New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-11-13
Mr.. EDWARD KEMEyss "STML-HUNT.o

MR.. EDWARD kEME s. ~ Sl1LL-HJNI.
To the Edttor or The Tribune.
SIR. New orlers will be glad of the
opportunity 10 examine this work OF art,
which is afforded them by its exhibition IN
Messrs Tiaany's window, Ffteeuthst. and Union
quare II Is work Of which Americans
have especial reason be proud being as It IT, the pro
ducren Of uatIve-born American artist, choosing for
his subject Wild animal peculiar 10 our country ana
treating It In a manner which berays no Indebtedness
to foreign schools and methods bat which none the less
indicates yigOr OF conception truth o. oDseryatlon'
and mastery OF technique that would DO credit to any
school whatever.
The figure WHICH Of colossal size, cast In bronze. has
been purchased and presented to the CITY Of NewYork
by a number OF gentlemen, who have thereby aYouched
pubhcsp rited hDerality and an artistic appreciation
which are worthy OF praise and imitation. Ircpresens
the female American panther crouchin before her spring
The neck il outstrecued the head and eyes liked IN ter
rbe lntenness OF gaze the hind quarters drawn up
ready to launch the body forward the fore-legs are
gathered far under the breast ana the rglt paw has
lust been half ued from he ground with that peculiar
"churnmg motion characteristic Of cats when IN the
leash as It were OF a oao. The combination Of intense
life and latent action with muscular restraint and mme
bnty, could not be more powerfully portrayed The
whole body Of the great animal wlihes with tense con
trolrd strength; the next instant IL seems she must
hurl herself forward. The angry play Of the tail en-
hauces the fierce ge-ycness ~ the pose andndeed,
the entire composition down 20 its east part, says one
thing: we feel inevitably that nothing in 1t could be
otherwise and be right and the eliminating impression
produced upon spectator forciDe the degree Of
being appalling Tie rigid stealthy stare OF the beast
f4-clnaes the eye; and the longer contemplate the
composition the strongly does It's spell hold Us.
The savage presence OF the huge cat not only hlls
Messrs T6anys window, bu; makes tsef felt Tar up
the square as the eye can reach IT,
The accuracy o. anatomical detail and o. technical
handling scarcely receive ut first the attention they
deserve, overpowerng Is the general aspect OF the
composition; but these Will well repay the separate
study OF those qualified 10 Judge Of their merits word
OF cOmHeudatou is also due to the singular excellence
OF the bronzrca.ing, which has reproduced every
part OF the surface the ghtest touch Of the modelling
tool the soft clay Il was done at the well known
foundry of Mr. " J. Power, on Twenty -fftn-st.,
NewYork and Is one OF the most favorable specimens Of
his skill
1t is pleasure TO know that this superb production
has thus assumed permanent form. and will for many
years 20 come add to the aractyeness OF beautiful
Park. Ia view Of the rapid destruction Of native
wild animais-a destruction that bids fair the course
OF few years, to result IN extermna much 10
be regretted that We have examples
OF Mr. Kemeyss genius. At studio in West Fifty
thrdst are 70 be models. clay or plaster II
most Of the animals In question. wrought In a style
not inferior % the StilIunt but not unfortunately
in the imperishable material. VIII mono OF
our wealthy and artoving citizens arouse Themselves TO
profit by this opportunity The studios European
sculptors can afford them anything truly artistic,
more unique IN design and motif more certain 10 in
crease in value with time. IL Is those
who have toe discernment 10 do recognize and
the prrsen of genius IN own midst instead
Of going dubious quest Of 10 the other side Of the
Atlantic. JULIAN HAwTHoRNE.