National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-02-25
NEW PUBLICATIONS..
ORIGINAL PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON. ny
Miss EIizmEIH BRYANr JOHNSTON. Bos-

ORIGINAL. PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON. by
ton james n. osgood Co.
"Tributes TO George Washington span a hum
died years. Nor is II possible that his
name viii be less honored In our future. Thus
far no national endeavor, no monument, no shaft
has answered the demaudssof the people. Terri
tories, cities, aud mountains, halls and stately
edices. societies aud organizations bear his namei
bnt the Washington memorial, which will MI the
hearts Of those who revere his character. has
not yet been conceived" These words taken from
Miss Elizabeth Bryant Johnstons "orginal Por.
Traits OF Washington" issued Wednesday from the
press of Osgood a Co, Of Boston, as a memorial Of
the one hundred and inieth anniversary Of Wash
ington's BIRTH while certainly true In the fullest
sense from the standpoint Of the author, have
lost much Of their force with the appearance Other
magnificent volume. Differing essentially from
the ordinary range OF illustrated books the work
Is full OF interest from the skill with which the
subject matter has been treated no less than from
the originality OF the plan. Far from being dry
description of this or that picture bust medallion,
or statue, there is found upon every page some
historical Incident of the early days ofthe Repub-
lie or some pleasing anecdoto relating TO the men
and women whom we delight to honor. The
sketches of biography Of every artist
Of note who has produced portraits Of Wash
ington are full Of charm, and among them none
arc more pleasing than those Of the three Peales
who Justly hold high place in the authors
gard The book Is rich In histories Of families
prominent in our country, and many OF those who
are attracted by the beautiful exterior Of the book
will find on exploring its pages the names held in
reyerent and grateful remembrance in their own
homes or borne by living representatives. As we
read the story of the earlier pictures made Of
Washington we seem to be moving among the
oourtly scenes of Colonial times, and the quaint
dresses and ceremonious customs of the day sur
raunh na Uit fla wv nF ott
and notes of courteous wording, upon business or
OF friendly interest connected with various sit
Nngs for portrait or miniature give one n sense
OF personal acquaintanceship with the Father of
his Country which is wonderfully pleasing, as TAX
Ing away the sort OF awe which seems to hang
about the rather stern face and form. The
noble Garfield as Miss Johnston tells u.s.
said on one occasion: HE roverses the
rules of perspective In history-ior the farther
he recedes the noblcr and grander docs
his figure become" The danger is that we
shall begin to regard Washington as a sort of alb.
slraction, an impossible ideal, rather than as
splendid model for imitation in all that constitutes
true manhood, and we gladly welcome q work that
shows the living man in the routine Of everyday
life rather than as the typical hero statesman or
warrior. We do not find ourselves in sympathy
with absolute perfection, and there Is a delightful
sense Of fellowship In discovering that the great
Washington had his tempers, as our author relates
the story of sculptor who, from sheer nervous
ness and dread, while removing cast which he
was making of Washington, let It fall aud broke
It, whorcupon the General informed him CURLY
that there would be no second sitting. BUTT must
not be supposed from this little incident so well
told in the present work, that there is word or
line derogatory to the matchless fame of Washing
ton. On the contrary, II is superb tribute full of
genuine feeling, from a true hearted and clear
minded woman, who shows herself fully fitted by
81 pulliira m IN do
20 her subject. more agreeable study than that
presented TO us In the lives OF many of the artists
who are connected with and in q certain degree
share the fame of Washington Il has rarely been
our lot to find. We can only briefly glance at one
Or two. Henry d. Latrobe, architect, dining one
day at Vernon, made stolen pen-and-lnk sketch
0fWashingon In advanced life twas so strikingly
good that our author regrets, as many others have
done, that Mr.. Latrobc did not make real portrait
olit In some more enduring form. Miss Johnston
mentions the fact of his having designed the beau
tiful American column" in the United States
Capitol, in the vestibule leading TO the Law Lii
brary. " 1t is formed of Indian corn, the capital
being a circlet of full opened ears Mrs. Trollopc
tenely said 1t was the only original idea she saw
in America. Aud well might she approve of a
thought in marble combining such strength and
beauty" A pleasing bit of Revolutionary history
is connected with the name of q Quaker lady, a
modeler in wax. Mrs. Patience Lowell Wright
whose quaint diction and intense patriotism have
quite dramatic interest. Her quick wit and ready
sympathy enabled her to use opportunities af-
iorded by her acquaintance with affairs in Eng
land for the aid of the struggling colonies With
her name Is associated that of Mrs. Betsey Ross
also Friend who has the honor of having made
The first American flags. Space forbids more ex-
Tended notice Of this admirable work, Original
Portraits of Washington and in concluding our
hurried outline we extend to the accomplished
author our congratulations on noble work nobly
done.