Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-04-10
ART NOTES.

Among tho paintings sold on Buyers
Day" at the recent opening of the spring ex-
hibition OF the New York Academy OF Design
was one by Mr.. w. V. Birney. formerly OF this
city, entitled "The Dolls Concert" The price
was S175.OO
"A New York art dealer estimates that the
value of pictures in eighteen private galleries
of that city amounts TO So 600 900 This IS n
large sum OF money, but the amount Is proha-
bly, not exaggerated. The Vanderbilt collection
cost it Is understood over Sl,2oo,ooo.
Two Interesting pictures. representing a
chair-mender at work and al rest painted from
life by Miss Nettie Illoway, of Cincinnati,
during her stay in Washington, have been ac-
cepted for exhibition IT the Corcoran Gallery.
and Will be placed on view there in a short
time.
- In his lately established studio I'm Corcoran.
Building. Mr.. Alfred Query has recently com
pleted a portrait of Senator Hampton which Is
greatly liked by the friends of that gentleman
who have had an opportunity to inspect il. Mr.
Query, who has but recently come here, will
De welcome addition 10 the RAPIDLY growing
colony OF artists at the national capital
- Mr.. William +. Halsall, the weIl-known
marine painter OF Boston, Is In the city. arrang-
ing for the exhibition here at early day OF
his large historical canvas representing the
Fight OF the Monitor and Merrimac. This paint
Ing has received wherever shown the highest
praise for its artistic merit and accuracy OF de-
tail, and II will be OF great interest tn many per-
sons In Washington. especially the survivors OF
The hight still living here.
The exhibition of paintings by the French
impressionists. selected by NJ. Durand-Ruel,
was formally opened, by pres. and private
view, at the galleries of the American Art
Association in New York yesterday, and will
continue open TO the public during the re-
nainder OF the present month. The catalogue
VIII include nearly three hundred numbers, all
OF which are in oils, except about forty in pas
tells and few water colors. All the principal
french artists OF that peculiar school are repre-
sented and some of the pictures are said 10 be
OF unusual excellence
- MIR. A. q. Heaton, of this city, has sent 10
the spring exhibition of the New York Academy
OF Design two canvases, styled respectively
Lovers at the Well, Venice. and "Gipsey
Card Players, '-Granada, ana two To the
American Art Association exhibition, entitled,
"A Huckster OF Taugiers" and Washington Irv-
ing IA the Aihambra The latter picture,
spot, represents the author at his writing table,
with attendants as described in his book, The
Alhambra.' MIR. Heaton has also lately made
a portrait head of a talented Charleston lady
whose voice has been much admired Ia society
here this season.
Lovers of water-color drawings should not
lose the opportunity OF looking through the
well-hlled portfolios of Mr.. p. loft, who is
located for few weeks at S24 Thirteenth street.
Although Dane by birth, Mr.. Tots artistic
training Is wholly English, and, as is usual with
the water-colorists of that country, he uses no
body color. His works are characterised 10y
Careful handling, excellent color and great
faithfulness 10 nature, and his subjects cover
about the whole range of modern travel in
Guiding the most picturesque features of nearly
every quarter OF the globe. Some OF MIR. Toft 5
drawings may be seen at McElroy's, but To ap-
preciate his experience as a traveller and his
industry and quality artist his studio
should be visited.
One OF the best pieces of portrait painting
| that has been exhibited here for some time is a
likeness of Admiral Porter, recently finished,
by Mr.. Carl Becker, which was view
| In the Corcoran Gallery short time ago. 1t is
| of lifc-sze, nearly three-quarter length, and
shows the naval hero wearing the full uniform
| belonging to his high rank. Whether consid-
cred as a portrait or work of art, the paint
Ing must be regarded most successful
effort The pose is natural and dignified, the
expression liIe-like and pleasing, the modelling
good, and the color true To nature. 1t is strong
and free in treatment, without the slap-dash
vagueness OF the so-called impressionists, and
while due regard is paid to details IL is free
from the hnicai weakness of their opposites,
the pre-Raphaelites. Mr.. Becker has also lately
painted a portrait Of Mr.. Henry Strong, aud Is
now engaged on one oil that gentlemans wife,
both OF which, though less ambitious efforts
than that OF Admiral Porter, will add To the
already high reputation of the artist.