Smyrna times., 1875-02-03
An Art Item Worth Reading.

The cultivation Of taste for the beautiful
clevates humanity, enarges the synpathies and
expands the soul. Art studies are but the
studies OF imitation, reproduction. lie Is the
pest artist, who most exactly presents view
OF nature. Artists are Of two classes those
who produce Dy the pencil and those who
produce by mechanical agencies But in s1ch,
to be good, there must exist the same general
requirement, involving taste, culture, native
genius, and the skill which comes Of patience,
knowledge and application. Both classes help
the world to be better, by cuItvating one of the
best parts Of mans nature. Photography is
the popular art, because it is in the reach of
all and Is the most exact. But because it is
mschanlcal it none the less requires the excr-
else of artistic skill and taste. To illustrate,
enter the studio of one of our leading photo
graplc artists say that Of C. Il. Watkins, 2G
Montgomery street, and we find the highest
style of Photographic art displayed in hundre Is
OF views from nature, which patient research
and applied skill have ENABLED Watkins to
produce in views of all the grand natural
scenery of California, with thousands Of lesser
views, i'll the popular Stereoscopic form, thus
placing natural views within reach of the entire
people. The latest achievement in this branch,
IS the taking of the Farallone Islands. This
natural art gallery, vast as it is, worth visit
any day, is hut one of the branches of Watkin 5
industry. To carry the benefits of his years OF
study and experiment further, he has fitted up
a portrait gallery, without doubt equal to any
on the continent in its appointments. To
preside over this, he has secured the services
OF the most skilled artist in Photography yet
known; Mr.. G. w. Bradford who has been
for years the leading operator at the great gal
lery of Gurney & Son, New York, vino have
few rivals and no equals at the east Bradford
it was, who produced the superior pictures of
Lucca, the cantatrlce, pronounced the best
known specimens OF Photographic art.
10 the production of the Rembrandt style of
portrait, Mr. Bradford gives more especial
attention. The secret of his success, lies in his
xiii in, and intimate knowledge of the effects
of light aud shade, and the completeness with
which he has accomplished himself in the
study Of poses" graceful positions, etc., to
the various classes OF cOunteuance. There is
no kind of shadow effect of which he is not
master. The " Rembrandt " is made by
reflected light, and this has been the special
study and success of this artist. While he had
full charge Of Gurney Gallery, he earned a
deservedly superior reputation for the ex1ui-
site grace, finish, and naturaneSs OF his pic
lures. lie declares Watkins Gallery possesses
all the requisites for the production Of the best
style of Photographic art, and he is determined,
If merit will win, to prove it. An idea, new to
us, has been introduced by him f; the keeping
of complete wardrobe of drapery, cloaks
coats, wells, shawls, ETC.. ETC., in which to dress
and drsps slttsrs to his taste Tor it is admitted,
few know how to dress to sit for a picture.
Space forbids further review at this time.