New-York tribune., 1877-03-14
GER0M1'S "SWOkD DANCE"

NJ Knoedler g. Co. have Just added several
interesting works of art the GOupn Gallery First in
Importance G6rOme's picture of The Sword Dance,
which is one OF the most agreeable Of the produc
tons OF his pencil II is Oriental subject treated with
the thorough knowledge and truth which he has dis
played in former Illustrations Of Eastern life. The PIE
of cabinet s.ze and very carefully finished, but
not the extcn; Of dwarng its proportions. 1t repre-
sents dusty hall the ground floor Of old building
with steps the right leading up to arched portal
through which there is bright glimpse OF The
lord of the lies on his diyan in the shadows Of
acoye, taking cup Of coffee from the hand Of
servant three native musicians SIT upon the floor IN the
halflight and the principal figure. arsefrdmcd Cir
cassian girl, dances upon carpet, between santing
beams of sunshine from perfOrltious in dOmed cell
in The left and out Of the pcture which make spots
Of light on floor In the chimney place
want is occupied with the making d the coffee.
There both stronger color and better heshpainting
in this picture than Gerome. usually gives us. The
dancer, who balances a bfoad-bladed saber upon her
head and holds a second In her hand floating
vail Of emerald gauZr her bosom il covered with mass
OF golden cOus and spanges, partly hiding clositlng
bodice OF pale red tint Thence the nps she is uuGe
but for a nearly transparent white gauze with which
her arms are also covered scarf Of blue starred and
bordercd with gold, il loosely tied in front and hangs
over her wide. dark trousers Her movement in the
erect. graceful and rather anguid she
purposely to avoid the path of tie slant, smoky
beams OF sunshne-the perspective Of which is most
deEcately indcated-for another nch forward or back
ward would bring the blaze upon her The musicians
are admirably drawn The first, with long, two
stringed mandone, is allowing himself few bars OF
rest; the second, old fellow, blowing the -EmdrTd,
or recd-hute with all his breath and the third
woman, sings and beats the tamb0urlne. Every detail
OF the picture is exact; that the josts
which support the great arch, and the ceiling beyond,
are the trunks of pamtrees But this truth is not OBJ
usiye 1T is prescribed by the subject and the artist
has subordnated ii 10 the governing cOOridca OF the
picture There could be greater contrast than be-
tween this excellent work of GerOme and one by Palma
roll in the opposite The latter gives bright
gay Renaissance salon. almost without shadow or per
specye. full skllfl technical work and Cathayan
combinations Of color but with point OF repOse for
either eye or brain.
Among the other recent acquisitions Of Kn0edler Co
large picture by Bouguereautwo girls On the sea
shore very spirited episode OF by Detaille; ana
wedding party Of the iacrOydble period, by Kimmcrer
The latter represents bridegroom almost IN scarerOW
costume, and sensuOus indifferent bride, at the head
Of flight Of steps with group Of guests and spectators
them. In spite or clever painting, II tells no
story aUd aWakes 10 interest De.aes winter forest
plunderers very different work There is action all
along the winding course Of the deep muddy rnad ;
every figure OF horse and shows the Keen cNcllt
ment OF handO-hanf couiiict and the dashes OF pOs-
tive color fairly burn IN the murky atmosphere. ms
well deserves 10 be Oswald Achenbacus \
' SUMMER Night Festival al Naples IL placed III the
gallery and may be studied 10 the best advantage IL
daring and in many respects the most sue
cessul work Of the artist The glow Of the late blue
twilight over PizZUfalcOne Is remarkable instance OF
effect produced by contrast.