Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1880-11-13
MI. Frederick A. Bridg man,s New
Picture At the COrcOraR GallerY.

The following is the artists description of the
subject he has chosen for illustrations:
The time is that of Rameses II, the Great.
The sacred Buli-Apis was consecrated TO the god
osiris; ne was black with white triangular
mark on the forehead another the shape of a
crescent on his right side, ETC., etc. When the
EgyptlanS succeeded Ia finding this rare ani-
NAL. they celebrated the anniversaries of his dis
coVery with great rejOicfngs and professions.
He is led by high priest. preceded by the King.
who always acted as high priest when present
on great occasions. wearing his helmet and
the sistrum Of bronze, which was probably used
as tne Cell Is now used In the Catholic service.
dancing girls were present at festivities OF all
k1Dos. The sacred ark Is borne by priests, fol-
lowed by scribe and figures bearing emblems."
1t Is hard to say In what respect this Superb
picture Is most remarkable, whether in its
learned conception and picturesqe treatment,
its correct drawing, its marvellously fine color
or It's transparent shadows A traveller tells rs
tIat Inc scene represents the interior OF the
temple at Edfou. There are its ponderous
Columns and colossal walls covered with HERO
glyphfcs. and behind the yellow curtain stands
the massive shrine of red granite. dimly revealed
oy the altar fire within. Mr.. Bridgman was
pupil or Gerome. and has brought to his subject
his masters accurate knowledge of the Gus Jons
costumes and other accessories in the treaJ-
ment OF ancient themes, so that over ever
feature OF bis picture breathes old Egypts wor
ship OF the perpetuating spirit of nature, Of he
great fertflizing river and its commerce, In tn
various types andsymbols Of animals, its sacre
ark bearing ship, and the graceful blending Of
grain and flowers,
over the pavement of the temple strewn with
pam leaves and lotus flowers, RameSes II. and
DIS queen lead the procession, the king extend
Ing q censor which he feeds Both are Sumptu-
ously clad, the kings prlestly character shown
I'D the long transparent gauze veil from his
waist down. Next comes burly priest leading
the sacred bun, a magnificent black animal
marked with white spots, mostly concealed b.
a crimson cloth, embroidered with various SYM
bols, covering his sides. A garland of flowers
hangs down over his vast neck as he solemnly
piods along with lowered head that shows a
meek, submissive look, as IL conscious OF his
sacred character. Behind him follow two dane
Ing girls, the further one gracefully waving a
nent figure OF all, is nude except where the
broad border OF thin veil OF golden tissue
1oating around the sWaying form covers the
hips and hangs below, but without concealing
the Shapely limbs poised on their toes. The
LETT leg is entirely bare, as are also the body and
bust, turned backward as with her raised right
arm she strikes the chords OF her Tyre. Her
black hair heavily ornamented falls behind.
The warm, glowing color OF this lovely figure,
and the graceful sway OF its finely modelled
form, are entirely free from all grossness OF
treatment. Behind the dancers follows train
OF White-r0bed priests, bearing the sacred ark;
and beyond the PROSTATE forms OF worshippers,
the vista closing with CLEAN OF light falling
upon other Whlte-r0bed priests.
In the left foreground is smaller ark with
forms of animals On its sides, and surmounted
by the figure OF jackaL Near it is q stand OF
open framework, with spiral wreath of fiow-
ers and supporting a vessel crowned with lotus
leaves and flowers and heads OF wheat most
exquisitely painted. The execution OF this pic.
tule combines vigor and variety of character.
with thorough drawing and finish, and In that
way cannot fail to be most serviceable study
to our artists and amateurs.