New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-03-24
NEW ORLEANS SUNDAY,
LikeResSes.

| "A true likeness is not mere represent
alton of a mans features, even with the ad-
dition OF a transit and occasional express
sion. Much more than this is needed to
satisfy the requirements of art, which are,
| in fact, identical with those of love, using
| the word in its broadest sense. Love criti-
| cises even while it admires; not a beauty,
| not defect escapes its notice; for defects
| as well as beauties contribute toward indi-
viduality. To SO reproduce these individual
traits that an intimate friend shall recognize
the likeness as resembling the original in
his best and happest moments-this is the
secret OF success. Why is it that children
are considered the best judges of a portrait!
Simply because children usually see faces
at their best. The very hardest natures
soften in their presence, the inward benev-
oience which remains latent on other occa-
siors gushing up from the soul and illumin
ating the cOuntenar1ce. There IS story of
lady whose husband was generally con
sidered very ugly man until she proved
that he was otherwise by having his por-
trait painted by true artist. The happy
expression brought out by the fire of ear
nest conversation had been seized, and per
manenty transferred to canvas by the
hand of genius. This was before the
days of Daguerre, when correct
likeness was among the highest achieve
ments of art. Even now, with the sun for
our minister, the work of the artist is hut
partially simpltied. He must still study
the face and form of his subject to ascertain
in which position and light they will appear
to the best advantage. When this is done,
the ordinary photographer, the mere me-
chanc, proceeds to take the picture; but
the genuine artist knows that his work is
only half prepared. He has yet the mind
to act upon, either by freeing it from
anxiety on the subject of having likeness
taken, or, better still, if he happens to be
acquainted with his subject, by suggesting
a pleasing or animating thought. Such an
artist is s. Anderson.
'.Is it possible said plain but charm
ing lady, yesterday morning, on receiving
one of his colored cabinet portraits, lis it
possible that l ever look like this' l did
not know that l could look SO we'll
yes" replied her husband, you look
quite as well at this very moment"
But" objected the modest dame, where
are those ugly lines from the nostril to the
corners of the mouth, which heretofore
have always diafgured my pictures y
Here they are pointed out the observ
ing husband, but softened down to the re-
semblance of nature. instead OF staring ont
in black deformity, as common photographs
lists leave them
And so it was. Mr.. Anderson had taken
an amiable, plain-faced woman, placed her
in graceful position. said a pleasant wcrd
or two and liz a fash of sanlight fixed her
image. Tie retouching of the negative,
and the elegantly executed coloring of the
artist who attends to that department, had
done the rest. The result was a likeness
with the correctness of the simple photo
graph. AID the grace and finish of an elab-
crate ivory miniature. The critical eye Of
affection was satisfied, and Anderson had
won a new admirer.
II plain person succeeds so well az An
derson's. what shall be said of a beautiful
one. Simply that justice will be obtained
and what more than justice can beauty
ask, To Anderson's gallery, therefore, let
both plain and pretty proceed, when seek
ing for such counterfeit" as shall please
tie eye OF friendship or of love. There
may be seen pictures in every style, and
in the highest order OF art; and there.
also, from the presiding genius Of the order
desk will be received a smiling greeting
and an obliging attention which shall pre-
dispose the visitor to like everything else
about the establishment.