Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-06
ART NOTES.

The sale Of the Duke de Durcal's collection
Of old masters, which was to have taken place
this week, has been postponed until the even
ings of Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sat-
urday next The prospect for high prices is
not very promising.
The exhibition Of verestschagin's colossal
paintings in Chicago closed last Saturday, and
the collection is to be sent at once to Paris,
where the artist resides. As in New York, the
enterprise in Chicago was successful financially,
IN spite Of the great expense attending it
directly and indirectly.
-Ofthe Washington artists, only two-Messrs.
]. Janus and ]. II. Moser-are represented in
the spring exhibition of the National Academy
OF Design. The former has five canvases, and
the latter one. Mr.. Moser's contributions
study of an old negro's heads placed on the
line In the west gallery. Mr.. Moser also has
two water colors in the exhibition Of the Boston
Art Club, which opens this evening.
- Mr.. q. S. Dunbar succeeded in getting an
excellent death mask of the late Mr.. Justice
Matthews, and will shortly execute a bust of
the deceased jurist. He is now engaged on
bust of the late Chief Justice Waite, for
which he hopes to receive a commission from
the Supreme Court This is also based on a
death mask, which Mr.. Dunbar SO fortunate
as to obtain, by permission of the family.
An exhibition of bronzes and water colors
by Barge, the famous French animal sculptor,
Is to be held at the galleries of the American
Art Association in New York during May the
proceeds Of which are to go toward the erection
or monument to the artist in Paris. 1t is un-
derstood that the Corcoran Gallery will loan a
number of pieces from its collection, in order
to make the exhibit as complete as possible.
1.-THE Vestal Tuccia," by Leroux one Of
the favorite paintings in the Corcoran Gallery,
which was sent to Paris several weeks ago to be
retouched in some parts by the artist has been
returned and will soon be placed on the walls,
greatly improved In appearance. The gallery
gave its consent to have this canvas retained in
Paris to represent the artist at the coming inter-
national exposition, but unfortunately the per-
mission arrived there after the date fixed for re-
ceiving entries, SO the artist unable, greatly
to his regret, to avail himself of the privilege,
which he keenly appreciated.
In accordance with its usage established
several years ago, the Cosmos Club will again
place its assembly hall at the service of the
local artists for spring exhibition, which, ac-
cording to present intentions, will open on
Monday evening, the Odd inst, and remain on
view until and including Friday evening follow
ing. 1t Is understood that the Washington
artists generally will contribute examples of
their winters work, and it is expected that the
exhibit will be more comprehensive and inter-
estlng than usual The first evening will be
gwen up, MS HertIOlOTe, 10 OF the
club, exclusively, and after that the rooms will
be open by card to their friends and those of
the exhibiting artists. In both an artistic and
social point of view these gatherings are very
attractive. and the coming entertainment is
sure to bring out large and brilliant attend
ance.
Secretary Blaine, who used to be.quite pic
ture buyer, has recently acquired a portrait of
Washington by Gilbert Stuart, for long time
owned in Washington, Pa. The particulars of
the transaction are thus given by the Journal
of that place:
''The portrait Of Washington is one of the
four original pictures painted by the famous
Gilbert Stuart in the year 1894 In that year
Stuart went to Philadelphia to paint the portrait
of a wealthy lady in that city. and while there
he painted the four portraits of Washington,
which are said to be the most excellent like
nesses of him in existence Those pictures have
been much sought after by the lovers of rare
and fine paintings. Mr.. Ewing came into pos
session of the portrait in the following manner:
When he represented Washington county in
the state senate he formed close intimacy
with gentleman from Philadelphia, likewise a
state senator. AS a token of the friendship
he presented Mr.. Ewing with the celebrated
painting, and it has been treasured in his
family for sixty-one years. The Ewings would
not have parted with the portrait to any one ex-
cept relative. and as Mr.. Blaine is a nephew
OF the deceased it will practically remain in the
family" The Journal adds that the price paid
was $500, which is less than half the value of
Stuart Washington, but it is likely that family
considerations as well as market values were
taken into account.