New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-08-21
LETT ERS FROM 7HE PEOPLE,.
FRENCH ART AND THE NEW TARIFF.

- ,no-asSSsr 81 aHe TrfoWns.
SIR: Much interest has been aroused among
artists at home and abroad thenew tariff pictures
and the question, in q very narrow line, has become
quasi international American srtists arr considering
the prospective bearings OF tariff the sale of
their productions and French artists apprehend
falling on in the requirements Of the American market
Paris and lite brilliant had virtually taken pos
session Of the American market Their mddlomen, the
dealers great cities had sdroty placed the drove
Of buyers at their mercy for became settled thing
that foreign and especially French pictures alone, wero
suitable Investments and quietly but steadily became
foresaers the Parsan stcers ordering and buying
up everything likely to attract attention 30 foreign
artists American dealers in this keen competition
became monopoliss and forced prices with such yig
that even the rubbish and exuvr Of foreign studios
held ut fabulous figures Yet tho number Of artists
at homo rnultipies, and unknown names continually
come 70 the face For these existing conditions are
severe and msohievous To reach success not to
mention sistence popular tastes must be accepted
unQuestioning subservence to Partisan art ideas
snd impulses.
Tie current French art is q syren It's Inspirations
largely come from the sitting region Of the demimondo
It's conception development aud cultus. morally uu-
clean and heathenish 1t is the reek OF ndeoency aud
pruriency, the constant offence OF dshonored woman
hood its insoept cowardy pudtes or else II is an
exaltatop Of sheer technique, the triumph OF "hand
ling" of brush work. the elimination OF spirituality
The French school unhistoro and eclectic. Its masters
Of composition few and feeble, Its themes trivial and
contemplate.
I,s few great have mostly lived and died In OBJ
scure poverty, kept up by the hope and faith OF a
posnumous reputation Corot aud jean FRANCOIS Millet
have climbed aborously and painfully into celebrity
long after their bafficd lives were ended. rev Frenoh
men love or understand nature The landscape If, iof
the most part sealed book to them IL IS 10 any inan
untouched by Hebrao Christian insight In its retro
spections all brutRlities uncleanness DISSERTATIONS
are aboously unearthed and the unwrtten enormlics
of the pershed civilizations sent forth anew on erranos
of social devastation and pollution
Partisan artists is said, talking OF reprsas ano
muttered threats heard Of studios and salons hence
forth to be OF American artists Pernape
we could ask for nothing wholesome or welcome
Every traveller what pestferous centres
studios commonly are and iii paying too dearly Tor
feohnoue and article that young aspirants =
men and women-must submit TO acclimation In sucn
awleas soceties Besides there great schools and
nohle elsewhere: In Florence Rome, Vienna, Munich.
BeIgun and even England The art world OF Creswlck
and Turner of MiIlas, Holman Hunt and Alma
Tadema remains UNEMPLOYED by our students yet once
that world gave us Allston BENJAMIN west.
stuart and Thomas Cole On the Continent there are
Pioty Tissot, Gabriel Max, Mackart and Munkfcsy.
Pew know the treasures and splendid resources OF tne
Beriau art centres We shall not suher should PaIie
estsbish and maintain absolute artstc isolation Ia
most relations our civilization would experience inest
mable benefit and rolief
N<.g-Y nrt i,