The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-07-06
THE ARTIST MOSLER.
The Ceremony OF Comforting Medal Upon an
American at the Paris Salon.

The Ceremony OF Comforting a Medal Upon an
American at the Paris Salon.
Paris Cable to Cincinnati Enquirer.
The Enquirer correspondent called this morn
ing on Mr.. Henry Mosler, the Cincinnati artist,
Who received a medal at the distribution of sa-
lon prizes. and asked him 10 furnish account
of this ceremony as it struck him. Mr.. Mosler
said: II was told by friend to go earlier than
10 o'clock. the tine appointed. as the place
would be filled long before that hour, and in
that way should not have to wedge through
lot of people to get my medal. / did arrive at
aquarter to 10, and even then the place was
nearly filed. The ceremony takes place in q
large hall commonly called the Salon d'Honneur.
The wall was nicely draped. and red velvet
cushioned seats had been placed for visitors,
victors, and their friends. Before % stretched
. few rows of gilt chairs taken from Garde
Meuble. These were intended for government
officials, staff Of Minister des Beaux Arts and
groups of juries of association on painting,
sculpture, engraving and architecture. In the
cen ter was table for Minister Lockroy and NJ
Rally. president OF The Artists Association.
Before long all seats were taken. and the
heat increasing At last the salon guards drew
back a red velvet curtain. Every thing was
hushed Ali we're eager to see Minister and
juries make their entry. This soon occurred,
and M. Baily read q lengthy cut-and-dried
speech. which no doubt must have been excel
lent and appropriate, but the white-haired, no.
ble-lookine old eentleman's voice was scarcely
heard He was applauded, though, whea he
had finished.
Then followed NJ. Lockroy, also with arranged
notes, and rather nervous, Judging from the
way his hands shook while holding sheets Of
manuscript, but his delivery was excellent. His
voice was musical, his speech fowery, full Of
nice sayings which the French language il SO
we'll adapted for. He was repeatedly and en-
Enthusiastically applauded. Then NJ Vigueron
called forth. like herald of old, the names of
the victors, first winner of the medal of honour
detaille great applause as In all instances,
shaking Of hands with Minister and President
Baily.
"Boueereau then stepped over to old Msis.
sonier whose face still wore the expression Of
mourner for loss of his wife. which only occurred
last week. He clasped bis pupil and friend to
his breast with repeated kisses. As sat nearly
opposite | saw tears in the old masters eyes.
apd came to the conclusion that this was not
simply piece of affsctaton. but real. profound
and honest admiration and love for the young
master, who returned to his seat carrying with
him his medal and diploma, which was handed
to all other medalists as one followed
another. American artists received their
share of applause. My modesty will have to be
discarded, and must say that when l stepped
forward what pleased me most above all ap-
plause was that of the jurors themselves ad-
NIT that l was excited, deeply impressed and
highly honored. IL was an event In ones life to
be remembered. Honorable mentions were sim
ply called out No one applauded this distribu-
ton of prizes. 1t reminded me of my early day 8
end. all began to rise and dispense There was
again great deal Of shaking of hands and felic-
itat;ons from all sides.
although tho idea of suppressing medals has
been argued of late, feel that In this COMPETE
tiOn there 10 something OF q stimulant that ex-
cites artists to greater achievements and spurs
on their ambition. No doubt one OF the great
reasons for the wonderful success and high
standard OF the French school and great number
of great foreign painters that have gathered
here is due to a desire of getting recognition,
and, as these honors are Of professional char
acter it draws them like will O. the wisps.
When you get accepted you would like TO have
mention honorable, next q medal; then making
you exempt from jury Of admission afterward
you want to become hors concours. legion of
honour. etc. This is the great secret of why
they have retained that foreign element. and
still attract from all parts of the world the very
best powers and keep them here, and so Paris
has become, without doubt the modern Athens
Of the world"