Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-08-01
From the Cotton Plaut)
The .Eisher GIRL

~
We find in a late Florence paper very hat
tering notice Of this gifted sculptor. Virginia
has every reason IL he proud her distinguish
ed son. spoken of with high commentator by
ono IF the very first Art Journals N, the o"nti-
nent. The rapid requirement of eminence &C
corded him by the first sculptors who have v'si
ted his studio is great satisfaction To his many
/ friends this side of tho Atlantic. Could we
add one line TO exalt more highly his recent work
! tban those given below. We would do il n trib
ute 10 genius and merit; but that is beyond our
power. We give tho article entire as it speaks
eloqnently of American talent:
As at one time, Greece was the fountain of
knowledge for all who sought to educate them
selves. and hence caused a constant overflow of
students and pbiiosophic strangers, in Athens.
Sparta and Mycenae; now, those who desire
10 apply themselves 10 the study of the Fine
Artist come from the more remote countries to
Italy Rome Florence, Venice and Naples be-
ing considered, with good reason. as possessing
the highest advantage for instruction-not only
on account of the Industrious masters they foster,
but also. for the innumerable monuments Of art
they display to the delighted eye of the strangers
for the rich galleries they contain and for the ar
tistic spirit which constitutes the chief moral ell!
ement in the mind of the people.
Among the many painters and sculptors now
sojournng in Florence and prosecuting the study
OF art, we are pleased Ia remember Mr.. VIM. r.
Barbee. n sculptor from the United States, who
modelled Tor his first work a statue representing
the Coquette who is delineaed in the act of pie,c
ing heart with AN arrow and which he is now
transferring to Cnrrara Marble with great care
aud perfection of finish which is the pride Of this
American Scol ptor.
But the work which has more particularly in
doee1 us to 81 9 Ak of him is the statue represent,
ing the Fisher Girl" the -ize of life and total
ly nude. whereas. the first il covered with veil.
This figure is seated on sandy beach, sustain
ed on her knee, with the head inclined, III the
act OF mending f.hermnn'S net The compo-
siion Is exceedingly graceful and excels in the
beauty and elegance of her form, which is that
of girl If eighteen years The parts are per-
feet in their execution, and are studied and con
Quoted with freshness and truth. Altogether, it
is equally proportional and well designed, and
nothing is expressed in the action which is un
pleasant, or unsatisfactory. We therefore think
we are not in error IN passing this ecomium on
the able aud studious stranger which will not be
the less respected, in n much rs 1t is expressed
with the fnlness of disintrIednes- and sincerity.
This statue, when executed in marble will 60 with
the first to be placed with the FIRST in public ex-
hibition in America, where it will receive the at.
tention of the intelligent who will confirm this
Judgement which though poorly expressed will
not to he the fruit of profound conviction.
Meanwhile the success Of Mr.. Barbee will serve
to attest the fact that Italy will always lac the
instructor of the Artist, Greece was, in other
times the tutor of those who wished to distin-
guish them selves in the other branches Of human
learning"