Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-04-28

from his feeble grasp, apparently Win
The intention OF taking his place IN the
nations defence. The woman's figure
and pose in this interesting group are
of astonishing strength and spirit
The light, graceful inquire OF fame,
trumpet in hand and so lightly poiseu
on the summit OF the lofty Irocadero as
10 seem TO have Just lit there in descent
through the heavens, is also Mercie .
work. -.
Yet another offspring OF his genius is 2
spirited group known rs the wingeu
geuius on horseback. 1t is q bronze
9roup over the archwsy into the Louvre
which faces the bridge OF the SAINTS
Peres over the Seine, and IS thrown
into magnificent relief by the midday
suu. when it turns the gilt aureole De-
hind the group into a dazzling back
ground. In gazing at this work one
knows not which to admire most-the
fnelv-formed and fiery horse, its star,
crowned rider. with uplifted arm and
resnlendent brow, or the beautiful fe-
male figure, who. treading the air WIN
daintily formed feet, and with limbs en-
folded in gracefully-howing drapery'
seems to float along the guiding hgu'e
Of the group.
DAVID.
Mercie's fine "David Of the Luxem-
houro" is we'll known. 1t represent:
the Young son Of Jesse as the 1.-the lad OF
the desert. one foot resting lightly on
the Giants head little in the rear so as
10 give the backward bend of the right
LEG. as standing firmly on the left he IL
sbeathing the sword with which he has
finished his heroic deed. The exceed
inqly slender and slightly-buiit figure
seems to justify the Phllistlne s
scorn OF David "because he was
but a youth" and at the first
glance the boy seems absorbed IN
the task of returning the weapon TO us
sheath. As, however, one continues his
gaze at this figure-all sinew and bone
AS it is-the youthful frame seems palpi-
tatino with the emotion stirred III the
young hero's breast as his ears resounu
with the shouts OF triumph going up
from the Israelite host.
AN EQUESTRIAN STATUE.
An equestrian statue of King William
of Holland, made by Mercie, is a strong
work OF quiet dignity. His elaborate
work for the tomb of Louis Philippe
and his royal spouse shows him at his
best as a portrait sculptor, for both like
nesses are perfect.
1t was discrimination for General Lee Z
character and career which made Mercle
send a design for the Lee monument tc
the competitive exhibition OF models ioI
the same. On this noble work he II
prepared to put forth his highest efforts
recognizing as he does the fact that nex'
to Houdon's Washington 1t IS the
greatest work Of art which has ever beer
Entrusted to a Europeon artist Tor execu
ton by Americans.
HIS STUDIOS.
One Of Monster Mercie's studios is on
the Boulevard st. Michel, and the other
only a few PAGES distant, is on the ku'
de rObsorvatoire, and fronts on one o
the most beautiful gardens IN Paris.
In person Mercie is what IN Amerc'
would he called below medium height
His dark hair and beard show hun TO be
son of a southern cline. His manner
are slnguarly easy and dignifed while
tinge Of melancholy in his general al
and voice seems to betoken grave con
ception of life and its duties.
with such an artist and such a mai
TO execute the monument to Lee on
people may feel sure that the work vii
be worthy of its subject.