Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-01

wanted 10 put the prophetic look in them,
and really he seems to see somewhat
beyond the narrow horizon OF
child's soul. The little cherubs at
the bottom of the picture are just as
cunning as it is possible for cherubs 10 De;
There little wings of red and brown ana
green are evidently put on to tell that tney
are angels, which no one would otherwise
conjecture. Of course, being angels, tney
are exempt from the law of gravltatlon; pus
one almost holds his breath lest they should
slip off the shelf upon which they are lean
ing. They do not look whit more rellg-
ious than other babies. The larger one lean
ing his chin on his little fat hand seems per-
fectly at ease. If it were not irreverent in
this connection 1 should say He doesn
care whether school keeps or not.
The little one has certainly an archiook OF
roguishness in his upturned eyes, and ap-
pears to be standing ttip-toe ION some lnvls-
ible support, and it is hard task to get his
little fat arms over the shelf. Precisely
what function these sweet little creatures
fulfill in making up the unity of the pic
ture is not apparent. Pope Slxtus Is all
alteration. His papal crown is laid down by
his side, in acknowledgment of queen OF
higher rank than all earthly potentates.
His withered face is upturned to the Virgin;
his left hand laid on his bosom, and
his right pointing to some object afar on, TO
which he evidently wishes to call her at
tention. He is a wrinkled old man with
bald head and white beard. His hands are
wonderfully drawn to the bas, and his yellow
robe is perfect Saint Barbara kneels oppo-
site, finely shaped head, very gracefully
poised, comeIy face, wholly effeminate,
eyes downcast and hands folded across her
bosom. She is looking at the cherubs,
perhaps in reproof; for they have no idea
any worshiping is going on. Her dress is
black and green as the prominent colors,
with a mixture of blue and yellow on the
sleeves. The draping is finely done. The
top of the earth is just apparent. and the
Madonna's feet simply touch it, but it does
not seem at all necessary to her support.
The clouds have the appearance of real
vapor.
A TRIUMPH OF ART.
The drapery of the Madonna excels that
of any other form in the picture, and is a
marvellous triumph of art. A blue mantle
covers nearly her entire form, with little
red apparent. The bust and arm are
clothed in light red, and a dark veil
floats gracefully from her head. Beyond all
comparison Mary is the masterpiece
of the whole group in every
condition of excellence, and thus
the picture completely realize its design as
the most splendid symbol which the world
possesses of the most central and alluring
dogma Of the Catholic faith.
There are vast many Pittsburgers who,
perhaps, may never cross the seas to wit
ness the grand masterpiece of Christian ART
by the great Raphael, in the Saxon gallery,
where millions have thronged as pilgrims
to mecca for centuries past, but in Mr.
Carnegie's gift we have copy of the work
so truthfully executed by a painter of the
highest renown that it will form an art
treasure of inestimable value to our city fol
generations to come. And quoting from tht
gentleDan's own gracefully written papel
on 1.-THE Best Uses for Philanthropy" (which
appeared in a recent issue of the Nortl
american ReUieaU, we may note, with pro
priety, his own reference to Grifith's eulog!
| of Wolsey-somewhat modifed-"In be
slowing he was most princely. We witnes
this grand gift of art" Here is noble us
of wealth. JAMES WERNER LONG.