Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-01-03
BEA UTIFUL SCENERY.


Mozart Academy Of Music Last Evening.
All the scenes complete we're deliv-
cred over last evening to the Mozart
Board of Governors, who assembled at
the new Academy of Music with their
families and friends. Mr.. Toomey, the
scenic artist under whose management
the paintings were completed, display
ed the entire set Of scenes, drops, and
curtains, previous to which the Mozart
Orchestra played Mozart's Overture
from the Magic Flute" The test OF
the acoustics of the hall seemed to give
general satisfaction, though from the
fact that the Academy was not filed
its real virtues in this regard for per-
feet sound could not be brought out.
The lighting of the building by means
of electric appliances worked seeming
ly we'll. The display of scenery gave
general satisfaction and delight to lovers
of scenic art.
The progress in the art of scene
painting has been marked and rapid
within the last few years. That which
was formerly considered first-class
work is now somewhat behind the times,
for like all else in this progressive age,
there is no stand-still in art in this di-
rection. This improvement is caused
chiefly by the fact that the means at
hand are more numerous and adequate.
Some years ago colors were but few,
whilst to-day many new and valuable
paints have been added to the gamut of
the artist; besides, new modes of
manipulation have been formed, the
study of nature more close, and hence
the work more prototype Of her.
All these advantages have caused a
revolution in scenic art, and to-day it
takes, as it should in the art world,
higher rank than hitherto. The artist
holds a place Of prestige among his
brothers Of the brush. We have not
the space to deal at length with the
subject. but a close observation of the
technique of scenic art will enable all
those having any knowledge Of the art
world to see at once that it is equal in
many respects to that considered
higher. e., picture-painting.
The scenic artist labOrs under so
many disadvantages that it seems almost
impossible for him to produce work so
complete in detail as he does. Being
forced to contend with so many draw
backs, he schools himself to take adj
vantage Of circumstances which would
cause the picture-painter much con-
fusion and make his painting an utter
impossibilty-that is, painting as he |
does now upon comparatively small /
canvaSses and using color which changes /
but little in the drying. The scenic (
artist, on the other hand, has a canvas
which is from necessity very large;
hence it is fore-shortened to his eye.
While he is painting at one end the
other is far from him-almost, some
times quite, out of sight. Under any
circumstances he sees much Of his pic
ture sideways. Another disadvantage
is in the dying Of his cOlors, which
always dry out several tones lighter or
darker than they are put on. These
are but a few of his difficulties.
The scenery just completed and ex-
hibited last evening at Mozart Hall
has caused much interest-not simply
from the fact that it was painted for
society in which so many of the people
Of Richmond are interested, but be-
cause the work has been executed at
the hall itself, where many have had an
opportunity Of seeing just how the
artists worked. The firm of Noxon,
Albert & Toomey, who executed the
work. are artists of high standing, and
have put forth their best efforts here.
None but the finest artists were per-
United to paint upon the scenery. From
this fact it is all iirst-class in every par
ticular-each scene being gem Of art.
The interiors or scenes representing
drawing-rooms, boudoirs, kitchens, etc.,
are models, in some respects, of decOra-
ton, brilliant in color and exquisite in
finish, whilst the streets are most real
istic and the landscapes are beautiful
bits of nature. A treat is in store for
many who will attend this temple Of
music. Here the opera and drama can
be represented properly mounted, which
will enhance their effect for good
scenery has now become indispensable
to a proper dramatic effect, and the
public has come to look upon the stage
as incomplete minus this important ad-
junct.
The curtain represents marble ter
race overlooking Venetian scene, the
buildings Frightening under a soft sun
set sky, some half-hidden in the purple
distance, and over all hangs the soft
Italian summer mist. The clear water |
mirrors the beauty of the floating
clouds, the many buildings, and towers
of Venice. Rich folds of crimson and
green plush form frame for this beau
tiful picture, and fall in graceful folds |
on each side of it. The plush is exqui-
site in texture and wonderfully realistic,
so deceiving, in TACT, that it seems to be
the material itself, shimmering and
glowing with that peculiar lustre for |
which plush is so much admired. The
heavy gold fringe that trims the
drapery is very faithful. 1t CLEANS
and sparkles and has the lustre
Of the precious metal itself.
In short, the curtain is q master
piece of art, and the firm of Noxon,
Albert & Toomey may be congratulated
upon their work. Itmay be truthfully |
said that all the scenery is fitting or
nament for the beautiful Mozart Acad-
envy, and much pleasure must be de-
rived from its contemplation. Few
theatres in the country are so well and
handsomely stocked. Everything IS
complete to the most minute detail
and nearly oil the scenes in position for
tha apeninO NIGHT.