The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-02-17
ART MATTERS.

Cops 'sMaidenhoOd,' mt Goupi's Gallery.
In all the range of arJ no subject possesses more
general interest than madeDhOod. Whatever phase
OF feeling the painter may seek to express
us with added charms when the medium is young
girl in the first blush OF wOmanhO0d. Full OF warm,
tenderfu but ill.dehned shad0wlights, the life Of
woman at this age has some mysterious charm
which influences US without our being able TO &C
count for the power excrted over us. In art TINS
influence is most visible, for whenever the
painter or sculptor wishes to convey elevated and
pure thoughts he presents them through the agency
OF some representative maiden. Only those VINO
are in close sympathy with what Is best in human
nature give US just or adequate representation
of maiden grace and beauty. The artist requires
understand intimately the nature which he paints
in order to give expression to the
DELICATE sUBTILTIEs
which lend so much OF mobility and expressiveness
to girlhood. In the work which we purpose nouc-
ing to-day we have proof OF the strong sympathy
between the artist and the poetic religious senti-
ment which pervades pure womanhood. The
subject Is remarkable for sympathy, both
of conception and treatment. 1t depends
upon its directness and force to impress us.
There Is no trick OF surrounding. no clustered
AISLE to give force to the story but only the simple
ngure OF young girl with an open book OF prayer.
Inc figure stands out from dark background,
Our imagination mas been left free by artist,
has concentrated all MS power on the figure. Here
we have representation OF singular force and DELI
cacy. the light falls on the shoulder and book,
eavIng the front OF the figure IN shadow, the face
open book, which lmparts peculiar s0ftness to the
forms and subdued warmth to the color Two
large, deep blue eyes are turned neavenward with
a sweet earnestness expressive OF the
DEVOTION OF GUILELESS SPIRIT
There IS IN the face something OF the peace and
purity OF the heaven TO which 1t appeals and yet
not wanting In womany feeling. With all Its tender
there Is quiet rmness That reveals pure but
elevated SOUL and we nstlnctively feel that such
face would be capable OF the highest sacrifice In the
cause OF virtue. Wherever you turn In the gallery
PRESTON in which there Is something OF the angelic
All the artist's power has been expended on the
charming head, with its wealth OF golden hair fall
ing over the shoulders and the brow bound with the
virginia. nllet, ana not expended In vain We have,
seen few heads which for tender thoughtfulness
value is That Whatever power to interest us II may
have Is within Itself, and not any way
due to situation or surroundings. Unsupported by
trick or accessory the calm, beautiful face I'm
presses us with sentiments OF love and reverence
and we unoonsclously acknowledge the force Of
true art The composition reveals thorough appre
citation OF the value Of
TINGE OF MYSTERY
In painting, and hence We have the shadows
thrown over the figure, and Just relieved by the
light falling on the shoulder and reflected on the
lace, wnicn gives roundness and dellcacy 70 the
The action OF the figure is well In keeping with the
main idea. In order to account for the upturned
the leai, and we have this idea OF mo.
ton so well conveyed that we do not feel
that there IS any want OF unity In the
apparently divergent action. Nature has been
closely studied IN the drawing, and we nave the
somewhat spare outlines OF plrlhood correctly
given; but the form nicely rounded and mod
elled with frmness, but without degeneratng into
hardness. In painting the hesh admirable advan-
tage has been taken OF the shadows to soften the
contours and lmparC 10 them subdued, warm tone,
which lends an air Of life 10 the painting not often
seen on canvas. Simplicity marks the whole com.
position, which Is distinguished by great strength
| and dlrectness OF thought. This work appeals to
| art which may, without fear OF dispute,
| lay claim to be considered hlgn. Strong
| in execution and emb0dying pure 9nd ee-
waiting Thought 1t sets before an image true to
| the outward lOrms and possessed or the great
merit Oi STIMULATING lie 40 well that we can almost
forget that IL but u shadow.