New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-23
SOME JAPANESE PAINTINGS
MR woREs,s ExHIBITIoN


The paintings of Japanese subjects exhibited by
Mr. Theodore worcs, at the Rcichard Gallery, VIII be
found valuable product OF ethnography In art
which. as NJ Chesnesn points out, has developed only
within the present century. They arc valuable, not
merely their pictorial interest, but because IT is
true, with obvious reservations, to quote NJ Ches
neau again, that view Of unknown country, ex-
ecuted by a sympathetic artist, wiz give us moro
knowledge OF il Than any number OF photographs or
geographical and descriptive troatises." Our own
knowledge Of Japan, which practically dates from the
Perry expedition has rpened rapidly since our Con-
tennial Exposition, and japanese art, pure and
spurious alike, has come to play an important part.
not only in our private collections and curfo shops,
but also In our house decoration and even in the de-
tails of architecture. The Japanese invasion Of Eng
land, which dates only from the first exhibition
directed by Sir Rutherford Ancock, has prevailed
against British conserv stism. Within the last few
weeks Japanese art has been the talk Of aesthetic
London while In Paris within the last few years, We
have seen a school of artists avowng allegiance to
certain principles of Japanese painting 1t is hardly
surprising that the Government Commission recently
sent Europe from Japan expressed belief that the
best Japanese art would yet gain final triumph over
the of Europe. But in these days national bar
riers no longer exist and the cosmoPolitanism sug
cestcd In Mr. Woress collection is likely TO make
further Roadway in Japan despite the enorfs OF
purists, though they be as sincere ara cpisnt
ened as Mr.. Fenolosa The influence Of the Beaux
Mr.. Gay, whose Japanese pictures were exhibited
some years ago, Mr.. La Fargo and Mr.. Wores ara
bringing back to US Oriental subjects as seen with
Occidental eyes.
Mr. .wores, who, We believe, was pupil OF tho
Munich Academy, has spent three years amons the
Japanese, among the European residents, ana his
pictures bring to us something OF the charm Wmeh
the native life seems 10 have for evory one who
knows It well He tells us first that Japan is land
of sunshine. All nearly all his pictures are pitched
in a high key, and far atmospheric bril1ancy
is concerned this Munich graduate has nearly equalled
the followers of Claude Monet, who acknowledge an
Indebtedness TO the masters of Japan. But Mr.
Wores is careful student Of line and form and de-
tails Many of his pictures have been painted out OF
doors and result in the outdoor pictures OF the
BasenLepage school, Is an absence OF values, lack
of depth and perspective, while the dryness of the
medium is characteristic of Munich. Perhaps there
IS no more panterlike work IN the collection than
the large study OF fish, rich bit of color or tho large
pastel study OF a,Hhnese priest picture e1eeIe a
tells of a merit which has no dependence Upon eth
biography: A., ~. u.o..,,.
more serious work In oil, for he gives us faithfully
delightful suggestion Of human interest but the artist
who presents novel subjects runs the risk OF interest
~ bf Of japan is Concerned Mr. wOress most
elaborate studies have been OF The Temple OF Shioa,
the P Memorial Tempe Of the Shotgun Eyemltz" Lfc
in Japan, told, Is largely lived out OF doors,
and IL is this Life which tho artist mas pctuIoo III ho
study of A Tea House In Cherry Tine" with figures
beneath canopy of the beautiful blossoms which count
for so much In art IN nature throughout Japan
Again we see Japanese girls laden with cherry BIOS
SONS, borne homeward in jinriksha, which Is pulod
by lean and swarhy native Tho time OF the blossom
ing of plum has been chosen for the Illustration
of beautiful custom Characteristic Of people VINO
know and love nature we'll Japanese garden, Win
lis hints Of " life passed IN enjoyment OF MOWERS
music and works Of art" the curious movable garden
Of flower seller, and suggestions OF japanese love
making and religious rites all help to better under
standing Of the life of fascinating people, VINO AZ
their best represent the much talked OF and seldom
The pretty face of the "Koto Player,n whom Mr.,
Wores has painted excellent picture, Is one OF
several whose variety and charm OF expression
shows that the artist has become well acquainted WIZ
hls subjects There IS individuality here instead OF
the generalization which often comes from imperfect
knowledge Moreover Mr. Worcs manner Of working
indicates a sympathetic acquaintance with bis theme,
which Is TO be felt in his painting OF the eager
thoroughly human children swsr1ning about candy
,ellers shop There several minor pictures studies
of architectural effects single figures and clever
study Of pack horse, which will help to strengthen
a sympathetic interest Japan and its fascinating
people, as well as merely to Increase our knowledge
of It's pictoral possibilities Mr.. Wores has clearly
aimed first the illustration Of the life and customs
OF comparatively strange civilization, but the merit
Of bis work docs not depend upon novelty OF subject