, 1875-06-20
Richards Statuette Of the Sur
>' geGn-Barber.
Requisites for Popularity in Such
Works.
Fine Engrayings in Ch;eago--4pp1etons'
cart JOurnhl,',
Fairmount Park Art Association.

Of about the size Of Rogers' groups, and Of the
same material, "a1tiats' clay,"-that Is to say,
plaster OF Paris painted OF grayish or yellowisb
tint. There are two principal figures, perhaps
is inches high il they we're Strengthened up, one
representing ragged, spare. but powerful old
man, apparently farmer, seated in his shirt
sleeves In the barber's chair, and undergoing
what is manifestiy far from pleasant operation.
One leg is supported on kes, and the other
drawn up to tina round Of his chair; the right
hand graspa the arm OF the chair with an
action not unlike the King in Alistona 4
fed occasion, vhiie with the other hand
bio endeayors to arrest the upltted razor Of the
barber, whose unskllful operations have grown
intolerabie. Bending over him is tha other fig
ure, also spare and gaunt, Mephistopheles Of 3
barber, no more like the comfortable colored
gentlemen who shave Us daily in Chicago than
he il like Julius Cnear. But surgeon-bsrbers
are thiuga Of the past, and if this barber ever
ahaved tals old American farmer one Of them
was oct OF bis native country. The barbor
wears little skul1-cap, and hla sharp, prominent
features are relaxed into sort OF feerinH gr3u
in satisfaction Ut the small misery which he is
intllcting. In the humor OF the barbers evident
enjoyment Of his Office, and the corresponding
fau@1iar anguish OF his customer, the idea o
sentiment OF the group consists, and this idea is
Intensified BY the figure OF dog bait
ing cat under the clair, the animals aomewhat
rudely but eplrltedly modelled. Such, 10 brisf
is sketch Of the little group a full description
OF which would, OF course, need TO be as long
~ it the figures were Me-ai2e.
This work occupied Mr. Richards for several
months, and ought to be, a1s1 ia, in fact, good
Such pioce OF modelling is open to two kinds
OF judgmant,--one upon the excellence OF the
artistic work, and the other upop the question
whether the choice of the subject is happy
cue or not and the latter question ia fair
subject Of criticism. and OF great importance
with groups OF this character. pictorial rather
than scutpturesque, and inteudod Tor popular
sale.-because technical merit cannot be de-
them in the market. Rogers groups ara
the natural standard Of comparison, and Mr.
Kiclards' modelling does not fall short OF
Rogers indeed, 1t may bo doubted it evidence
Of the Bamo amount OF careful anatomical study
can be- found in any one OF Rogers groups.
Tue head and hands Of the farmer, and es-
pecially the neck and chest whero the shirt is
thrown open, are a. careful - II they we're
studied for large Htstne. and show marks
(algns OF which also appear in the general
largth Of limb in both igure7) Of Nj. Rica-
ards recent studies OF Michael Angelo. The
coat Of cloth, is we'll done also, and toe model
ing throughout appears to be admirable. Mr.
Richards Is recognized as one OF our beat sculp.
tors, bis bust OF Mrs. Collier being the best
known Of his works in Chicago It is
safe to say. however, that II Michael
and come to Chicago, Or any other
American city, without lnt1oduct'ons, At present,
he would not find such g. market for his services
ss would relieve him Of anxiety for bis bread
and butter if be were dependent upon his pro-
fession for support.
David Richards is a Welshman, d man Of
middle age ot somewhat rugged exterior, more
ike stone cutter Than the ideal artist his E,,
elish is imperfect but his address at carries
an impression OF simplicity and sincerity. Per
hapa no artist in Chicago would be more thor
ougbly iudorsed than Richards by his fellows as
q straightforward, honest workman, man too
indepeudent to take faYors, too modest to seek
patrons, and as good modefer withal as we
have. Ho has been a-professionA sculptor for
seventeen years, most OF the time in America,
but short time in Italy. He cuts his marble
with his own hands, aud has bust Of Gen.
Harding in progress in his studio now.
To return to the Surgeon-Darber" We
question the happiness Of the choice Of SUBJ
ject. or OF the treatment Of subject, VI find
points TO criticise. Every artist deyote6f:o his
posed con.antly to tho dissension between Con-
science aud tue Fiend. DO the work that is
bost for you," says the artistic conscience 'do
what the public will think BEST" savs the aend
Of pecuniary necessity. Il ID TO DO feared that
Richards may he depended upon always to do
what his artistic sense commands. Out Of his
group he has no doubt got valuable practice.
and satisfied hlrnselt By dong his best, but
most likely be has not hit the market.
His figures nro good examples Of modelling.
but they will not strike tho ladies' as an attracs-
I've parior ornament. Tie requisites OF such
group, 10 SELL may be briefly summed up:
Frst-The figures should group picturesque
" IN the general view at least from one point.
This group falls short in this.
Second-The finish should be rather fine aad
the+ surface srnooth--not polished, however. This
is matter Of casting aad painting, in which
Rogers has managed to excel everybody else.
Thard-rhe sentiment must be Of familiar,
pleasing character, perhaps domestic, perhaps
patriotic, perhaps sentimental. A group with a
dasn or tender sentiment, and at the same time
= humorous turn, is best Of al adapted to an
Amer1can public, and the introduction Of female
and cuildren's figures is favorable to popularity.
These, it will be understood, arc not rules OF
art except the frs, hit demands Of trade and
an nrtist If ha brings his wares to market must
submit to conditions Of this character.