The New York herald., 1871-12-16
ART NOTES.

Under the title OF "The Oracle OF the Fields" Mr..
Constant Mayer has treated that ever Interesting
subject, q love making Two peasants IN meadow
In sunny Italy are deeply engaged watching the
result OF the answer TO the momentous question
which has beef addressed to the oracle, but neither
seems to doubt for instant that the reply will be
Just what they both evidently desire. The
girl, VINO seems the impersonatlon OF art
less simplicity, holds the mystic mower In her
hand and plucks away the leaves, repeating
after the universally accepted formula, "He loves
me. he loves me not'' while the swain. who leans
her shoulder watches intently the process, bat
perfectly confident OF the result. Tue drawing
OF the figures Is marked by ease and naturalness,
and the composition IS well In keeping with the
subject. Anectation has been carefully avoided
and yet there is conveyed o gentle sympathetic
feeling which consor;s well with our notions OF what
ought to be the sentiment OF such a scene. The
color Of the painting Is forcible and well har-
monized.
Mr.. Thurston is engaged on a large imaginative
landscape, which he calls Autumn Glory" and
which promises to possess unusual merit
The Photographic community OF this city have
been moved by the advent OF the Russian Duke and
the various galleries have strven with natural anx-
iety 10 secure the patronage OF real prince
Among those WHO have had this "hon0rr extended
to them are Mr.. Brady and Mr.. Quincy. Mr. Brady
mas taken one half length and one full length pOr-
lralt OF the Duke, Wnicn are remarkably good ike.
nesses. On sunday the Grand Duke and his entire
suite gave sltiings to the Messrs Gurney at their
galleries IN ktlth avenue. Groups and single pic.
lures OF the distinguished party taken both in
uniform and cvllans' dress. and they expressed
much satisfaction at the excellence OF the negatives.
The sittlngs were made by the Messrs. Gurney on
SUNDAY at the especial request OF the Grand Duke
who has been so closely occupied during his visit as
10 leave no other day at his disposal
The British Museum has been enriched BY the ad.
dlon OF the remains OF the tomb OF the celebrated
King OF Cara, Mausolus, from whom this Class of
monument derived Its name. Although Pllny In
OF the work and even OF the artists who executed
H., the spot where this wonderful production OF
genius had been erected was forgotten In the lapse
OF Time, and we mad no means OF verifying the COR
rectness oi Plnys glowing description. Tnc rescue
Of the remains OF this noble work OF ari ls due 70
the energy and research Of Mr.. Charles I. New
ton. one o. Her Brlannic Majestys consuls in
the East The principal object recovered Is
the drared statue OF bearded man OF noble
ano commanding DtTs0nntf, which 10 supposed to
represent The famous King. Although broken into
slxty.nve fragments the statue has been restored
with The execution OF the arms, which have not
been recovered. Mr.. story, the American artist
superintended the making OF cast OF this art
treasure, and undertook TO replace the missing
arms according 10 MS notions. The result has been
70 make clear how much our most celebrated
modern sculrtors are inferior TO those God.uke old
Greeks Like ali attempted restorauons IL
has Simply shown how weak and made
quate modern skill appears beside ancient
ART. severai specimens Of equestrian work
have also been found which are not un.
worthy 10 rank with the irleZes or tie Parthenon
which have hitherto stood without rival. THIS ad.
aition 70 the sculp'ural treasures OF the British
Museum places that Institution imneasurapiy above
all It's rivals In the richness or is collection OF an.
uque sculptures. Several pieces Of colored marb,e
were found, but owing 10 want OF thoughtiuness
had been retained for g o0o years has faded under
Tie operation OF the rigorous northern climate