The New York herald., 1879-11-23
FINE ARTS.
THE AMERICAN ART REVIEW.

The first number of tho american Art RerieU
Estes Lauriat. journal devoted to the practice.
theory. history and arch@logy of art, has been
ceived with pleasure. as it is what has been long
necdcd-a distinctively American art journal. aiming
at o high standard. which will p6pularize the
productions of the best and most original of
rising school of etchers; give. hope, fac
simle reproductions of drawings by of
talent. and develop and raise the stand
ard OF small and scattered band of
writers upon art. We cannot say that the opening
number OF the new art monthly fulfls expec-
ations in all respects; but the etchnas and
so good and the difficulties to be overcome IN tLe
proper establishment of so important publication
great that some indulgence should be granted.
STILL from desire to see it permanent success.
will point out its faults squarely. We given.
in some English and semi American art pubica-
tlons, such dead level OF mediocrity in
cngravlngs, etchiugs and text CUTS when compared
with the exquisite taste and excellence which
displayed i'll those most important features, in the
admirable French publications, ihe Gazette des Braun
arts art and tho lately established La Vie NOdene.
that we are sorry to see that the minor ustratous
III the american Art RerieW chiefly wood cuts.
which are in general very ordinary and that there
arc none OF those direct reproductions of artists
drawings of their works or of their sketches which
add SO Immensely to the value of the French jour
nails. Wood cuts are of use III many cases. but they
should be OF the bost. and that medium Of transla-
tion should not. after etching. be the chief one
used.
Turning now to the good points OF the journal be-
us. are glad TO attractive and artistic
designed by l.. s. Ipsen. The etchings are.
fine, crisply handled plate of tangled cedars
shore by Il. swain Clifford, winch would, how
ever. have been better il there more diversity in
the character of its lines; James d. Smillies vgor
GUS and manly rendition of Charles jacques Land
scape. with Sheep" from the Belmont collection,
and Paul Rsjons excellent plate after the portrait OF
Murillo by himself in the National Gallery at Buda
Pest The first heat piece in the text by Robert d.
Andrews though not bad in idea is in execution.
Tho others and the initial letters satisfactory.
An introduction to the Works Of American
Etchers," with short sketch of r. Swain
Clifford. is by s. r. Koehler. the editor.
The opening article the "washinaton Monu-
ment' Is by Henry Van Brunt. Under the head OF
'The Public and Private Collections OF the United
States William Mcleod speaks OF the Barge bronzes
in the Corcoran gallery. Ot The illustrations this,
q portrait engraved by Kruell. aud four clever pen
drawings 10y r. Flemming alone deserve favorable
mention. George Andrews wood cut is too conven-
tional and unequal. ''rhe Ancient Literary Sources
of the History OF the Formative Arts among the
Greeks" receive attention from Thomas Davidson,
and W. Mackay Laffan has sensible and picturesque
paper on .'Ihe Material of American Landscape"
'Impressionism in France is translated from Ber-
tolls article i'll LArtisfs, and "Chronique PARISH
enne Of the Rsrme Susse. Finally there depart
ments OF autobiography" and OF American aud
foreign art ncws. The paper aud typographical
dress good