The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-08-07
American Artist Abroad

a correspondent Of the New York journal
of Commerce, writes thus from Florence. with
regard to Mr. Powers, and the future of fAncr-
lean Art:
The reputation of Mr.. Powers is very dear
to every American, and his studio is q favortc
resort. lie receives. his cointrymcn with
great cordinlity, and his black eyes sparkle
with pleasure when hc.spcaks Of HON G. His
rooms are full Of workmcn. and from the num-
Der of busts of distinguished men in the United
States on which they were employed, I judged
that this patronage was rs large as he wished
1t is probably his excellence in this kind of
work that has led some to deprecintc his gen
JUS and call him mere portrait maker. If
his Greek Slave, were his only original work
it might indeed be supposed that it was the re-
suit of accidcnt-a happy hit,--or the repro
duction of some bright form of antiquity, that
had escaped the observation of others. But
his statutes of America and California nrc n
triumphant rcfutation Of all such SANDERS
America trampling on chains, asserting the M
restricted freedom of the human soul, acknowl-
cdgcing no law but that which Heaven Or
dained, and appealing with sublime confidence
to that Divine CONTROL is a conception worthy
OF Powers, and his genius has wrought it out
in immortal marble. His California is beau
tifnl siren. charming the world by her song of
gold only to add to their sorrows, Perhaps
Mr.. Powers would object to this descript:on cf
looking upon this effort of his genius, that it
was mistake TO represent in enduring mar
bic commonwealth by one characteristic
which is to pass away with the present gencr.
alton. Ills success. however, in these and 9th.
er works is evidence that the future will wit
ness still bolder conceptions end works still
more worthy of himself and his country
In this connection wish to say n word of
American artist generally, in relation to their
residence abroad. Italy iasfull of them
Many are men of undoubted genius and it is
ono Of their highest privileges to stand in the
presence OF the old masters, and catch the in
spiration of their works. And yet there is
something better and grander than this
When they have become familiar viii, the
different schools of art, and havo enlarged
their souls and refined their taste by such
stndy, let them retire from these influences
and nonrish their irlgenius at home. 1t is time
to lay. the broad foundations of nm original
American school 6fsgrt, There. Is everything
in our wild and smds snficent scenery, in our
glorious institutions, in our Unrestricted free
dom, in the. conflicts of liberty with law, in
onr observation-disclosures and in tho high ann
oitlon and Irrepressible activity Of all Glasses,
to producea national character sucl, as the
world never saw. Science feels it, and is. al
ready bringing her richest treasures. Litera-'
turc has received fromiit some Of II. . noblest
impulses, and there is List Of names already
enrolled in history and poetry and fiction and
narrative Of which the nation is proud. The
fine arts have their enthusiastic admirers a.,
,mobg US. and the seores Of American artists
In Italy demonstrate sthe present tendency of
come; original American intellects. If they
win Break away from their bondago to Italy
and the pas, ifthey wiz fetRrn TO their glo-.'
rions nasIvo mosInsains:and yaliies md listen
iths Wild yst5aly tyoices of fssdom, whieit
iarssa15aH - eys ids ,sx Nasld soon show
us she. mantle Iof fsAxitelea and.