The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-28

are exible natural and graceful as regards position
and expression.
How poetcal and yet how exquisitely natural is
Antonio Calls Child on the Waves" For infant
inc beauty and careless repose, as the body gently
undulates to the swell of the waters it would be diff
cult to find its equal The execution of the details
is in perfect harmony with the spirit decacy and
truthfulness of the design. Were asked uropin-
ion OF the artist after contemplation Of the
GUS beauties OF this charming work, we should be
tempted to say of him, as better critic said OF
more celebrated master:-
Led by some rule which guides but not constrains,
He finished more through happinesr than pains.
Professor KahsZmann's "Hebe giving nectar to the
eagle excels the work previously noticed, in ustness
OF proportion and gracefulness of outline and posi-
tion. Nothing can be more Indicative Of calm re-
pose and agreeable pre- occupation Of mind, than the
disposition Of all the parts.
The Bust of Religious Meditation" considered
independently, is a fine head, but it fails TO realize
the idea intended to be conveyed. The expression
is raIher that of an ascetic than Of an amabe deyo
tee, and the face bears too much the character of
portrait-a decided fault, when the object is simply
the embodiment or impersonation Of an idea.
The Girl wreathng herself with Flowess," by
Professor Kahszmann, is an elaborate and highly fin
ished production. This subject presented eXtyaordi
nary difficulties from the spirit, grace and skill of
manipulation required for its successful treatment;
yet these the professor has very credtaby
ed, if not wholly overcome. The figure whether
owing to slight straining for effect in the position,
or from an almost equally trivial stiffness of outline,
has less OF that spontaneous and joyous character Of
description.
Antonio Calls Infant Saviour Slumbering on
the Crsss' is work OF less merit than the prOduc
tions of the same artist previously noticed 1t pos
outline.
One of the most perfect works in the collection,
whether we regard its conception, 0atline, or ac-
curacy of details is Hans Gassers bronze statue Of
Venus Stepping into the Bath 1t displays large
share OF ideal beauty and the attitude indicative at
once OF caution modesty, and anticipated pleasure,
is powerfully expressed.
Radoss "Slumbering Venus is q graceful and
pleasing bas relief, though not very highly finished.
We now come to specimen OF carving which Is
almost unique in its way, and which many persons
may pass heedlessly by in utter Ignorance Of the ex
traordinary amount OF labor and caution required in
its execution We alude to the Basket of Flowers
scuptured in marble, by Antonio Cali. Those who
examine it carefully, must admire and marvel at the
indomitable perseverance which could select and
execute such subject.
The Bust Of the Redcemer," by Innocence Frac-
carroll, is fine head, physically considered, but it
lacks that divine and spiritual expression which we
invariably look for in this most difficult subject
There is heavness about the forehead and hair that
contributes greatly to this effect.
Atala and Chactas, in the Act Of Embracing"
by Fraccaroli, Is finely conceived group. The
nobeness and grace of the two figures are greatly
enhanced by the extreme beauty and classicalty Of
the costumes. How forcbly they remind us Of the
description of the poet -
For contemplation no, and valor formed
More fair. more winning soft more amiably mild
We now come to what we consider the most i'm
portant aud valuable work in the oc arts section of
this department" Eve after the Fall, by Petro
Pagani of Milan This figure is characterized by
many of those excellences which constitute the
chief elements Of the high school Of art in fact, in
ideal beauty, grace, softness, exibty, correctness
Of proportion, and force of expression it is not
passed by any modern effort that has fallen under
observation The sculptor appears to have selected
for his inspiration the moment when Eve becomes
suddenly impressed with full sense OF the enormity
of the crime she has committed and is awe stricken
at its consequences Nothing can be more finely con-
ceved Or executed than the attitude and expression
of this beautiful figure. The deep and touching
sorrow depicted in the fixed gaze of those melan
choly eyes produces a profound impression on the
heart of the spectator who beholds before him an
impersonation of anguish such he could not have
conceived the chise of the sculptor capable of con-
veying.
we have now noticed all the sculptures in this de-
partment with the exception of Sangeorgio's Bust
of Vincenzo Monti, the Poet; :" "the Mourner," by
Petro del Negro 1.-The Fisherman by Luigi
Cocchi g. the Son of the Soldier" by Jorini, and
:" the Industrious Girl by Pietro Magni, all admir-
able works, but more particularly the latter which
invariably extorts an exclamation OF surprise and
pleasurofrom those who behold 1t.
Amongst the innumerabe other objects that go to
make up the total Of attractions in this section,
the visiter will be much struck with the beauty OF
several articles in terra Gotta, amongst winch the
bronzed mantel piece and entablature Tor looking
There is also collection OF interesting medallions,
which have been cast in moulds instead Of stamped
and yet equal in beauty and dsti1 ctness the most
perfect specimens produced by the latter process.
The oil paintings contributed to this department
not having yet been arranged we are only able to
notice the three or four that have just been hung
| Waldmullers Breaking up of the Village School
F! displays considerable humor great truthfuness oil
detail high finish, and richness of coorng. Its only
fault is that its excessive minuteness detracs from
the general effect cutting the composition up so
much, that the eye is distracted when one reres to
little distance Even the very shadows cast by
the different objects contribute to notion Gan er-
roneous one we know that the work has been copied
from daguerreotype. This picture affords another
illustration of the consequences OF violating the rule
that an artist in his love of finish and minute de-
neation should never forget that it is quite as i'm
portant to study the general effect. When this Is
neglected much OF the beauty of the picture is lost
upon the casual observer and the artist himself loses
| the chances of favorable first impression The
true test of the degree of finish necessary, is jus,
this First study the ensemble required, ut reason
able and natural distance, and then give it all the
finish that is consistent with tseect at that distance
In the present case, although each figure Is perfect
picture in ITSELF the harmony of the general arrange
| ment is marred by a neglect of this rule.
| companion picture by the same artist, entitled
Blowing Bubbles is an exceedingly humorous and
| carefully finished production.
| marsh landscape in Upper Austria, by Mertens,
of Salsburg is to be admired for the rich and sub
dued tone of color that peryades it, realizing appa
reny the true atmospheric effect of the scene repre-
sented.
picture of three damsels bathing, by wald-
muller, completes our notice. The subject avorite
one with painters affords many advantages to him
who treats it. not only from its attractive character
but the beauties of design and coloring OF which IT
is susceptible. The picture before US though spirit
cd and vigorous as regards drawing and color can
not be said to be characterized by those lighter
praces and delicate traits of outline incident to the
conception. The figures remind us somewhat OF the
women of Rubens in the heaviness of their proper
tons while the fulness and freshness 4 the flesh
tnts subject them to the reproach wittily urged
against those of the great Flemish painter by Opie,
OF having been fattened on roses. The work is,
nevertheless one Of high artistic merit.
WASHINGTON NATIONAL MONUMENT.
CONTRIBUTIONS.
Cash on hand NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. $500 As
Contributions for this day....,,....,..... 81 "a
Total. Observation-Disclosures, S54 80