New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-11-02

EURTZS CRlYON HEADS.
THE EXHIBIT AT THE rAIR OF THE AMERICAN IN
snfUTE.

TIE EXHIBIT AT THE FAIR OF THE AMERICAN IN
STlfUTE.
Whether Mr.. Kurtz be the best OF all excel
lent New-York photographers IS question We are not
to decide, even to propose 1t will be well, however
for the rest OF best TO observe that he the
risk OF having his claims ignored by hiding his light IN
der a bushel or by blowing it out when night comes on
If his display Of photographs ut the American Institute
Fair attracts OF the attention OF visitors than
seem fair 10 the other exhibitors in the profession, il
will be found that Mr. Kurz has fairly earned what he
gets by making his show as elegantly attractive,
as pleasngly conspicuous he could and that he has
really compelled to examine the result OF his serious
Efforts TO advance the art Of photography by choosing
the best position and the best light for the display OF his
work II is not until come upon bis alcoye at the
end of the gloomy art gallery that understand why
that name i'm particular chosen for the room.
With the exception of some shelves filed with pottery
from Philadelphia there IL little in the room but photo
graphs, and there IL scarcely any attempt made 10
arrange the several exhibits with TASTE or even
with a cOmmon-sense aim TO have them well seen.
Mr. lockwood has taken some pains with his display.
but attractive II Is in itself 1t IL not sufficiently
isolated TO command attention. Eor Is 1t as well lighted
10 ought be- Mr. kurtZs alc0vc, on TIE other hand,
though very suply aud incypensve cOntfiyed, accom-
pshes both these desirable points The visitor must
can Then, too, Mr. Kurtz shows something different
from what is found IN the other exhibits, and his crayOn
portraits are more cheerful and attractive than
knew them, coming as they do after the sad
monotouy of the ordinary photograph. These
crayon heads. founded photography, but
not having any chemical base, which would make them
liable TO alter 10 fade, specially OF this artist,
and the and freedom OF their execution explain the
excellence Of Mr. kutZ plain photographs. He was an
artist by training and by feeling before he phOtOg-
rapheT aud the sitter benefits far more than he Is
by the combination. There is conflict IN reality
ssem 60 to make us think there is Tat the
whole profession owes debt 10 Mr. kurtz for
the striking proofs he brings TO the contrary. These
crayon portraits Of wcknOwn members Of the higher
circles Of SewYOrk society are well worth looking at
for their artistic qualities their vigor and freedom OF
drawing their living EXPRESSION and the absence OF that
fnical overhnshcd air that cbaractefZes too much OF
our work In this STYLE The treatment OF the hair in the
heads Of the men IA much TO be praised and the ladies
easily 10 be ladesa quality refreshing in
these when all the female world OF bon ton seems
TO have made desperate move on the army OF young
men, 10 compel them by means OF loud dressing, ex-
travaganoe OF affected attitude and overbold
presson divide with them the attention they too
cusvey upon the fashionable actresses and the
stars OF the deni.monde.