The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1878-07-04
AMERICAN ARTISTS ABROAD.
The Production of American Pencils at the
Paris Exposition.


Paris Exposition.
The United States have sent quite o
number of paintings. They are inter-
esting-first, on account of the SUBJ
jects, and then on account of the COM
position, which, without being very
strong, appears sincere and less fam
tastical than that of English painters,
whose style only few of the artists
have maintained. 1t is individuality,
at least as far as preferences and taste
are concerned, that rules here. Each
person stands on his own merit, with
out interfering with his neighbor.
The one has the inspiration of France
and the other of the German or the
Dutch school. The picturesque apti-
tude of the Anglo-Saxon race is very
questionable, but in the United States
there are others besides the Anglo
Saxons. Do we know what will be
the result of the blending of such dis
tinct elements which are brewing in
the New World. The strength which
will be brought to light is not yet
formed. But America furnishes per-
haps in this particular a remarkable
surprise.
There are no historical paintings
that are readily understood-with
the exception of frieze signed f. P.
B. D., representing half naked women
and children. Here is to be seen i'm
agination animation, very well con-
trived figures, a sufficiently correct
design and very cumbersome execu-
ton, but good enough for a rough
sketch whose lines are bold and true
in fact, an appearance, take it all in
all, which is very satisfying. In look
ing at this pretty picture the natural
question is: Do the Americans of to-
day consent to gaze at naked forms ?
What scandal What degeneration /!
l only refer for memory's sake to the
"Sibyl of Cumes," by Mr.. Fodder. AS
far as am concerned, l cannot lend a
hand to having antiquity ridiculed,
and that figure which strolls over the
country, her wand in one hand and in
the other her volumes pressed against
her, is quite grotesque. Nevertheless,
in spite of its vulgarity, there is some
thing about it which fixes the atten-
ton. Mr.. Vedder has style peculiar
10 himself, remarkable idea Of color.
There is certainly some talent in this
painting.
Mr.. Hamilton has represented a
foung woman dressed in black half
upon yellow arm chair, the
head turned and laughing with her
mouth wide open. She has just drop !
bed a copy of the Petit Journal Pour
Rire, that can be seen on the ground |
lear her. A cigarette between her
myers, she crosses her hand over her
,nee in such way as to show her leg |
light up to her thigh. Upon the table
$ bottle of champagne and half
implied glass of wine, aud above is
'arroquet which appears to be speak
ng to its mistress. All that shows
he very worst style and taste, and is
ven less supportable for the straight
aced than the nymphs and the cupids
f whom / have spoken above. But it
nust be admitted that this work de-
otes an artist who has both talent
nd attachments. The execution is
trong, pronounced and complete, and
he coloring is of very fine quality.
There is also a good deal of merit in
he "Sheep Shearers in the Mountains
{ Bavaria" by Mr.. Schirlaw. The
ype Of these coarse young women is
cry vulgar, and the drawing is in
orrect, the composition rough and
cry imperfect, although rich and
cry luxurious. But there is ANNA
on, life and fire in the entire sur
of the scene, an unusual
of light and very dis
idea of color.
Mr.. Eaton had given the half figure
young woman dressed in black
,lvet, the profile slightly turned,
hich is reflected in mirror. 1t is a
cry interesting study, although the
,pression appears very much affect
|. There is a picture by the same
tist of quite another class. 1t repre-
nts some reapers who are reclining
ar their sheaves. The composition
ems to be little heavy and coarse,
1t there is good idea Of color evin-
d and remarkable perspective of !
e landscape shown.
Mr.. Anderson has sent a young
allan, in national costume, seated on
e has ement of palace, holding her
ads in her hands, which are crossed
'er her knees. 1t is pretty idea,
1t subjects of this class must not be
Gated in such grand proportions.
ithout being incorrect the execution
ems little vague.
| will still point out the bust Of a II
ung woman in a costume belonging
Reuben's time, by Mr.. Dielman,
ry well colored but which shows
D much prejudice for the old mas
Is. A gentleman reading, his elbow
ming on table, the form very well :.
ndered, by Mr.. Schade, as we'll as 8
he Two Lovers on Prairie" by ii
. same artist, and pretty Oriental
me of rather cold composition, by
:. Yewell.
People who keep canary birds may