Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-10

suggestions on the subject of the opportu-
nifty now offered for the purchase of these
pictures. To obtain these pictures, other
wise quite beyond the reach of the gallery,
an appeal had to be made to the artists.
They were asked to Join in the effort to ex-
tend the field for the appreciation and dis
position OF their works. And the assurance
was ventured that they might probably fad
that all culture and taste were not confined
to the large cities. To this appeal they
promptly and literally responded. Should
the assurance thus given fail to be realized,
and the great majority of the pictures DO
returned unsold, the trustees could find no |
hope of success in making such an effort !
again. If, on the other hand. it should be
justified By a reasonable sale Of the works
contributed, similar collections can be read
lily made for us in future years. and our
gallery will be placed in such relations
with the artists as must largely tend to its
prosperity and success.
1t was the hope and belief oil the trustees
in assuming the responsibility and expense
of the exhibition. that some few Of the
choicest pictures of the collection might by
the generosity of their friends be retained
permanently in the gallery, that Others
might be placed in some of the elegant
homes of Burlington, where they would
always be silent yet eloquent advocates OF
the cause of art; and that tho commissions
on the sales received by the gallery might
in good part at least reimburse its ex.
penses. Have they not, under the circum
stances. some claim upon the liberality and
public spirit of our people, to enable them 20
realize their hopes?
But the advantages offered to purchasers
are mu ch greater than any obtained BY the
gallery In order to the wise purchase of
pictures, not merely money but adequate
opportunity is needed. Few persons are
qualified to make hasty selections of works
of art. Time for repeated and thoughtful
inspection is necessary. and the advice of
competent friends is often desirable. 10
hurried visit to large city, if one
encounters pleasing picture for
sale. he has but little time to ex-
anime it, and if he has not entire conf
dence in his own judgment. he is deferred
from making a purchase. The present col
lection, while made with such care that it
contains no work that anyone need hesitate
to buy. or be ashamed to display, affords
also las it will be open until the 18th Of
September ample time for deliberate con-
sideration. The price of almost every pic
ture in the exhibition is very reasonable,
| and many of them extremely low. The de-
preston of the times, and the number of
collections sold within the last year at AUG
ton in New York. have brought the prices
of these pictures down to figures such as
have never before been known for such ex
amples, and will not be known again alter
business regains its usual prosperity. Some
of them are great bargains.
1t is not generally understood how valua-
| Bile as mere investment is a work of art,
well selected and judiciously purchased.
1t invariably appreciates in pccuniary value
in the hands Of its owner. If the artist is
in the full height of reputation. ere long
he passes away, and his pictures at once
increase in price, because no more are to be
had. If he has not yet arrived at the dis
tinction he il entitled to. when it comes
his previous works are greatly enhanced in
price. The Blodgett and Johnston collcc-
tons sold within year past at auction are
examples of the pecunisry value of well-se-
lected pictures. Both of them brought at
least bird more than they originally cost.
though sold in period of great depression.
In ordinary times they woCld have brought
double their first cost. Mr.. Johnston
realized upwards of 100000 more than
his collection cost. His pictures, not
bought to sell, proved in the hour Ofneed his
best investment.
Yet while there is always a satisfaction
in the expenditure of money to obtain an
intrinsic and increasing value, from which
the first cost and interest can be realized
| again il need be. this is by no means the
chief induccment to the purchase of works
| of art. No ornamental additions to home
can compare at all with these beautiful
children of the creative Imagination, these
touches of nature that make the whole
world kim" To describe their influence to
one unacquainted with it would be as diff
cult Us to tell what child in the home is to
one who is childless The man who gives
them shelter will find that he has entertain
ed angels unawares. They are friends that
never die and are never estranged +; the
kirdliest instructors of the young: the
most charming companions of maturer
years Age can not wither nor eustOm
stale their infinite variety" When every
beauty they possess seems by long acquain-
lance to have become familiar, still some
| titful change OF atmosphere, some passing
glory of light or sun casts fresh halo on
the canvass. and brings out new and I'M
expected splendor.
1t is Just and honest pride that finds its
| qualification in the improvement and adorn-
ments of home. TO this end money is
| literally and creditably expended by Amerl-
cans But house may be rich in the
| labors of the builder. the cabinet maker and
the upholsterer, and yet barren of all that in
| dicates to the intelligent observer true Gull
| ture and refinement. a small part of what is
| cheeriully bestowed upon furniture and
| /
to genuine works of art. make the house
radiant with new and charming stmos-
phere, and light up the rooms like fire
upon The hearth. This is fast coming to be
understood The time is very near when an
intelligent man will be ashamed to confess
an insensibiity to the attractions OF art, or
to exhibit to his guests handsome walls,
either vacant or covered with trash. The
young man who advrns with these good
things the home he is gradually building
up, will find it the last expenditure he will
ever be sorry for. lie would almost as soon
regret tho expense chtaicd by the birth OF
his children. Each successive acquisition
of this sort, achieved lot without misgivlng
as to whether it can be afforded, accom-
plished by an effort, AID perhaps sacrifice,
and valued and cherished accordingly, will
become one of his household gods. Later
acquisitions may be IL orc costly and more
valuable, but the mem, ntoes OF these earliest
struggles between tiua taste and slender
means will always be The dearest. 1t is one