Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-26

| ~
Another collection Of paintings was ex-
hibited at Gllespie's gallery during the
past week. The frequency with which col
| lections of art works Of greater or less i'm
portance appear in this city is one of the
| hopeful signs of the times. 1t means that
the demand for pictures is q healthy one
possessing staying qualities. In addition to
| the gradual enriching of Pittsburg's collection
of paintings it may fairly be said that the al
most continuous presence Of important works
in Gillespies gallery during the past two or
three years has exerted a decided educational
| influence. This is notably true as applied TO
local art students. Indeed the influence in this
directionis most important and can scarcely
be over.estimated. II must be borne
in mind that comparatively few Of
the young people who study art in Pittsburg
would have opportunity to study examples
of foreign art but for the presence Of these col
lections. In the first place few indeed, enjoy
the privilege of visiting New York during the
| period devoted to education. In the second
usually crowd into a few days suficient sight
seeing to consume months. To one who has
not frequently visited the Metropolitan Mu-
scum half day spent at that wonderfully in
structive institution will prove exceedingly in
teresting, but not very instructive. The time
is too short; the collection too long. A half
day will prove barely sufficient to glance
few for special examination. There
is no time for such examination:
and even If there is, the brain is tired, the mind
confused. The weary visitor leaves the grey
buildings with a confused impression. and il is
doubtful If even single picture has been ex-
amined SO critically and deliberately as to make
a lasting impression upon the mind. 1t will
thus be seen that even Ct the comparatively
ably small number visit under circumstances
favorable to real study.
Treasures at the Artists Doors.
To these few, and certainly to the overwhelm-
ing majority of Pittsburg art students, come
the dealers collections. with their great variety
of subject and treatment, as a brilliant revela-
tion. They are privileged to examine and re-
examine these works under the most favorable
circumstances and without trouble or expense
at their very door. 1t like taking the water to
the house. That this privilege has been ap-
preciated and enjoyed no one who has
seen the interested groups of students study
ing, day after day in the most deliberate and
careful manner, the various important pictures
seen here will doubt. Even the fact that
comparatively limited number of works have
been exhibited at one time has been favorable
to this kind of study. A greater variety Of
schools of art, larger range of technical quail
tiles and more diversified subjects have been
offered our pupils, and they have been the
gamers, even admitting the recognised strength
of many of the works with which they had be-
come familiar at home Not only have art
pupils enjoyed the benefit arising from these
exhibitions, but art lovers generally have prof.
tied by the stimulating influence exerted.
The present collection possesses some
canvasses worthy of special examination.
The most notable among these probably and
the most important in the collection. is the
large work by De Neuville. 1t is especially in
teresting to art students, because 1t is said to
be a canvas unfinished at the time of the
artists death. There is a certain vIgor about q
picture when 1t is almost finished that is fire.
quenrly lost or at least weakened in the
process of completing the details. This is BOT
always true, but may be stated as fact Of fire.
quent occurrence. Indeed the expression OF
action, especially the power of movement of a
figure, is secured by an artist who is master of
drawing IN manner SO rapid, so:impetuous, as
to preclude the possibility of attention to minor
details. 1t is for this very reason that first
sketch from nature usually gives the artist
more pleasure than the work representing
greater labor and time.
A Description of the Picture.
The De Neuville picture seems to possess this
quality. 1t Is large canvas. representing an
incident in the German-Franco war. The
bearers of the flag OF truce and also the bearers
Of official papers are being brought into the
French headquarters. The German soldiers
are blindfoded and led by youthful soldiers Of
the French guard. They stride forward with
out knowing whittier they 60, but with fear
less tread, bora of the consciousness that
under the white flag they are safe. although in
the hands of the enemy. On the right fierce
woman with a child in her arms is thrusting
herself forward in manner expressive OF
ways and windows the heads of the towns
people protrude with interest or hatred ex-
pressed IN every countenance. The entire
scene is spirited and especially strong in the
eXDreSSiOn OF movement,
In size this work is almost, IL not quite, as
important as the one in the Vanderbilt gallery
entitled lie Bourget" lie Bourget' is car
ried farther, however, the smallest detail being
carefully painted. The Vanderbilt picture is
well known through reproductions, and repre-
sents the removal OF French General from
defended himself. So bravely did the officer
and his remnant of company defend them
selves that II became necessary to fire musket-
ry through the windows and bring up cannon
before the remnant of this heroic band would
surrender. AS the brave soldier is carried out
on a chair the German victors stand, many of
them uncovered, In recognition OF the heroism |
with which they had been withstood. The op-
portuniTy to study work by this master should |
not be lost
The Summer Sketching Tours.
The delightful weather of the past week |
caused the artistic mind to turn mountainward |
and seaward. 1t will be some months before |
tine studios and art schools are closed for the |
summer, put plans are pelng freely discussed |
at this time. In this connection it may not be |
amiss to mention the Schenley Park as an ex- |
cellent sketching fold for those who find it |
impossible to get away from the city for the |
entire season. There is q variety of natural |
scenery in the park which adapts this conven- |
lent place to the taste of almost any artist and |
it can be reached from any part of the city in a |
reasonable time.
Panther Hollow offers subjects for those
who enjoy the brookside character Of
beauty and the hilltops and roadways
present beautiful stretches of landscapes. |
Even typical farm scenes may be found
and indeed there is scarcely a subject |
common to Western Pennsylvania that cannot
be found in the much talked-of park. It is
probable that timid sketchers would hear some
odd remarks from park visitors, directed to
their efforts, but the sooner they get used to
this kind of thing the better. They don't affect
the quality of the work done one way or an
other. providing you are sufficiently interested
in your work to become obvious" as Mrs.
Partington would say, to your surroundings
Our artist should at least give the park . fair
trial.
Local Art Gossip.
Mr.. A. 8. WALL is in New York on busi-