Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-12-21
THOMAS CRAWFORD. THE SCULPTOR.

\ few nights since. before the New York His
torical Society, Professor George A. Green,
formerly of Brown University, was introduced
bv Luther Bradish. Esq. and delivered an
address OH the Life and Genius Of Thomas
Crawford. We quote the following outline
from the New lork Courier, with the single
remark, that our Statue Of Washington is sur
rounded not by categorical figures" but by
images Of great VirginianS. contemporaries OF
Washington. and that no lnancy could have
secured for New York this masterpiece Of Art.
The lbclou< New York Tribune did Sneer at
the possibility of Virginia's regulating the
debt due Crawford, and urged the people OF
New York to buy the Washinston-but it only
made itself laughinE-Stock; for Virginia had
already provided for the full payment, and
would never have allowed any other corpora
ton or individuals to possess her own highly
cherished treasure:
The ArtiSt-ilc of Thomas Crawford. running
through twenty y-four years. furnishes noble
lesson for every student of ART and Is particli-
larlv suggestive to all who have q controlling
influence in an Artists experience. Twenty
four years ago Crawford was at work in Broad
way on tonbstoncs and mantel-pieces. Now,
by his laLors and success he is. like Sparks
and Irving indiSSoubly associated in memory
with Washington.
The Professor gave an interesting sketch OF
Crawfori'S life and dclineation Of his pecil-
liar genius lie spoke Of the deep love of art
born with him, the discrimination and obscr-
walton noticeable in carly life; Of the gentle
sympathy and true appreciation of his noble
sister: his strong poetic temperament, his no.
bic determination to win success: OF the diili-
cultics and obstacles which were met and over
come AT the age OF sixteen. entering the
studio Of Mr.. Frazcc. hc worked Oh i'll noble
devotednesS and enduring per>iStency. II
was no sudden cbulition Of an excited mind
which made him All artist. He knew well
the sorrow Of disappointment and the bitter
expericncc Of neglect which awaited him, but
he viewed it al with calm eye, and Il steady,
unhinching purpose. Ia 1884 b" left america
for Rome. and in the studio OF 'rhorwalSdcn hc
cultivated his splendid abilities. Rome was his
school, and i'll every sound and sight there was
nothing to him bu, the prcScncc o' the beautl-
ful in art. Each day added 10 his knowledge
of principle and to his facility and accuracy OF
execution. But the very facility which he had
acquired in copying hndcrcd the execution OF
his own conceptions lie therefore spent some
three years in the galleries Of painting and stat
uary maturing his judgment and purifying his
taste Thus the essential harmony between
concepton and execution was established, and
he set himself. with an earnest enthusiasm, t"
his life's work. In ls39 he designed his m
pheus, pronounced hy rhorwal>,lcn ''thc most
classic statue in the studios Of Rome" Through
the cxcrtionS Of Charles Sumner, TO whose ju-
dicious and generous counsel Crawford acknow-
lodged himself in many ways indebted. this
splendid specimen Of art was purchased by the
Boston Athennum. The equestrian Statue
of Washington. with its categorical fig
ures, was among his nohcSt achievements.
Had but . part Of the SUMS which
had been expended by our citizens in the pur-
chase of false copies and weak limitations. but
been applied to the purchase Of this noble
statue. New York might have retained that
which will make Richmond the Mecca Of every
true lover of art through all coming time. Mr..
Green, in conclusion, dwct with affecting
interest upon the period of CrawiordS life
when in the full flush OF his high renown, in
the happiness Of q marriage relation, he was
winning the golden results of life OF toll aud
noble effort. OF the terrible shadow which
darkcncd his prospects and frustrated the hopes
of those who loved him, until death took HIM
from earth: Of the perfect resignation ana
unswcrvinc faith and meekneSS and beauty ol
his last DAYS, he dared not speak. Never nero
died more bravelv than Crawford.
The Rev. DR. Osgood Offered resolution
thanking Professor Green for his eloquent ad-
dress. and requesting copy of the same Tor
publication. Mr.. OSeood, in supporting the
resolution, paid most beautiful tribute to the
memory Of Crawford, and to the Immortality ol
his artistic trumphs The resolution was
unanimously adopted.
SALE or SLAvEs.-Col. Abraham Van Buren,
Of Columbia South Carolina recently sold to CO.. Elisha
Wo.hpgton OF Arkansas. hi, whole plantation oi slave
numbering ai0 for 4l4; 0cn, IN average OF 1900 Col
Van Duren exPresident Van Buren, and married
daughter OF Col Singleton Of South Carolina MI Wan
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