The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-25
ART MATTERS.


with tins exhibition are, we suppose, or q some
what grave and dec0rous nature. And possibly we
owe to this circumstance the comparative freedom
which we enjoy from sunscapes that threaten 70
burn up the unwary spectator. We stroll about
the Somerville allery with sense OF security
which is certainly refreshing; no fear OF getting
scorched. for the few IRE worshippers' works scat
tered about only to warm mp the mass OF coof
river and lakescapes which surround them. the
eject Is ID keeping with the season, and we feel
agre eaOly disappointed In looking round to
md no work glarlng onensively from the walls,
like warning to trespassers met IN pleasant
glade disturbing our sense OF ENJOYMENT and
security Everything Is pleasantly subdued, and, in
addition, there reigns higher
LEVEL OF MERIT
than we usually md in our art exhibitions. OF
course there are gradations out they are reduced
to within very small compass. The lowest merit
Is respectable, according to the canon which obtains
among us. and there are many examples by the
most distinguished of native artists. Looked at
In general this exhibition Is certainly creditabe to
the members Of the association. and furnishes the
National Academy with an example 1t would do
well to follow.
1t Is possible to be interested In the collection
the S0merville Gallery, and we are not constantly
exposed to a nervous shock BY coming suddenly
upon piece OF mccarthy scenery or stumbling
against a piece.of rock which we cannot distin-
guish from an antideluvian monster, being forced
as soon as we recover 10 console ourselves by the
reelection that we suffer In the cause of science.
We are told that young artists must be encouraged
to display their incompetency that the world may
learn by contrast how great are the wonderful
In Twentythird street. II the ARTISTS Fund EXHIBIT.
non could only teach these gentlemen that 10 make
collection interesting 1t IA necessary above oil
things to have 1t select; ana that the idea Of shining
BY contrast is selfish and, we might add, with all
due respect, stupid one. we might nope to see the
National Academy become in time what II ought
to be-
SCHOOL OF ART TASTE
present It's mission Is as checkered as its facade
and the innocent pubic who 60 to look at the pic.
lures are as likely to come away with wrong notions
as with right ones. Indeed, II tine Impressions de.
pend on the quantity OF works which the visitor
wrong idea as for one decent painting he is certain
10 see ten atroc1ouS dauDs. Our friends at the
VI gallery 81 Least Lay r al to the
lures to the minimum. and anording the lovers OF
arr the largest amount Of pleasure with the smallest
well repay visit. They will remain on exhibition
pc sold by auction for the benent OF the fund.
,...Coney Island" ono; e) by c. Parsons: pleasing
Kensett's .'Twiliqhs;" river scene with the
the sinking sun bathes the distant sky; background
n gorgeous UNITS Of mlngled gold ana brown.
"CumDerland Mountains by W. L. SOntag, dis.
plays all the gorgeous splendor OF this artists
IRIDESCENT STYLE.
tag puts on his coors, and though we don't remem.
Der often to have the purpllsh tints In which
ne Loves sor to reve permeaIg either SKY or land
treatment which we like better than dull copy
OF some bit Of scenery Mr. sonag evidently
paints to an ideal. In marked contrast we have A.
T. Brichers COOL quiet mill stream,' with gllmpses
Of The trees, and Wyant's Landscape" with quiet
sentiment and great sobriety OF color. IAN Alpine
Gorge" by 8. W. CASTELAR, mo. S9), is marked by
happy treatment OF mountain scenery, the dark hit
Foreground contrasting well with the snow peaks
ior% on ' the part "H the artist s'sU Gord No.
gives us glimpse OF ''rhe Catskls' In oil the
Excellent in perspective and happy IN treatment;
Boughton's "The Binding Mist Came Down. mo. 59l
ri ses hss ns
mas come; The whole congestion Is well IN keep;
by ON n he
has succeeded !, IN conveying the poetic poetic mystery
De Haas Is never 50 much at his ease as when he
y depicting the brny deep; HIS snip wreck on
waves, rushing IN break, q noble snip driven
helpless on the rocks. and
THE BLINDING SPRAY
| breaks over her bow and side as the angry waves
dash against her sides. Storm clouds, dark and
menacing are driving ruriously across the sky,
giving us the impression OF lightness and Imma.
teriality which we SO often miss in paintings.
David Johnson's "Spt.rock Island' NO 65) is a
IN water and sky. KenseI's Massachusetts Coast'
NO. ee)-full Of charm and repose. In j. q.
childish sorrow mingled with dread is capitaliy
conveyed. The artist Is In evident sympathy with
young, folks as we have some other examples In the
exhibition which display close observation OF chill
dren 1t Will be seen from the little we have been
gathered into the collection, and we advise those
who are interested III art not to fail to visit the ga
lery before the sale which viii take place on the
3lst iustant at the Somerville Gallery.
Art Notes.
The fine art exhibition in Madrid has proved
complete success, Notwithstanding the many diff
culties with which 1t had to contend, owing to the
disturbed state OF the political atmosphere. Spain,
once 80 celebrated in art has long failed to pro-
duce anything worthy Of her velasquez and Murlos
that the visitors were astonished find the wonder
tul
REAwAKENING TO ART
which the Madrid exhibition revealed. II would
seem that the genius Of the land OF
the , ca is throwing on the letters
had bound 1t, ana that in the rutare we shall see
the Spanish artists take place not unworthy OF
'Deatn OF Lucretla," by NJ ROsales. obtained most
brilliant success, not alone gaining the first prize,
which, In compliment to the artist and recognition
OF the great worth OF the painting was called the
"Gallery Of Lucretia," certainly very high
Two first prizes were awarded in sculpture, and
a group. "Agar and lshmae in the Desertn by Senior
COrdlna. The latter work Is especially powerful; the
grouping IS very nne. The artist mas succeeded
representing the maternal sorrow with great vigOr
and contrasting 1t with the helpless expression OF
the unconscious boy. It s said this group viii be
purchased for the Madrid Museum.
Patriotism and Art.
The ladies OF Mulh0use, anxious TO mark their ap.
preclatiOn OF the patriotism and energetic de-
v0ti0n OF Gambetta during the unfortunate
struggle with Prussia, and his earnest efforts
to save Alsace from being abandoned to the
Mai OF their esteem and gratitude. The form
OF the acknowledgment reflects much credit on
their taste and dellcacy. Calling to their aid an
Alsatian artist ]. ]. Henner wnO could sympath ize
with their sorrow and Indignation, they commits
sloned him to paint
SYMBOLIC PICTURE OF ALsACE
The artist discharged hl5 QutV to the satisfaction