, 1874-09-09

Chicago has had It's ssnro OF art exhibitions In
the past some Of thom worry crcditablo. Tho
Sanitary Fair collections, although not very
largo, woro cloico. Then followed the numerous
exhibitions Mt tho Orera-I1ouse, Nhieh At first
werc oxcollont. Az time went on, however, they
dotororated, md rapidly grew worse and worse.
until at last tho mere announcement Of m
Opera-House exhibition catne to imply TINT the
same old stock pictures which Ind dono duty
for years, reinforced By few additions
from tho local artists, were again OFT
exhibition to long-Hufrering public. Tho
attendance rapidly fell off, and was at last con-
nned to silly young people who Affected art
rooms and studios as couvonIcnt places for fir
tations. This, however, docs not contribute any
thing to the support Of art, an;1 50 = happened
that By tue MD Of dsconteuted artists mud dig-
oontouted public, tho Academy OF Design came
into existonce, md Its fine gallery was soon filled
with choccr collection than tho Opera -Houso
had oYor known. Then came tue lsre, jnst after
uld swept it away, together with tho
HesfS1HoSs' ileesss IN tho IL Metorea sesetys rooms @
and nearly oyery private gallery OF any size in
the city. Tho destruction was complete; Nearly
overy artist in tho city lost his studio, md
working materials, and pictures. Ncarly all Of
them left tho city, OIL there was no demand for
their work. Art WAS completely proatrate; and,
Rs II to make tho destruction Atill more effective.
tne auction Bhops sold danbs by tho cord, ana
plenty Of purchasers wore found ready to throw
away their mouey on tho worthless stuff. By
md bY, however, tho moro courageous artists
found thoir way buck again, and, although scat
tered all over tho city, commissions began TO
ro1no In slowly. Tho azriyalof
THE MEMORIAL PICTURE
from London inspired BONO hope that the popu-
lar attention might onco more bo fixed on art;
but it was a disappointment, as this work did not
provo to bo what had boon anticipated. Then
came reception giyon BY tho art Institute,
which was principally conspicuous for thu
absence Of good pictures and The pres
spce Of humorous old veterans Which 1t was
supposed bad porishea In tho fire. The recop~
lion did nothing for art, and was followed by
THE EXPOSITION COLLECTION
last fall. which was mortifyiug failure. III
point Of numbers there was no ground Of COM
fow exceptions they, were covered With pictures
not worth hangtng, while our homo artists, aa II
bcizod with Tho spirit Of paryoraity, con-
l,ibutol thcir most worthless work; aud
this stun was patched out with drawings
by children which wero out Of place, cheap
chronloB, advertising cards, 'and photographs.
Tho exhibition did moro harm tllau good.
Thousands of people visited tho Exposition to
whom these pictures had the authority Of tho
Committee as boing works Of art. The nrtiB.s Of
tho city were also encouraged to beliovo that
tloy could exhibit anything, however bod OF
commonplace it might bo. It led TO false clu.
cation OH tho ono Bido, and induced presumption
on tho otlor. Perhaps no one was account
ablo for thia deplorablo state Of tllngH:. Toe
lttlo timo WAS taken, and the manager had +
help ill up. This time, however, advantage wa
taken OF tho last years. experience to corEcc
niatalcH.