Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-06-26
A Precious Gem Of Art-BuSt Of DIR.
Il e.. Hall.

A Precious Gem Of Art-BuSt Of DIR.
j. G. Hall.
In the bronze hall OF the Corcoran Gallery
may now be seen a small bronze bust Of the
late eminent physician DR.. j. C. Hall, and
president Of the board OF trustees Of the Gal
Iery. The history of this little gem is curiOusly
interesting. Dr. Hall was ever averse to having
his likeness taken In paint, photograph, bronze
or marble, to the great regret OF his numerous
relatives and friends. A short time before his
last illness, devoted friend, Mrs F. B. MCGUIRE
anxious to have something more than the mere
memory OF his person. planned, as IL by inSpira-
sentiment" taken secretly. while he was engaged
1n familiar conversation, wholly unconscious OF
the plot. Mr.. Henry Brown, nephew and pupil
OF the sculptor, Mr.. Henry X. Brown, young
man or great promise In his profession was
accordingly engaged to watch. mark and model
the doctors features and expression In his
moments OF unstudied ease. The result OF this
secret work, SO opportunity inspired and mod
eled. is now In imperishable bronze. Ii is eight
inches high, the head forming half its height
The likeness is wonderful The noble high fore
mouth, the ears, beard, hair, collar and cravat,
Will at once be recognized as those OF the de-
ceased by the pubic-that public OF which it
may be truly and not profanely said, genera
his long active professional services, but when,
age having neither clouded his intellect nor
chilled his heart, he labored for the homeless
orphan and poor sick Children last, but
scientific merits by his devoted attention to the
interests mbars OF the Coreoran Gallery, of
There, when his health permitted, he was
daily visitor, making it a rendezvous
with Mr.. Corcoran, going through its galleries,
ever eager to explain to visitors, delegations
and schools, the history and character OF their
contentS-not combining these attentions to the
cultivated. but aiming to interest the humblest
visitors. He was ever the earnest advocate Of
giving to students, copytsts and exhibitors OF
pictures, the widest privileges. in short StrIy-
Ing In the broadest way to advance the interests
and objects OF the institution as designed by its
venerable founder. Without protesting to be
trained connoSSeur in art, his taste was pure
and ever inclined him to subjects breathing a
simple or refined humanity, inspired by nature.
Inc needs and Improvements Of the building
itself were specially benefited by DR.. Hairs
scientific and practical mind He brought TO
| these the experience OF property owner. More
than one improvement was planned by him.
and but shortly before his death he had directed
preserving the buiding;-thus in every way
discharging the duties OF watchful and eff
hcient president.
Long viii he be missed from the trustees
room. which he had enriched with the gift Of
Illustrated books, &C., and where in his accus-
TONED seat, after looking over rev pictures
journals and photographs he would listen
readily to suggestions OF further work, and then
close his visit with ready stores of anecdote and
remin1scence. notable trait In his disposition
was the courteous greeting and kind word inva-
rlaoly extended to all the employees of the insti.
tuition. Here, too, as has been said. were his
almost daily pleasant meetings with Mr.. Corco.
ran, upon whose aged heart the loss OF his long,
closest confidential friend naturally falls
heavily and beyond replacement,
OF Mrs. Mcclure, but With her permission, and
in recognition of its precious value and truth.
1uiness, the trustees of the gallery have
tor life size copy in bronze as a lasting me-
mentO OF their lameDted president. NJ