room in your valuable
columns.
The artist expects not to realize fortune, but he
must have the ordinary comforts oflfe, and his mind
free from embarrassments Of pecuniary nature
Give him but competence, that the smile of con-
tentment may drive away the cloud on the brow of
the wife and the children who are dear to him.
Then, and only then, will happiness enter his dwell
ling. Is this asking too much ? He does not ask
boom He asks nothing more than what he is justly
entitled to. ID.