The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-08-26
ART AVID 4R71srs Ar rHE oApIroL

~ ae Editors Of he Ua1n
AS the Capitol extension approaches completion, the
attention of those interested in art is turning towards s
walls in the hope Of seeing the prominent incidents OF
national history and the deeds of the fathers and
s'staners OF the country worthy recorded in its many
panels and inches
For comparatively small annual appropriation tie
ambition of artists could be aroused now
angushing for want of adequate employment udiciousy
eneonfaged-much talent lying dormant might be de
yeloped-and national school grow up under the foster
ing influence of government which, in a few years. would
take rank with any the world has yet seen melted and
viyihcd by our free institutions until it would become
the exponent of the reflection of the great thoughts
and achievements Of the people expressing in impersh
able materials those themes and acts most worthy Of
pcuation.
In view Of this, systemazed plan should be adopted
by which all the of this nation could be soli
cited N competition and each aspiring artist participate
in the strife for congressional favor without being sub
jected to humiliang, importing, compelled to soli-
cit the aid Of political friends in moving diplomatic
chiney Art, literature, aud science should be exempt
from such oreas little in keeping with the ndepend
cnce of their mission
1t is proposed therefore that instead Of the occasional
sums heretofore devoted to illustration in the public
buildings there shall be stated annually appropri
ated two-thrds OF which shall be devoted to procuring
pictures bas relef, and statues for the vacant spaces
That all may have equal advantages, let general
course of the artists OF the country be announced such
as Is convened in France whenever work Of amy mag
nitude is projected the conditions extensively aver
The number dimensions and locations Of the panels
spaces, inches shall be specified For these artists
invited to make designs leaving the subjects and treat
ment entirely free But each design composition shall
not exceed given size five feet squacnor be less
than two feet Within these dimensions the proportions
may be such as each artist desires for the best expression
of his composition The themes be carefully executed
in cartoon oil water color study by plaster
design or model These at stated time shall be eNhb
tied TO the public at Washington for one month After
which committee Of nine, composed OF three members
OF Congress- three prominent authors and three artists
from the Society of Arts at Washington, from
the Pennsylvania Academy, and from the National
Academy Of Design appointed by these respective bodies,
shall decide the merits of the works submitted Those
most worthy in design and execution TO receive the gov
eminent commissions and all Others from certain
standard and upwards to be purchased by the other third
of the appropriation at price which shall simply reward
10y regulated scale OF compensation the artists for their
time.
These works. all of which will illustrate some incident
anccote OF history, point Of biography, becoming the
property of the nation be preserved in hall appro
prated TO them and in process of time the country will
possess most interesting collection of historical statues
Studies and pictures einently illustrative of the progress
of art, and obtained at small cost
At o later period in connexion with this gallery,
Bureau OF Engraving might be organized in which the
best talent Of the country could be employed to engave
the most important of these works in STYLES according
with the subject and execntion-from wood cut and
etching TO elaborate line engraving tile proceeds
OF the sales Of whose impressions would go far towards
reimbursing the original outlay of government if judi
ciously managed.
In this way there could be no favolitisn nor could
any class of artists complain that they were treated with
neglect no clique fictitious reputation would stand
IN the way of unknown talent Artists of The highest
grade would compete, knowing their time would receive
compensation the traditional scnsveness Of the pro-
fession would be wholly appeascd while a national
school would be engendcred and fustcrcd which in time
would rebound to the dignity of art and the glory the
nation. Let government but take the initiative with
liberal spirit and the artists will not be wanting in ZEAL
tcrvor, or patriotism. Il. p. ROSSIIER.