Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-18

The verestchagin collection has been before
the public almost a week, and as was predicted
in these columns when it was first known that
the famous works would come to this city, a
powerful impetus has been given to the intel
lectual activity of Pittsburg and ALLEGHENY.
Never before in all the history of the city did
the aesthetic pulse beat so rapidly as during the
charming days of the past week. while the
wealth and culture of two great cities poured
into the beautiful granite library building in
Allegheny. Nowhere could be found a
more enthusiastic or appreciative audi
ence. and certainly nowhere exists a
more striking or interesting exhibition
of works, the creation of one mind
That they have stirred to the profouudest
depth the artistic and. intellectual life of our
community is but natural, and result which
was expected, because the artist appeals not
only to those who understand and appreciate
his remarkable technical excellence. but he ap-
peals along the broad lines of common human
ity to all classes
1t would have been remarkable. indeed. if our
people had not risen to the grandest opportu-
nity ever offered them at home to study the
collective works of great master, and to ab-
solutely revel in feast of beauty. interest and
power. The remarkable interest manifested,
the large and cultured character of the at
tendance is therefore but the natural re-
suit of the conditions existing. Our peo-
pie love art as much as the people of
other cities. They are as keenly alive to
that which is instructive and interesting
as are other people, and Mr.. Carnegie did not
make mistake when he erected and presented
to Allegheny a building dedicated to art and
literature. Neither did he make a mistake
when lie pledged to Pittsburg a magnificent art
gallery, with an endowment fund, and library
and museum. No one standing in the presence
of the powerful pictures now on exhibition, and
observing the absorbing interest with which
they are studied, will fail to appreciate this
fact. The people seem to teel that they are in
the presence OF great master and that he
speaks directly to them. and they understand.
They care little for technical opinions critical
discussions. In this sanctuary they do not need
the services of high priest of art or even Of
the press.
The painter-soldier has something to tell
them. and he tells it in unmistakable language
and with dfrectness. At one time it seems like
the protest of great manly character against
the barbarism of civil niurder-called execu-
tion. At another time he says war is horrible,
unutterably horrible and nations should desist
from war and settle their disputes otherwise.
Again he tells of the bitter, bitter lamentations
of the poor Hebrews, who crowd each other
before the "wailing walr' and lament the loss
of all power as people and hope and pray for
the coming of a day when they shall he restored
to the Holy City. Again he protests as in voice
of thunder. against the inhumanity of strife and
almost instantly he seems to speak in the most
with the life of Christ in the Holy Land; of
quiet scenes on the River Jordon, or of
worshipers in mosque. Surely this man
needs no interpreter. and the delighted thou
sands who have visited the galleries during the
past week attest in no uncertain way to the
truth of this statement 1t is very certain that
those now living will never again have an op-
portunity to enjoy a collection. the work of one
man, so magnificent in realism and artistic
qualities as this, simply because no other ex-
lists, and this one is now being exhibited for the
last time. Before another such could be
painted most of us will have gone where the
wicked cease from troubling and the weary are
at rest.
Colonel ]. NJ. Schoonamaker recently pur-
chased superb painting by Gerope. entitled
of the BIieman collection. recently exhibited at
Gillespie's.
Mr.. J. c. Kray an English collector, will oc-
cupy the Gillespie gallery with collection of
paintings during the week.
Mr. D. B. walkley exhibits this week very
pleasing and harmonious picture. In the middle
distance are red buildings and trees, suggest
ing village, and in the immediate foreground
are seen many geese being driven along a road.
Altogether the work is a charming one in the
Qualitles of tone and color.
Mr. c. M. Johns still finds time to do some
painting as is evidenced this week by the exhi.
bit1on of picture of a dog. That Mr.. Johns
hand has lost none of its cunning is certain
This dog is charmingly done, expressing in
free manner the character of the playful
animal.
There was exhibited during the week q
charming little figure piece by Mr.. NJ. De Lip
mann. So modest in size is this little picture
that its real artlsuic merits may be overlooked.
1t is remarkably beautiful in color. and careful
in drawing to degree seldom attained. The
figure of young girl standing before mum.
Der OF pictures Is drawn with much KIN owledge
of character and perfection of detail, and the
bust on pedestal and drapery depending
therefrom are beautifully rendered. The work
is little gem which would do honor to any
collection.
Sixty pictures, all by American artists, are
banging just now in the galleries of the Union
League Club. New York. The collection is
varied each painter sending but a single can
vas; and, though landscapes perhaps predomi-
nate, figures and still life are well represented.
Prominent among the works are canvases by
Winslow Homer, Mr.. Vedder Mr.. Wiies, Mr..
Robert Reed. MIR. Beckwith, Mr.. J. Brown, Mr..
Eastman johnson. Mr.. Eakins. Mr. Horatio
Wal Wa,kfs MI MURPHY MT, Hnson Cox Mr.
Carlsen. Mr.. Iippincott. Mr.. Wier. Mr.. Dennis
tinker and others. The collection is spoken
of as remarkably stror g one.
Brussels is to have an exhibition In March
wash will be devoted to the works Of Felicien
Rops. an etcher whose very name Is unknown
in America, but who has been widely recog-
nized abroad for his fine touch and fantastic
spirit.
The Journal de Rotterddm announces the
discovery, in one Of the chapels OF the Church
of St servals, at Maestricht of 'Crucinxion"
by Van Dyck.
The Gar intends to establish in Paris very