The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-10-27

t'ansparenoies as we have. he would either NJ
have painted his "New Republic" at all, or else
he would have made IL something very different
from what IL now is. We understand that the
picture was painted TO order. and in in a great
meature from data aud ideas furnished from
this side of the Atlantic. With these facts uu-
derstcod, and that the work was intended for a
market we can make proper allowances for 1t /
sboI comings
Passing over tho points we have me ationed
we think that the ilea OF republic is very
family suggested, If at all. A European artist.
Of course, here labors under peculiar disad-
vantages: and 1T is not surprising that M.
Panwels, following the lead OF his traditional
education, should nave represented his New
Republic" from an an American and decidedly
Euror can standpoint. In spite of the extent
canvas covered AMI the multitude OF figures
introduced. there is no largeness, breadth, or
majesty In the design. The American Republic,
that embraces q continent, is idealized on the
model ofa Sc gea by-nlne German prlncipality;
and, to take an trreverent view OF
tho alegory, the carpeted pyramid of
steps looks like a stump platform set up
on ten-acre lot for Fourth. f.JulY
celebration. or one of those emblematio struo
lures we sometimes see in Democratic process
sioDs, with the Goddess of Liberty seated
trembling on the apex, and surrounded by
rent States of our glorious Uuion. The emble-
matic figure OF the Republic, with her bright
colored robes, her gorgeously canopied throne
and her gold embroidered ermned mantle, is
suggestive of regal State rather than republican
simplicity. The Introduction OF Messrs. Grow
and Beecher, which has been not little ridl-
culed by the Now York critics, is probably
cisatlantio inspiration, for which we
can readily forgive the artist. AS an alle-
we consider this picture failure from
whatever point of view we look at 1t, and what
ever allowances we make with regard to the
artists went of facilities and we cannot help
feelings of regret that so much excellent work
should have been bestowed when the chances
OF success were so rare as almost to make
failure certainly We can readily understand
that M. Pauwels could paint oongenial his
torical or poetical subject admirably, and we
wish that he had been introduced TO the Ameri-
can public in some work better adapted to
show what the qualities and extent of his
genius really are than the one at present
under consideration.
With regard to the technical IN erits OF "The
New Republic" we have but little to say, ex-
cept In the way of hearty and sincere admira-
ton. In execution, drawing, color, and com po.
sition, IL is one of the very best paintings that
has ever been exhibited In the United States;
and for these qualities we commend it to the
careful study of our artists, amateurs, and con-
noisseurs, with the assurance that they Will find
In 1t much that will profit them. The group on
the right of The picture Is rather confused nd tn
Continental soldiers in the rear of Washington
might have been made to look less like the hal f
dozen supernumeraries who usually constitute
q stage army, drawn up dress parade, and
Mr. Lincolns figure would not have been less
imposing If the face was not 50 sallow, and If
he had been represented in plain broadcloth
without his actions being idealized by the addi-
cion of an academic gown, such as he certainly
never wore or had any idea OF wearing.
These, however, are comparatively sligh :
blemisbes, aud do not materially detract from
the merits of the work. One of the negroes-I
strongly drawn picture in the foreground as
jetty black complexion never seen outside
of a nninstrei hall, aud dooidodIy suggestive of
burnt cork But with this exception NJ. Pau
wells has been successful with his negroes. All
types are represented, from the eoon hue of the
native. born African to the clear brunette of the
quadroOn. And this success is the more re
markable from the fact that he studied this
class of subjects almost If not entirely from
photographs. A mulatto with his hand on
plough and his quadroon wife by his side, on
the right of the picture are admirable in draw
Ing, color, ana expression, and not less meri
torious Is the II cure of negro, nude to the
waist, and holding spade in his hand who
knees at the foot of the stairs near the centre
In the e8ger.eyed longing, and hopeful troop
of immigrants who hurry up to the foot o
the throne on the left to receive the welcom me
extended by Mr.. Grow, the characteristics 10 +
the different nationalities are finely indicated
although, as might be expected, the artist has
been most happy In the representation of his
own countrymen and women The two fair
faced, full fieshed German women. one of them
with baby in her arms, and leading beautiful
boy by the hand, are particularly captivating
The bold, vigorous painting in all these figure
is something that it is a delight to see; and the
rich glowing color, the tone and genera
effect of the picture, are things that We
might grow enthusiastic about. AS an illustra
tion of his subject. M. Pauwel's work falls short
very short OF the highest excellence, but as q
painting 1t deserves to be studied and admired
by every lover of art, and q tribute of respect
to great people from distng uished foreign
artist, that consideration whioh we think we
can best show for 1t by q candid statement of
our opinion of ita defects as well as its merits
The picture Is one that will give the artist
high reputation In this country, and we shall
be anxious TO see other of his works on subjects
better suited to the expression Of his abilities.
MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC.