The Portland daily press., 1873-07-24
The Artist Simmons.

A recent number of 81 Arte In Ualia''. an
art journal, published in Turin, contains a
very appreciative notice of Mr.. Simmons, and
also fine wood-cut of his ''Mother of Mo-
ses,'' and one of himself which is not wholly
successful as likeness. Nothing could more
clearly indicate the high position which Mr..
Simmons has already attained among the ar
fists in Italy, than the very fattering terms
in which this article aludes to him.
We insert translation Of parts of il. 1t
will be perceived that the article consists of
communication from Rome, and an introduc-
tory note by the Editor of the Art Journal.
For very long time Rome has been the
point to which artists of all Dations tend.
Many go there to complete their studies to
enrich the mind by the contemplation of tho
Immortal works of Raphael, of the treasures
in the Museums and the remains of classic
monuments; and not few enchanted by so
many wonders and intoxicated by the atmos-
phere, tsince there every thing is art, grand
eur. poesy-the true life of the artist remain
until advanced age, making it second father
land. Thus it is with painters, with scuipt-
Ors, with archeologists, with architects. Our
Review, which in past years has given ample
space to notices of the most eminent Italian
artists, will hereafter, through a sentiment of
iraternal hospitality. take occasion, now and
then, in its reviews to call attention to some
of the bes. among foreigners who, after resi-
dence OF few years in Rome, bring into the
artistic world works Of genius exec uted with
skill. We will commence, therefore, by
speaking of young American full OF talent,
who already has achieved for himself ffne
reputation, while we have the opportunity of
presenting his own portrait together with an
engraving OF one OF his highly praised pro-
auctions.
Five years ago, Mr.. Simmons arrived in this
| city. His first work was a statue, six feet
| high, of Roger Williams, the illus rious Puri.
| tan, who, in the seventeenth century, first
| proclaimed in America liberty of cuuscepce.
| The statue was ordered by the State of Rhode
Island, founded by this man. This work was
presented to the Capitol at Washington, and
| fiom its first exhibition has been regarded as
! u e best sample OF statuary art in Washington.
| Since this, he has been occupied with subjects
of less prominence as preparation for greater.
Among these, are ''The Hymns OF Praise"
| "The Angel Abdiel,, taken from Millions
Paradise Lost, and various busts and bass
| reliefs.
the statue of Jochabed, of which wood
cut is here presented, is another ideal figure,
| OF large dimensions, winch followed the abJve-
mentioned works. 1t has recently been put
into marble, by order of MI. VIM. S. Apple
ton OF Boston. The artl I iniei DIS 10 repre-
| sent the mother of Moses in that state OF
discomfort and fear by which she must have
been oppressed before the conceang of her
son. In this work, the story is powerfully
told, and we see in the ex cution an artist
who, understanding the antique. is not rem
dered by it a servile imitator; uniting pro-
found internal emotion with external inaction,
this work wildly interests the heart and the
mind.
| Simmons is at present occupied in the exc
cutiou of naval monument which includes
several colossal fgure' and is destined 10 be
paced at Annapolis.
Besides this, he is at work upon an ideal
! figure which be intends to entitle "The
Promised Land" A youEg Israelite girl born
in the desert and wandering always through
lands unknown to her, perceives from
height ascended with difficulty the land wher
her Journey shall end, breatbes with eager
ners the first balmy breezes coming to be
from it, aud shows in her eyes all the emotion
OF internal delight. This statute. life size, ,ha
been recently ordered in marble by Mr.. Mar
shall o. Roberts of New York.
Simmons being one of the ,ungest Ameri
can artists, bis country has not only reason h
boast of what he has already accomplished bu
may certainly promise itself much honor 70
what his fertile and powerful genius may pro
/ duce in the future.