The New York herald., 1871-12-03

the opening OF the Academy doors groups OF eager
prince admiring citizens were gathered In Twenty
third street, waiting, with what patience they could
muster. until the lnnexble porter should descend
and give ingress to the anxious watchers, who
looked with anything but friendly eye on the Gu
riOus scroll work OF the iron gates which opposed
their further progress. The morning sufficiently
cold to make shelter desirable, and It was evident
from the lowering looks of some OF the ladies and
pleDeian ruddness which stealing over arist0-
cratic noses that the discomfort would become
formidable unless the gates were thrown open. Just
ct this
CRITICAL MOMENT
the town clocks began chime ten, and at once all
the clouds disappeared from the iar Drows, and as
the Academy porter descended with slow and stately
tread smiles OF satisfaction beamed on the hitherto
10ri0rn faces OF the watchers Once inside all traces
OF discontent vanished, and under the influence or
the gentle heat which was diffused through the
gallery the redeemed faces resumed their normal
color aud the various groups scattered themselves
about the gallery TO wait the coming OF the Duke.
American anu Russian flags, tastefully arranged,
decorated the staircase. This was the only
decoration that had been attempted, and owed
much OF lts effectiveness to Its
REPUBLICAN SIMPLICITY.
Some very anxious people Immediately proceeded
IN excellent POSITION and, Judging that the present
alton would take place front OF tue picture. those
who were most anxious to see the Duke took imme-
date possession OF the chairs that end OF lhe
and maintained themselves with tenacity worthy
OF the highest praise But alas for the uncertainty OF
human calculations these enterprlsing people were
doomed to disappointment owing to an unex-
pected flank movement by the committee OF arrange
ments. The interval between tne opening OF the
doors and the arrival OF the Russian Duke was
filled by pleasant and animated conversation The
ladies formed little coteries and were evidently
inteut on
THE DISCUSSION OF THE TOILETS,
which, though rich, were not very brilliant. OF
course there were few irrepressble butterflies OF
fashion VINO refused to allow winter frost to chill
the bright coOrs OF their wings. and oated through
the rooms with all the ligntness grace and with an
air or as much immaterlality as be attained to
BY angelic beings cast IN a somewhat substantial
mortal mould. Others, with more aesthetic tastes,
wandered about the rooms and commented on the
varlo IS pictures with more or less intelligence,
while not few OF the younger ladies seemed
more occupied with their cavaliers than with art
or fashion. Very few OIL the metropolitan artists
were present. as the invitations had been cor fined
almost exclusively to the subscribers to the picture
and their friends. There was an impression among
made on behalf OF the Academy but this an error
number OF gentlemen interested IN art formed
themselves into committee and purchased Mr..
Pages picture, with the intention Of Offering 1t to
the Emperor OF Russia as an acknowledgment OF
THE CORDIAL RECEPTION
which had been accorded TO Admiral Farragut when
he visited the domniOns oi the Gar Having male
known their intentions and desires to the Emperor
Alexander, he was pleased To signify his Willingness
to accept the painting and the presence OF the
Duke Alexis was considered q favorable OppOr-
Imperial 20 % iay. Mr. Pages pcsurs has aready
been crilcsed In the HERALD, SO tnat 1t Is unneces
sary TO make any heightened remarks as to Its
merits or dement's. The dimensions OF the painting
are feet by ieet and half The artist
has selected the moment when the Admiral went
alolt to overlook the operations OF the fleet. lie Is
seen tied to the snrouds and holding telescope in
his right hand while the lett grasps one OF the stays
impaired to min as ne looks out and watches from
has post Of vantage
THE TRIUMrmAL PROGRESS OF HIS FLEET.
Over tue Whole com mDositlon there Is an air OF
gloom and indistinctness wh.Al nterferes with the
effect OF the picture whose principal merit consists
being fair portrait OF the deceased Admiral. In
the distance . lew black specks are moving about
on the water. which. we SUPPOSE, represent some
10 the defective perspective It is Somewhat diffcuit
to decide what relation they hold in the compo-
sti0n. lt appears somewhat strange that war
ship should appear not mucn larger than q small
plate when seen from the shrouds Of vessel which
ness IN the pose OF the Admiral's figure, deprive
se painting Of much eaoee OF the signify which
Ject. The circumstances Of the incident are,
~ utnns r. erys and ,on, the
authenticity or the likeness, and the correctness OF
the details, however much the want OF force their
treatment may take from the painting as a work Of
high art 1t is almost 10 be regretted that MIR.
Pages work viii 20 to foreign country on account
own country the more so as there is some doubt as
to the existence Of any good portrait OF
THE ILLUSTRloUs COMMANDER.
uroc nQ W no q nvnn-
tion at the head Of the grand staircase announced
the looked for arrival Of the Duke, and the
creased as the invited guests poured IN, suddenly
ceased and then succeeded some minutes OF ex-
pectatlOn. Under the direction OF the secretary OF
the committee the chairs had been 50 arranged as
to leave an open space III front OF the principal
trance 10 the grand saon, where Mr. Pages picture
was on exhibition, and into this open space the
Duke advanced followed by General Dix, Mr.. Page,
Mr.: Catacazy, Mr.. A. Blerstadt, General Gorlon,
William o. Stoddart and the members or the Dukes
suite. The Duke alexis took up the position as
signed to him, and General Dix, on the part OF the
address with dignity and grace. lie said
In the name Of the citizens New York have the pleas
Peror Russia .a, picture Of Admiral rarrasni which he
Sn % H
.,Ss.; ;a$
81 and
cnlated accomplish the object he has in view
and which OF ordinary powers would neither
attempted conceived. Al the q
perate naval combat In order that he nigh. ascertain the
plan of the commander Of the hostile aeet and the
ton Of it's ships he went the shrouds remaining there
durng action above the cloud OF smoke which he
enveoped below and In this exposed position
promptitude and precision, which
the the fct
the moment when the victory complete that he
represented In the picture calmly surveying the OF
His countrymen grateful remembrance kind
which he received NJ ST. Petersburg; and
win crafty them to know that the picture 10 TO go there asst
lasting acknowledgment the hospitabe
tngushcd which he entertained by the En-
Indeed chief qualification In presenting that
II IL to have place the capital Of empire between
which and ourselves the closest relations amy have
ised from period in history which
earnestly hope continue In all future time
The naval service has In all maritime countries aud in all
ages conspicuous and brilliant one sure l
speak the feelings OF all here when express
hope that the profession with which many ilustrious
identified TO Your Imperial Highness
of honor and fame. Whatever OF duty peril
achievement the future may the navies of
Russ, the United States, the sincere and may add
the universal desire may never meet
Of