New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-12-02
THE sALMAGUNDI SKETCH CLUB.
FIFTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION.


The Black andWhite exhibition was yesterday
opened to those holding cards Of invitation ready
for inspection by the public. There time in the
forenoon when frosty nosed critics Tered shiverngly
about the chilly galleries subdued by much physical dis
comfort while the afternoon brought the cOnnosseurs
and amateurs sugared epthets bestowed upon intend
ing buyers in whom the hopes of the artists chiefly
centred Then the gala time came in the evening. The
lights which glttered upon the Japanese hangngs and
porceains with which the galleries had been decorated
shone also upon the goodnatmed crowd OF the first
night receptions some OF whom wisely postponed the
pictures and turned tie occasion into Of social inter
course while others conscientously peered tip toe
over their neighbors heads stole casual glances
between hats and bonnets But one samsglud recep
ton dfereh not another In the denseness OF
the crush.
There are 49l numbers In this years catalogue In
eudng etchngs, engavings and few unworthy bits of
satuary as well as the usual work in charcoal crayon
black aud white oils pen and ink and sepa. This Is
slightly smaller number than last year and
considerably less than in 1880 Evidently
the members OF the Hanging Committee have
exercised care than before In their selections
although It could be wished that the wedding out pro
had been extended further In looking over the in
dex of the catalogue find cause TO admire the In
dusry of Mr. Currer who sends eleven works, while W.
Hamilton Gibson contributes ten his quota, closely
followed in number by Frank French, Leon RichetOn
Henry Wolf, q. W. Maynard and George H. Smile, to
whom should be added Walter shrlaw who has last
returned from his harvest bringing sheaves II is
obviously unfair to summarize exhibition from rst
inspection, but far that inspection goes there
certain impressions which may fairly be given.
The exhibition appears an encouraging one As compared
with that Of last year II holds its Own and shows
progress Tue OF the work reveals honest effort
and painstakng attempt TO produce something really
worthy Of place. We glad to in tho decrease
Of publishers work that nearly oil the pictures have
been executed expressly for this exhibition although
should have regretted missing such examples Messrs
Abbey, Renhart. BoughtOn. Weir and Chase have sent
Yet anyone who hopes 10 find here sustained strain
Of high enGeayOr, general breaking out Of original
paths and tendency to strong individuality Will meet
With disappointment. This to be sure, might be
sad with more or less drectness of any exhibition ever
teld here but the application is especially close
IL this instance The cause arises chiefly from
4 weakness for working at the public and
the not unnatural fondness for cingng to any manner
Ism OF subject which has attracted popular FAVOR,
and Tng the changes upon II TO safety As an Nus
traton OF this, tske Mr.. Naynard's Work In this
exhibition Mr. Maynard, whom everyone knows as an
lsl Of talent began year or two ago TIE dehC"toh
p' gauzi ydraped nymphs, 10 wnOm he attached 'df-
Gus symbOi.ca Finding nymphs In demand
presumably, Mr.. Maynard mas continued their manu-
pacture. His Zephyr" Summer" Autumn ana
Dancers are OF piece with his last years spring
land Fantasia" UndeniaDly clever work IN many
Ssys bat why should Mr. Maynard forever chant the
Same refrain He has shown his capabilities for bet
kr things. and shows them now IN the uupretentous
pas striking little sketch No. 119. We trust that Mr.
iAA!hasd may be induced 10 prove iaithless To Ills
Vnpns aud let his Imagination fnd new themes or al
~ss b'ok for subjects In the world about MIN. Ihis
Ssaeaey 10 get into a rut, TO initiate some
sse' or to initiate ones own popular productions