The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-04-28
THE FINE ARTS.
The Academy Exhibition.

Tie post OF honor has with propnety been assigned
to Professor Schussee's fine picture OF ltsther De-
nouncng Haman to Ahasuerus" No. 96. Indeed,
there is nothing in the exhibition that could be put
in competition with this work; and it is gratifying
that in instance at least credit has been done to
Philadelphia art, and that in the general dearth of
works of high grade, which is the distinguishing
feature OF this years exhibition the Academy should
be able to show the public such
q valuable addition to the permanent colec-
ton as this will be. Professor Schussele
is now in the maturity of his mental powers, and his
later efforts especially this picture, show such
a decided improvement in many important particu-
lars his earlier works. that we cannot but regret
the physical intrmity that many persons would con-
slider insuperabe obstacle in the way of artist;
labor of any kind partial paralysis renders the
operation Of painting slow and tedious proc IS;
but Professor Schussele, in addition to SupeTntend
ing the schools of the Academy during the six months
from October TO April, has found time during the
past year to execute elaborate work, crowded
with figures and full of architectural de-
tails which are certainly wonderful considering
the circumstances under which. they We're producer.
The picture shows no falling OF in power, and the
lines are drawn with precision, and the delicate
mnutiR are rendered with decision and firmness
| OF handling that some OF strong-mbed artists
| might envy and admire. This work is an order from
| several gentlemen connected with the Academy of
Fine Arts and the artist has eXeIed himself TO give
| TO the institution masterpiece which will he
| worthy of his reputation and 1t subject 1or the
! study OF future generations OF scholars
The climax of the dramatic story of Esther was
| judiciously chosen the subject for illustration
and the canvas gives representation Of the court
of the Kings palace with all the grotesque architec
tural features which the research OF Layard and
other explorers has revealed 10 the modern world
The royal banquet table, with the feast prepared by
Esther for the King and the enemy Of her race,
| Haman, is oyerhung by crimson canopy which
throws warm glow over the group of richly colored
figures beneath. Esther springing from her couch,
leans across the table and points with anger and
scorn at Haman, who, overwhelmed with surprise,
fear, and rage at his unexpected dscom-
future, has sprung TO his feet and stands
trembling before his antagonist. Ahasuerus re
clining in the shade OF the curtain, listens with
astonishment 10 the story of the Queen, and the
stern expression OF his countenance foretells the
doom of the guilty wretch who but a moment be-
fore stood so high in his favor. number of women,
eunuchs, soldiers and servants grouped about
the central figures, and in the distance is seen por-
ton OF the palace, while on the left ls mass OF
architecture lled with various strange figures in the
characteristic Assyran style OF sculpture The
picture Is full OF elaborate details and the embroi-
dereo tabie-cloth, the furniture costumes gold and
silver vessels, and other features, show an immense
amount OF research and careful study
AS the work Of an American artist this pantipo
will be valuable acquisition TO the Academy and If
such additions to the collection were made little
oftener there would be less cause for complaipt
about the inaction and nenicienoy OF AN nstintIon
which is popularity supposed TO exist for the en-
couragement OF American art, but which, to Judge nv
its usual performances rather designed for its
encouragement
Asis usual, the exhibition is strongest I'M land.
scapes branch OF art in which our American paint
ers have hitherto achieved much greater success
as a general rule than they have in figures o.
works of this class, Mr.. Thomas Moran contributes
the largest number. thirteen in ALL Most OF thes
nave bxen exfbit6d at various times before and
s with few exceptions, the paintings are no
altogether favorable specimens of the artists style
'The Ripening of the Leaf, NO 49, is oeautiiu
: worx. and 'Dream Land" No. "a, IL executed n