The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-10-21

of course. That is unavoidable when
a large building is erected over
smaller one. The visitor forgives and is
amused Mt the labyrinthne intricacies in
which he is continually lost and when at
last he stands beneath that beautiful dome,
which hovers over him like an open balloon
Of silk illuminated by the sun, he experiences
renewal of the ioy which the exterior
afforded him, Doubtless, we are running
too much TO domes; we are putting dome
over every building of much magnitude-ltls is
such q fruitful source of contracts But tins
one justities itself, and startles the coldest
spectator into admiration. IL was also a fine
conception to place under it in that perfect
light series of large historical paintings.
Nor was it necessary that they should be of
the highest rank as mere works of art be-
cause it is not certain that there are now
living upon earth artists capable Of executing
paintings of that magnitude in truly ex-
cellent manner. No artist in these times
can get the many years of large practice
which is necessary for the attalnment
of the large manner: and, ] suppose,
the best we can hope for, at present, IN pic
lures Of great size, is correct, refined, excel
lent scene-painting. But some of the paint
ings in the rotunda, besides being hideous as
pictures, are historical falsehoods, which any
school-boy might be able to detect at glance.
That one, for example, which is supposed to
have been suggested by De Soto and his men
discovering the Mississippi River-what a
curiously ridiculous lie it is, with its display
of superb costumes, its well-conditioned
horses and it's plump cavaliers as fresh and
gay, in their silk and velvet, as if they were
careering in the streets of Madrid on day of
festival! What is better known than that
these Spaniards reached the banks of the
great river in woful plight after n wearisome
march of many months through the wilder
ness? 1t is also particularly recorded that
De Soto was sparing in expenditure for gay
apparel, and that every rag of clothes, except
what his followers wore, was burnt after one
of their bloody encounters with the Indians.
An hours research in the library of Congress,
under the intelligent guidance of the librarian,
would have put the painter in possession of
all the picturesque details of the real scenes,
and given him subjects for several pictures of
peculiar interest. A picture could have been
composed for that panel which would have
such fascinating power as a mere exhibition
of truth that few would have cared to criti-
eize it as a work of art.
But the question recurs Why are such
artists employed? The shameful answer
is because they lobby for a commission, and
know how to lobby with effect It is not an
honest ignorance of art and history which has
thus disfgred the Capitol; for these paint
ings are the constant theme of ridicule
among members as they are among private
citizens. One artist won his commission, it
is said, by assiduous fiattery of the
wives and daughters of members
of Congress. While artists of merit
we're toiling after excellence in
distant studios, this wiser man in his
generation was enjoying elegant leisure in
the drawing-rooms of Washing gton, where he
made sketches in the albums of ladies who
could influence votes, or painted their por-
traits in some italian or Spanish costume
from his portfolio. He is thought to have
secured votes by pretending that the excel
lent but not beautiful wife Of a member of
Congress reminded him constantly Of an ex-
quisite model he once had at Rome-one Of
the loveliest creatures in The world. He had,
moreover. some little talent in small album
sketches and fancy little fancy portraits in
costume. This, doubtless, deceived some
members, who did not reflect upon the inf
mite difference between a grand historical
painting and an imitation of the velvet in a
cavaliers doublet. If that man S claim to the
highest honor which the nation can bestow
upon an artist had been openly discussed in
committee, his name would never have
reached the House at all. II was private lob
bying that brought this dishonor upon art,
upon Congress, and upon the national taste.
1t has been proposed to introduce
the rule that no man shall be appointed
to office who seeks office. Congress may rely
with certainty the most complete upon this,
that no artist capable of worthily filing one
of the panels of the rotunda will ever lobby
for the commission in the drawing-rooms of
Washington. If that artist should ever be
wanted, he will have to be looked for and
solicited.
The reader has perhaps wondered also why
Congress should have selected for the eXecu-
ton of the national statue of Abraham Lin
coin, person of no standing or experience as
an artist. Miss Winnie Ream is young lady
of perfect respectability, and, no doubt, high
ly estimable in her private relations. No one
can blame her for her good fortune. She has
done little more than open her mou tn and let
the plum fall into it, But what has Congress
done? Here was piece of work to be given
out-the statue of a man as little statuesque
as any we can imagine-which required in the
artist combination of artistic skill and iudg-
ment, love of the man, and love of truth. The
work was to be seen by hundreds who had
been familiar with the subject, and by tens of
thousands who would take an atfectionate in
terest in the artists management OF it's diff
culties The Abraham Lincoln of future
generations was to be created. In the selec-
ton of the artist a national fame WAS either
to be conferred or enhanced. Congress
assigned this work to girl who had the rudi-
ments of her art still to learn, and who had
given no proof Of her capacity to acquire
those rudiments She exhibited a model 1t
was about to be overlooked She burst into
tears. The results to her were, a ten thousand
dollar commission, n universal celebrity, and
two years in Europe--three immense bOOns,
either of which had been ut requital for
lonc, ed eycellence And. GS If il were not