The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-05-20
The Academy of Fine Arts.

THERE are three hundred and eleven paintings
ofvaIious degrees of merit in the present an
nual exhibition that is now being held at the
above time-honored institution. Most of the
foreign works are sold, and very large prices
have been paid for them, and it is quite right
that the really fine productions should be thus
appreciated Artists are delighted when
masterpiece is brought from Europe, and accord
tosHch the commentator 1t may deserve; and If
they have recently evlnced a desire to be pro-
tected from the flood of foreign pictures that
now deluge the country, let it be understood
that it is not against the introduction of such
paintings as come from the easels of men like
Gerome, Gallait, Gastaldi, Bouguereau, or Mes
sonier to which they are opposed. No; such
canvases as they produce will always be well
comed by the artistic fraternity; while, on the
other hand, the inferior and mediocre eftusions
of Belgian and German studios are by them
considered bane and q nuisance.
There is something bitter in the fact of there
being about one hundred and fifty unsold pic
lures on the walls of the Academy. Out of
that number tUo have been disposed of-not
very brisk demand, certainly-and we should
like to know if the contributors have the right
to feel encouraged by this state of affairs? 1,
having some knowledge of the facts of the case
think not. 1t is matter of much time and
labor TO paint good picture; sometimes months
are given to the task, and when, after placing
an expensive frame thereon, 1t has to remain
unsold for long time, the prospects OF the
artist may be classed as discouraging in the
| extreme; and yet, curiously enough, when
| these same productions are disposed of under
| the hammer OF the auctloueer, they often real
Ize better prices than could be obtained at pri-
| vate sale. The reader may ask why the artists
| do not adopt this manner OF disposing
| of their works; towhich we answer, that among
so large number of the profession it is very
| difficult to arrive at any harmonious action,
sarily attends enterprises of this Sort for it
often happens that really wretched picture
will bring more than the most merltorious
work in the collection. OF course results like
these when they occur are very aggravating in
their effect; and, rather Than incur such possible
humiliations, most painters prefer suffering in
| silence. Capitalists who deal in paintings and
sell by auction are generally successful by the
| aggregate results OF sale. II they sell one
picture under s. cost price, they ale indemni-
| he'd by getting i've times the value of another;
whereas in an artists contribution sale, TO
sell half-a-dozen pictures below the price is TO
| ruin corresponding mum Der of painters, for
| we are assured that the fortunate Contributors
who realize nigh prices for their works will not
share their prohts with their less lacky
| brethren, The Directors OF the Academy afford
| every opportunity 10 parties desirous of buying
| paintings; and we are really astonlshed to see
| how many successful works of art are
| now for sale in the galleries OF the exhibition.
| As friends Of the artists, we have telt it our
and would urge ii upon our citizens to show
! more inclination to encourage the followers of
art in their pursuit The high praise that has
| been universally accorded to the present dis
play of pictures at the Academy, is really
| tribute 10 the merits OF the paintings that we
| have spoken OF as awaiting purchasers The
| throngs of fashionable people who crowd the
| rooms Of the institution give evidence OF the
estimation in which the collection is held; and
| this display TO do so at the earliest moment,
and while there TO aid the struggling cause Of
| art by making the acquisition of some of the
sharming works that are marked thus (E)
| in the catalogue