The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-03-24
The Eina Arfa-


Messrs James y. Earle & Sons sc yeral pictures
by Philadelphia artists. which are we'll worthy
The attention OF our connoisseurs. With the |
opening of spring oor galleries begin TO bios som
with the result of the winters ilbors OF the
artists; and since the breach between the
painters and the Academy of Fine Arts appears
to be widening rather than diminishing, those
who are interested in Philadelphia art are
forced to search elsewhere than In the galleries
or that venerable institution, IL they desire to
find out what the wielders OF the brush and |
palette have been doing since they returned
from their holiday rambles last fall.
In their front mp stairs gallery the Messrs.
Earle have arranged as a special exhibition
new work by Mr George H. Petit This is the
largest and most important picture that Mr.. |
Petit has yet executed, and while 1t shows |
very decided advance in many respects, the |
artist has not succeeded in getting rid OF all his
Unpleasant peculiarities OF style. The subject
is Hamlet and Ophelia." and the scene repre-
senled is when she returns his letters and gifts
with the words, Erich gifts wax poor when
givers prove uAkind."
The figure of "Ophelia" Is graceful, but rather
weak. The face is mex presslve, and the shadow
Is too cold and makes too decided line. The
drapery is we'll painted, and some of the 1esa
is also executed with considerable skill.
"HamleJ" is represented after the conven-
tional model, but there is much expression in
the face and spirit In the action of the figure.
The flesh painting in the face and hands OF
"Hamlet Is much better than In the female
figure. The accessories are simple but appro-
pirate, and the general tone OF the picture is
better than anything that Mr.. Petit has yet
given
In the lower gallery there are two fine works
by MIR. Edward Moran. One represents the
coast of Maine, with lobster fishers emptying
their cribs; and the idea Of the artist has been
wave.washed coast, the sturdy, independent,
and energetic character of the people. The
other picture Is view near Fortress Monroe,
and In this the artist has symbolized, by the
hazy atmosphere the yellow sands, and the
stunted growth Of the sea.shore. the peculiar
moral and physical characteristics OF the re-
gion. These pictures have not the same dra-
matte interest as "The Launch of the Life.
Boat" by the same artist, but they are care
fully studied works, in Mr.. Moran's best style,
and they should receive the attention of those
who interested in the advancement of
Philadelphia art
tradfo DIS Crushed by Icebergs." also on ex-
hibition at Earles', is q picture of remarkable
interest," both on account OF the novel subject,
and the powerful manner In which 1t has been
treated by the artist snip Is represented
caught between great masses OF ice, while the
sailors, who have been forced 10 abandon her,
are busily engaged in securing their stores. AT
| some distance another abandoned vessel Is seen
on fire. and beyond. in the blue water, is ves-
| sci which we can only hope Will succeed In
| rescuing the shipwrecked men. The work is
very vigorously executed, and various tints OF
| the Ice are rendered with remarkable fidelity.
| The Messrs. Earle have very superior chrome
| lithogrsph of this work. which will form an
| admirable companion piece to Church's
| "Nisgara"
at Haseltine's gallery there are several new
| WORKS which will be appreciated by lovers o.
| art. Prominent among them is O picture of re-
| markable merit, by Professor Schussele. The
| subject Is "Covenanters Reading the Bible;"
and for fine grouping, rich aud harmonious
coloring, and variety of expression in the great
| number of figures introduced, 1t Ia entitled to
| rank as one of the best efforts Of one OF our
| best artists. Professor Schussele has succeeded
in creating q revival of interest In the classes
| of the Academy of Fine Arts during the past
| winter. and his Instructions have produced the
| most gratifying results as regards the progress
| OF the pupils. large work entitled
"Esther Denouncing Haman." ordered by
| some OF the gentlemen prominently
| connected with the Academy of Fine Arts is
| fast approaching completion In Professor
Schussele's studio and 1t is expected that 1t will
be ready In time for the exhibition, which
will open In few weeks
Mr. Haseltine has just placed upon exhibit
| tiOu tWoiNo VI uttooh phluJlhB ny
| W.C. w, Dana of New York. This gentlem an is,
we believe, O pupil OF Couture. and he appears
to be equally proficient in the lines of figures,
| landscape, marine, and animals. Mr.. Dana
has that free and graceful style of handling
which distinguishes the best masters OF the
modern French school. His largest picture
entitled "Heartsease." representing a siok
child resting weariy upon It's pillow and play
ing with a bunch OF the flowers which suggest
the title, is charming work, alike excellent
in sentiment, color, and drawing. A little
French peasant girl, and portrait In profile OF
the artists little daughter. are also worthy of
notice as fine specimens of flesh painting. A
marine representing the ocean after storm,
with the moon breaking through the clouds, is
work of unusual merit; and the smaller pic
lures OF animals, landscapes, and marine Views
will give very favorable idea of Mr.. Dana's
versatility.
| Another noteworthy picture at Haseltine's
Gallery is 'The Enchsntress, by Hamilton
| Wild, OF Boston. This represents q female
figure, with snake-Iike locks standing In a
desert place. performing her incantations over
q braZier, from which is issuing thick smoke
The work is painted In somewhat peculiar
manner, but II Is original both in conception
picture is well worth studying to find out all
that there Is In it.
1t may not be amiss for us to state, for the
benefit of the public, that Mr.. Haseltine's gall
leries are open every Monday evening until ~
O'Clock. The walls are hung with nrst'ciass
/, works by European and American artists o.