The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-04-18
THE FINE ARTS.
ART GOSSIP.


The determination OF the Directors OF the Academy
of Fine Arts not to hold spring exhibition this year
is on many accounts to be regretted but the
whole we consider 1t indication that the insttu-
ton is preparing to abandon its do-nothing policy,
and make fresh start with the intention, If pos
sble, OF catching up with the age. During number
OF years past the exhibitions OF the Academy grew
rapidly worse and worse and the policy pursued by
the directors more than ever aenated from them
the artists of Philadelphia, until last spring the
result OF the peculiar system OF management that
mas characterized the institution dead failure.
The exhibition was the worst that had been
given for years. Many OF the best native artists
either refused point blank to send their
pictures, or else quietly withheld them, and
the public showed how little interest they felt
by declining to invest their funds to the show 1t
was wise thing, therefore, not to brave criticism
by another poor display which would be chiefly re-
markable for the absence OF American works and,
as during the past winter numerous Improvements
have been made in the schools OF the Academy
under the direction OF Professor Schussele we are
disposed to have some hopes for the institution yet.
The fact is, however that the Academy is established
upon radically wrong basis; and 1t never can
become such school OF art as will do credit to the
city or country until measures are taken to secure
the active cooperation and sympathy OF the artists
The schools are the strong points OF the Academy,
and that the energies OF the institution are devoted
to increasing their facilities is a healthy sign.
Scarcely beginning however, has yet been made ;
and from present appearances both Boston and
New York likely TO have nrst-cass art institu-
tions established in their midst while we are
thinking about 1t.
Boston already has great free library that is the
pride Of its citizens and the envy OF others, and
with an energy and appreciation OF the importance
OF eultvating taste for the fine arts that are en-
titled to the heartiest commentator, Boston is
about to establish Museum OF the Fine Arts that
will leave both New York and Phad slphia far be-
hind in the race unless they make more rapid ad-
vances In the way OF art culture than they are doing
at present. In this connection the following de-
scription OF the object aim, and prospects OF this in
stituton, which was Incorporated on February s.,
$780, may not be uninteresting:-
The objects OF the Museum OF Fine Arts are =
First. 10 make available to the public and to stu
dents such art collections already existing in the
neighborhood as the propretors OF such collections
may see ht to deposit in suitable building, to be
arranged for the purpose, under such general pro-
visions as TO the custody and exhibition thereof as
shall be agreed upon, with the sole view to their
| greatest public usefulness. Second To form in
this way the nucleus OF what may hereafter become,
through the lberaty OF enlightened friends OF art,
| a representative Museum OF the Fine Arts in all
their branches aud in all their technical applca-
for giving instruction in drawing, painting, model
/ ling, and designing, with their Industrial applca-
lions, through lectures, practical schools, and a
| special library.
AS it is understood that Harvard University, the
| Boston Athen9um, and other public bodies repre-
sented In this bo ard, propose TO deposit In the Mu
scum the works OF art belonging TO them 1t may be