New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-15
KNAUS, THE ARTIST OF PEASANT
LIFE.


LIFE.
PROSPECT OF KNAUs's REMOVAL FROM DUSSELDORF
PROBABLE LOSS TO ART-AN OLD LAW CLERK
DRINKING CoFFEE-CHILDRRN AND MUD-PIES.
To the Edtfor OF The Tribune.
SIR: Genius has had too good reason to COM
plain of It's neglect ny high and mighty OF the EARTH
but their favor is often dearly purchased. Here in
Dusseldorf feel that they have given Art heavy
blow while meaning 20 do 1t honor. The famous Knaus.
long pride of little city, has at length accepted
the position of Minister Of Art rendered him by the
Prussian Government, and before many months will
leave Dusseldorf for Berlin II is not on our own ac
count mainly that regret his decision. Till now he
has lived in purely artistic atmosphere One OF the
most simple and unpretending of men, all who came In
contact with him were charmed with his frank amable
aud his conscientious devotion 10 his art But
now he leaves his charming home the Dssel for the
exciting life OF the Prussian Court the thousand dis
fractions which must accompany his position there.
What will be the endl Let hope that the broader life
OF great city will give freer scope 20 his powers. and
that he will work undisturbed by the turmoil and
unrest about him But the history OF many noble
painter with just this experience has been sad one.
Why will people profit by the lessons OF the past
There Lessng the great historical painter OF our own
time, whose famous picture Of the Martyrdom OF Hnss
formerly attracted great attention III Sewfork. he
was drawn away from Dusseldorf. and has since done
their and into the exhibitions, but attract
little Interest," and it has been with many others, to
whom court favor has proved a snare.
Society is the bane of art. When the victim Is
drawn into her tolls she never lets him Free but hoids
bin with relentless grasp. and in the end assuredly
destroys him. Knaus, with his intense love OF nature
ara the artist soul strong ;.s.. . ., may prove an ex-
ceptiOn We pray that 1t may be so. Ii VIII De SAD
day for art when his light goes out City life is by no
means his taste and this gives us hope that MS rest
less spirit longing light and air. must drive him FROM
brick walls and noisy crowds back to his quiet home.
His love is for cheerful peasant scenes. Here lies his
true hfe la rie ndTeHe," as old Couture calls IT,
Wesiphaia and Klein Bremen are famous hunting
grounds for Here he lives with the peasants goes
with them into the fields, races With them when
they ride horses to water. hobnobs over glass
of beer Jokes fraternzes with them in every way
They regard him as their dear, familiar friend
brother to be loved and cherished. Among them his
reputation higher than even III the polite world So
called different to be sure, for II Is one OF love
most lasting.
He studies the peasanry every phase OF their char
acter comes home, and astonishes the World py us
wonderful pictures of humble life.
have recently seen a picture, Klfee Stunde coffee
hour PAINTED by him for Mr.. Mclean, picture dealer
in ondon which remarkable for its simplicity of sub
iect and wonderful fidelity to nature. 1t represents an
old fellow sitting in his and taking comfortable
cup of coffee Perhaps my readers know that In Ger
many coffee is always drunk at four o'clock II makes
pleasant break in the weary stretch between dinner and
supper-an oasis in desert Of the long afternoon
No true German would omit it for his soul
The old fellow an attorneys clerk, as one sees from
The law papers which fill his rusty old "te," IS Just
raising cup of coffee his lips. The expression OF his
face and the turn Of his hand the fingers spread out are
inimtable. The comfortable room. poor but warm and
bright gives cheerful feeling BIG, yellow conee-
pot stands smmering on the rusty old stove, whicn
CLOVIS red hot with real heat, sees The odfelow
himself in his weworn shabby suit, his scaniy LOCKS
sleek and wet showing the traces of the comb recently
drawn through them is most fe-ke and characteristic.
He almost speaks. The old cylinder hat standing beside
him on the floor is IN itself study. The nap Is worn
quite white aud shiny. and bang in the side adds the
last pathetic touch OF nature
His picture Dreckpasteten Mud Pies, exhibited not
long since. a bold attempt, and well CARED out
Some people nice think anasty subject
and declare Knaus should be above such dirty busi
ness THIS may be true he has painted his mud pies
we'll Some critics find fault with the picture as rather
spotty and the composition little scatered Out every
one acknowledges that the individual parts are most
wonderfully painted The scene Is laid in Westphalian
hamlet In the foreground clustered around the trunk
of fallen tree, is a group OF children making mud pies
Some cottages in the background, while the
landscape runs up edge OF the picture, show
ing narrow strip OF sky Near the children is herd Of
westphaan pigs. black. raw-boned and skinny. They
would strike demay to the heart of Cincinnati pork
dealer.
The children all in their pretty peasant costumes.
and spite of their dirty pay very attractive, for
they are painted with all Knauss love OF children A
pretty GIRL biggest of the group is sitting the
fallen tree, and holds her hand 10 little trot in
cap bright petteOat who Is running eagerly
toward her chubby hands tlle1 with fresh supply
O: the pastry" which has collected from the
little the foreground sweet little girl
stands other side OF the tree, busy making
her pies Her mouth 10 parsed up with most business
like presson, while her pretty hands are giving
artistic TO the wonderful composition. white
headed urchin dressed In ancient suit OF veivceen.
also by the with his back 10 the spectators.
q OF white SHIRT showing TO good advantage iu the
opening behind. He works hard at his pies,
Kneeng by the streamet is bright, saucy little girl
black and DettlcOat She kBeels knee, and
with determined air ella out the mud with hand
while the other rests IN her lap, the little thumb stuck
apxiously up IN her vigorous Efforts A tbinlegged,
skinny urclu. in blue shirt. stands somewhat
ground holding out has hands. the loQg fingers all
covered mud. He evidently does not ike IL much
his face expression OF great disgust and
| discomfort.
All VINO have engaged in this charming amuse-
meut OF childhood who, like the poor little prince
have envously watched the street arabs playing in
those delightful puddes." will appreciate anG enjoy
| this picture. Z. W. c.
Dsssodorf May &c. 1874.