The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-09
THE SALON D. HoNNEUR.
Henry Mosler, an American Artist, Re-
ceives q Medal

ceives a Medal.
PARIS, July "a correspondent called
this morning on Mr.. Henry Mosler, one
of the American artists who received a
medal at the distribution OF salon prizes,
and asked him to furnish an account OF
this ceremony as it struck him. Mr.. Mos
Ter said:
was told by friend to 60 earlier than
10 o'clock, the time appointed, as the
place would be filed long before the
hour. In that way should not have to
wedge through lot OF people TO get my
medal. did arrive at 9:45 o'clock, and
even then the place was nearly filled. The
ceremony takes place in large hall,
commonly called the Salon d Honneur.
1t appeared quite appropriate, there still
being portraits of President Carnot on the
wall One side OF the hall, which was
nicely draped, had been set aside for the
visitors, victors, and their friends. Before
us stretched few rows OF gilt chairs.
These were intended for the government
officials, the staff OF the Minister Des
Beaux Arts, and groups OF juries of the
associations on painting, sculpture, en-
craving and architecture. In the center
was table for Minister lockroy and Nj.
Baily, president OF the Artists association.
Before long all the seats were taken
and the heat was increasing, At last the
salon guards drew back the red velvet cur
tain and everything was hushed. All were
eager to see the minister and juries make
their entry. This soon occurred, and NJ.
Bailey a lengthy cut-and.dried speech,
which no doubt must have been excellent
and appropriate, but the white haired,
n. = A..
scarcely heard. He was applauded though
when he had finished. NJ. Lockroy iol-
lowed, also with arranged notes and he
was rather nervous, judging from the
way his hands shook while holding the
sheets OF manuscript, but his delivery ex-
cellent, his voice musical and his speech
ilowery and full OF nice sayings, Tor which
the French language is 50 well adapt
ed. lie was repeatedly and enthusiastic.
ally applaudcd. Then VI. Nogncron called
forth like n herald OF old the names of the
victoB First was the winner OF the
medal OF honor, Detaille. There was great
applause, and in all instances shaking of
hands with the minister and President
Bailey. BOngureau then stepped over TO
old Messoneir, whose face still wore the
expression OF a mourner Tor the loss OF his
wife, which only occurred last week. lie
clasped the hand Of his pupil and friend
20 his breast with repeated kisses. AS
sat nearly opposite | saw the tears in the
old masters eyes, and came 10 the con-
clusion that this was not simply piece OF
affection, but real, profound and honest
admiration and love for the young master
who had returned to his seat carrying with
him his medal and diploma.
80 ON followed the others. The Amer
lean artists received their share OF applause.
Ny modcsty will have TO be discarded, and
must say that when | stepped forward to
get my medal, what pleased me above all
the applause was that Of the jurors them
selves. Well, admit that was excited,
deeply impressed and highly honorcd. 1t
was an event in ones life TO he remem-
bcred. The honorable emotions were
simply called ont. No one applauded.
"This distribution OF prizes reminded
men OF my early DAYS when at school.
When the ceremony was at an end and
all began to rise and disperse, there was
again a great deal OF shaking OF hands
aud fluctuations from all sides. Although
the idea OF suppressing medals has been
argued Of late, feel that in this compcti-
ton there is something that excites artists
10 greater achievements and spur on am.
bition. No doubt one OF the great reasons
for this wonderful success and the high
standard oi the French school, and the
great number OF great foreign painters that
have gathered, Is, to great extent, the de-
sire Of getting recognition, and rs these
honors are OF q professional character II
draws them like a will o. the wisp. When
You get accepted YOU would like to have
mention honorable. next TO a medal, max.
ing YOU exempt from the jury OF al.
mission Afterwards you want TO become
"llors Concours Legion OF Honor etc.
This is the great secret why they have 10.
tanned that foreign element, aud still NJ.
tract from all parts Of the world the very
best power aud keep them here, aud 70
Paris has become without doubt the mod.
en Athens Of the world"