The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-05-02
THE PARIS SALON.
Grand Exhibition of Paintings
for 1876.
THE ARTISTS ORDEAL.
Pictures Which Were Seen for the First
Time--A Splendid Effect
AMERICAN CONTRIBUTIONS.
AMERICAN CONTRIBUTIONS.
Enumeration Of the GemENamcs Of the
Distinguished Painters.
The MARSHAL PRESIDENT VISITS.


The opening OF the French Salon is the great
event after Easter. Our artists have been busy in
anticipation OF what win be sent to Philadelphia,
and the coming International French Exhibition,
which is to show TO Europe and the world that
France, stricken down few years since and appar-
Sources TO justify her pre-eminence as great
nation, even among the greatest nations or the
world. More than usual interest has therefore been
elt In this exhibition. Social and political Influences
which determine so many things in this city, have
been strained to the utmost to secure admissions to
the walls OF the Salon in the first place. and to win
the conspicuous positions in the second.
THE OPENING
The opening to-day was o scene OF unusual bril-
iiancy, even for Paris. 1t was noted that among
Ind not few Germans, who promise 70 take .
friendly and active part In the International Elk
hibtion for the purpose OF showing that In the VIC
tories Of peace Germany need have no more appre-
hension than in those severer and darker struggles
which have cast so much unhappiness upon this
devoted capital
CLASSICAL CHARACTERS OF THE EXHIBITION.
The greatest exhibition Of paintings in the world
las taken this year an almost exclusively classical
character. Young painters who have put their
Faith more in cratic Nights of genius than in sober
method have been excluded by the hundred. An
other innovation will be found in the hard fact that
only twenty medals Of honor will be bestowed upon
successful artists this year, instead Of the usual
number Of forty
REASONS FOR REFoRN.
1t Is said that this reform has been rendered nee
essary to raise the standard OF French art Indeed
French painters Of late years have rather too IRE
quenty incurred the reproach being more jealous
for good handiwork than for great ideas; and while
something nearly approaching TO mechanical per-
lection has often been found in their pictures It has
been freely said that poetry was altogether wanting
Or only to be discovered by patient observers in
some canvas which had escaped the prevailing cpl
acmic. which manests itself in fcverish hankerng
nter petty details.
HIRsr EXHIBITIONS.
The following il list OF the most important pic
lures exhibited for the first time to public view this
morning
exhibits 1.-THE Shulamiten Of Solomons Song-a
nne, bold painting exquisitely colored Also por-
trait Of vicomtess de Lewis The eject OF both
these pictures Is harmonious and brilliant, the like
OF the lady being taken with great spirit and
success. The white dress Of Madame de Lewis Is an
extraordinarily happy enort Of the brush, and the
whole picture Is full OF light and grace.
N. BoULASGER
exhibits "Un balm d'Ete Pompeii," picture
which has been sold to Count Aguado. 1t Is u very
beautiful painting, and shows the luxurious ladies
the sultry languor OF summer midday under the
shadow Of vesuvius. "Comediens Antiques Repe-
tant leur role" is another subject treated by the
nme artist with perfect historic and dramatic ac-
:uracy. M. Bouanger is said to be the most learned
mtiquary Of the French school Of painting. and the
truth OF his compositions may always be trusted.
MILE. NELLIE JAcouENARr
appears this year with full length portrait, large
ns life OF Count Palikao one OF the soldier poll
ticIans OF the Second Empire who came promi-
nently before the public during the Chinese war.
1t lis faithful likeness OF rather commonplace
person. The drawing is correct and the painting
conscientious, but the general look OF the picture
b bald and cold.
The famous reast, produces picture OF sJacob
wrestling with the Angel which brings out all the
excellencies and defects OF this great artist 1t is
vigorously drawn and painted brightly In harsh
soors. 1t is a picture that win be much talked
about, much abused and much admired.
exhibits "Une Fete st. CLOUD sous Louis xv.,r
hrge snowy picture very brilliantly painted and care
ulIy drawn This Is believe, the first time N. Fichel
has dealt with figures in the open air. and the result
Is quite as successful rs his well known pictures OF
French interiors, which command every year
higher price in the market
exhibits "Jours de Bonheur.ra charming picture OF
mother and child, which Immediately captvates at
tenton. lie has also .Tne Portrait OF Lady"
which win assuredy please connoisseurs. The grace
md spirit ofM. Chaplns female figures are always re-
marsabe and 1t is dcult 70 praise his composition
700 highly.
N. y. v. BERrrER
The picture which viii probably attract most
attention this year, and which VIII undoubtedly be
remembered long after most OF the rest are for
gotten. Is the portrait Of NJ. Lesseps by NJ. r. y.
AZ ncr hao