The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-04-26

Eno VPonhg oi the Spring Exhibition ut the
Academy.
The hfty-sixth annual exhibition of the Pennsyiya-
MIA Academy OF the Fine Arts opens to-day On
Saturday evening private view was given for the
beneht OF artists, amateurs and critics and usual
on such occasions, the galleries were 80 crowded
that II was impossible to make very close examna-
ton OF the works OF art to gain than gene
raj idea OF the character OF the collection which Is
supposed to show something of the progress of Anc-
rican, and especially of Philadelphia, art during the
past year. The exhibition is very unsatisfactory,
whether compared with those of former years or
whether considered an expression oil
American art. There are, perhaps fewer really
worthless pictures than on some former occasions,
but the general average Of the works not up to the
usual mark and the refusal of large number OF the
Philadelphia artists to contribute has obliged the
Academy to I'LL up the many vacant spaces with their
own property which undoubtedly has q value Of Its
OWL although II has not the claim to novelty, and at
the annual exhibition the public expect and have
right to something new. Indeed, the works OF
art belonging to the Academy constitute nearly
three-ffths of the exhibition while the remainder
Is largely made up Of pictures that have been eX-
hibited to the public at various times during the
year, and the contents Of private galleries These
suffice to fill three OF the rooms, and although some
OF our younger artists have contributed works OF
merit and promise, the only important American
picture Is Professor Schussele's "Esther Denouncng
Haman," No. 96, which was painted for the Academy
Messrs Rothermel, Edward Moran George C. Lamb
din Isaac L. Williams, w. H. WILCOX, John Faux
ner, George r. Bensell, K. B. Bensell, Peter Moran,
and other prominent artists ere not represented at
ali, and others have sent either old works or but
picture two.
This state affairs is the result of the quarrel be-
tween the Academy and the artists which culmi-
ated last year. This unfortunate difficulty has pro-
dueed Its natural results In the poorest exhibition
that we have had for many years, and In deprivng
the artists OF the best possible Of putting their
lnafn ANn .Nval,lt hat fha haa
not done its duty in its relations with the
artists is certain and there Is general feeling that
the institution Is managed at present there is but
little reason to hope for an Improvement. Both
parties stand upon their dignity, and 1t seems that it
is almost hopeless with the bitter feeling that pre-
walls, to expect for any movement towards a recon-
ciliation from either side. The Academy OF Fine
Arts however, the oldest institution of the kind
In the country and in support OF its pretensions as
school OF art owes 10 10 itself and the public that
both in its annual exhibitions and in its general
management it should do more for the advancement
of art In Philadelphia than IL has done hitherto Pub
Nc opinion places the burden Of the disagreement
with the artists upon les shoulders, and line of
policy is therefore imperatvey necessary if it hopes
10 retain anything Of it's standing among the art in
stitutions Ofthe country.
II the Academy has failed to keep up with the
spirit of the age, and to carry out the purposes of its
foundation, the artists themselves have acted un-
wisely in discardng IT. The interest of the majority
OF the public In art matters is not very great and
perience has proved it is almost impossible to get up
exhibitions outside OF the Academy that will CON-
mand general attention. BY refusing to contribute
therefore, the artists deprive themselves OF the best
means Of informing the public of what they doing
and the progress they are making, and they lose
the incentive of competition. large ma
jority OF the people of this city derive their
only knowledge Of art matters from the spring
exhibition of the Academy and this exhibition is the
onl no
For these the artists do themselves positive
injury by refusing to contributes and looking at the
matter from merely business point OF view, 1t seems
scarcely worth while to discard positive advantage
which is worth something in dollars and cents, as
well as reputation, merely to crafty tit of spleen,
and without some hope of accomplishing beneficial
results
II the works which In the various studios,
and which have recently been exhibited in the pic
ture stores and other places where but a compare
lively small number OF persons see them, had been
sent to the Academy, the vacancies which that in
stituton has been obliged to I'LL from its own stock
would have presented more attractive appearance,
and the general character of the exhibition would
be much improved
During the past year the artists have not been idle
but many works of decided merit have been pro-
duced which for the credit OF Philadelphia art
ought to be placed before the public in the most
prominent manner. There Is no good reason why
this city should be behind New York in art Matters
and 1t rests In great measure with the artists them
selves whether we to retain our ancient reputa-
sion not AS expression Of our art standing the
the spring exhibition at the Academy is worth all the
others put together; it is by this that strangers
well our citizens judge of the art progress OF
Philadelphia, and this account the collection now
open to the public is dscouraging in the extreme,
We hope sincerely that an improvement will take
place before another year passes round, and that
effort will be made to bring the artists and the
authorities OF the Academy to an understanding
satisfactory to both parties display Of hberality
and disposition TO do something practical for the
encouragement OF art on the part Of the directors
would probably have the effect OF winning
back most If not all OF the seeding
artists, and would advance the char
acter of the institution and make 10 really
worthy OF the regards and support OF the public. A
system OF management that might have answered
half o century ago win not do at this day, and the
the spirit of old fogysm is banished the better
it will be for all parties concerned and the Academy
viii become what it ought to have been long ago, q
genuine school of American art, entitled TO the re-
spect OF the artists and the confidence OF all who
interested in art matters.