The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-10-12
THE FINR ARTS.


''The Spirit of the Age.o
There is now on exhibition in the window OF
Bailey Co., Twelfth and Chestnut streets, large
and striking picture by Mr.. T. Henry Smith, which
has many very decided merits, and which In some
particulars exhibits a marked improvement over
anything this artist has yet produced The spirit OF
the age is symbolized by the figure of an athletic
young man in the garb OF a workingman, reclining
upon number OF bales OF paper, and watching the
movements OF Hoe press, which is rapidly throw
ing of sn edition of a daily newspaper, while
In the background suspended against the
wall. is a print OF the old-fashioned
hand-press, to indicate the advances that
have been made in mechanical science since such
machine was in use. The intellectual and refining
influences of the age are marked by the book OF
poems In the hand OF the figure, and by musical
instrument by his side. The evident purpose OF the
artist in this composition is to glorify the American
workman Of to-day, and to show that he Is thinker
as well as worker With regard to the technical
qualities OF the picture we are able to speak with
cordial appreciation. The figure is well drawn, aud
has evidently been studied from good model,
while the handling is bold and spirited,
although MIR. Smith has not altogether
been able to overcome q vicious habit
OF over manipulation with small brushes. The evil
effects OF this particularly apparent in the face,
where the flesh tnts are mudded by being over
worked and in the endeavor to paint each separate
eyelash the effect of having been artidcially
blackened is given to the eyeds In spite of this
~
trature Of the very elegant type that is far from
uncommon among American mechanics. The color
OF the picture is good, although Mr.. Smith in this
feature has not been able to keep his tnts In all
ses clear and bright.
With regard to the motive of the picture, the artist
has had to contend against the difficulties that
always surround allegorical subject. 1t is easy
enough to perceive what ideas are intended to be
represented but there are plenty of prosaic spec
tators who will be apt to ask the question whether
young workman who sits poring book of
poetry while the Hoe press which ought to receive
his attention is in full action by his side really re-
prese ITS the spirit OF the age The manner in which
the theme is treated therefore, cannot be considered
pronounced success, but IL Mr.. Smith has failed to
reahze in every particular abstract idea upon his
canvas, he has plenty of good artists who have also
failed in the same direction to keep him in c0unte
nance, and his picture is that will be certain to
find many admirers, and 1t would make most appro-
pirate ornament for the room of of typogra-
graphical societies.
The vast number Of people whose only art ideas
are obtained from the woodcuts in books and the
illustrated papers of the day be congratulated
upon the fact that fine artist Mr.. George F.
Bensell has determined to neglect colorS and to
devote himself mainly to drawing upon the bleck.
Mr. Bense is probably the best draughtsnan In the
country, and in this and promising field he will
have full opportunities to exercise his talents. He
is an exceedingly rapid worker and has most pro-
life power OF invention both of which qualities are
OF great Importance in drawing upon wood. Mr..
Bensells weak point is his color, and this he will get
rid of altogether in the line of art that he has
adopted, whie his graceful drawing, his knowledge
OF composition and light and shade, and his remark
able invention, will have every opportunity to show
to the best advantage. Mr.. +. o. G. Darley has long
stood at the head of American designers on wood,
and since he has shown disposition to labor less
than he was once accustomed to do, there has been
none among the clever draughtsmen who have
arisen of late years to take his place. Mr. Bensell
is able to do this and more for ne has many qualities
that Darley lacks, and there is no reason why he
Should not become the leader OF new and promis-
ing school OF American designers which will rival
with its works the best efforts of the English and
French artists.
Mr.. A. G. Heaton,iwho relnquished the practice
o! art about eighteen months ago, has returned to
his first love and has accepted professorship at the
School OF Besign, and has also started studio on
Walnut street, opposite Independence Square. Mr..
Heaton has fine talents, and he has received an
celient art education in Paris under Cabanel, the
results of which are plainly apparent in his works
The artists OF Philadelphia are not so numerous
that We afford to lose such OF them capa-
BILE OF maintaining the art reputation OF PhHadel-
pnia, and in taking up the palette and brushes
again. after having relinquished them to follow the
false gods OF commercial adventure, a painter OF
Mr. Heatons ability is to be congratulated by the
lovers OF art.
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