The record-union., 1891-09-09
THE ART GALLERY.
AN Exhibition That Excels Any Pre-
yiOuS One,

AN Exhibition That Excels Any Pre-
vious One.
When Superintendent Bush some time
ago sent word to the Board of Directors
that the art display for 1891 at the State
Fair would exceed if not excel any here
tofore made at the States annual exhibi-
ton, he only forecast the exact truth.
The art display now on the walls of the
Art Gallery at the Pavilion demonstrates
this fact. Taken as whole the art exhi-
ton is one OF high merit, and justifies
congratulations being extended to the
directory and to superintendent Bush;
by the personal eXertiOn of the latter the
pictures having, in the main, been gath
cred. The comprehensive view Ofthe dis
play Obtainable at the south end of the
gallery, upon either the east or the west
side, is one Of striking beauty and
marked effectiveness, for ii imprGSses the
bGhOlder with the discreet distribution OF
subjects, the judgment with which the
pictures have been hung, as regards dis
LributiOn of color, character in grouping,
management of lights and the prevention
OF any monotone OF theme or color in
any given section. Quite $50 feet Of wall
space is covered by the exhibits in the
gallery proper, while outside of it on
other walls, nearly 100 feet running in
addition have been utilized.
1t is the purpose now to speak of the
leading characteristics Of the exhibit re-
serving critical and detailed examination
Of the better work in detail in each class
for a future date. 1t is TO be noted that
there is large number OF new signatures
in the gallery this year, and that the new
pictures bearing them are from young
and rising California artists; and also that
in every instance the work of these new
claimants has specific points of merit,
while many of the exhibits are 10 be
recommended for uniform excellence.
The central picture of the exhibit. that
given the place of honor at the north end,
is a large canvas by +. l.. Heath, Cliffs
of Monterey" 1t is bold and vigorous
work, just touch of Oyer-colOr in it,
perhaps, but faithful III drawing. 1t will
be recognized at once by all who have
taken the Seyenteen-mile drive from the
Hotel Del Monte. 1t is the most import
ant picture ever sent TO the fair by Mr..
Heath but it is not probably MS best.
The next largest canvas in Importance
is r. d. Hellaud's River Thames, from
Windsor" 1t hangs upon the east wall
and is nearly central. 1t was painted
especially for the fair, and is now shown
for the first time. 1t is, in our opinion,
the best piece of landscape work III the
gallery. Its distance effects, admirable
perspective, naturalness of tone, exqui-
site water effect in the center foreground.
correctness in color and general finish.
make it the best work Nelland has ever
sent TO the State Fair There is thought
in landscape, and that which YelIand
has transferred TO canvas has been caught
in all its fullness and truth, and cx-
pressed by the artist in this picture-in
short, the picture is the landscape gem of
the oil collection
William Keith, the well-known artist.
has eight of his productions hung. all up
to his high standard. This artist is max
ing rapid strides in his profession, and is
now acknowledged to be one of the fore
most men of the country in landscape
art. No. 81 and its companion near by
are landscapes after the style Of George
Inness, and are very strong. One can
fancy that these pieces were painted
directly under the Inness inspiration.
Oscar kunath, also n regular contribu-
tor 10 the State Fair. Is particularly
strong this year-indeed, his display rises
to the level upon which moves the very
best of home art. His versatility is
something remarkable and in Mt least
two lines he is becoming q master. His
"Fehce," small picture, study Of the
nude in oil, hangs upon the north wall
and is work Of far more than ordinary
interest. 1t is shown now for the first
time in public. Those artists in San
francisco who We're favored with a
private view Of it pronounce it equal TO
anything Bougerean has painted. kunath
exhibits also a superior collection OF
drawings in Sepia, pen and peucil An
original exhibit by this artist is series
of decorative designs. They arc allegori-
cal, strongly drawn. rich in color and
every line IS distinguished by grace. These
designs are worthy close examination
They prove him, taken with his other
work, a master hand. y pastel, I'D, by
Kunath will also be found worthy OF
study, as also rs, portraits OF high excel
lence. They are full of life and may be
termed speaking" No. I23 is by Har-
rington, tlorid piece of portraiture
chiefly notable for Its drawing. entitled
"a kat1ir Princess"
Thomas Hill sends two valuable pic
lures. which are well hung upon the
north wall. THE Grand Canyon of the
Colorado, from near flagstaff and the
"Headwaters of the American River"
near the Summit, are the titles. The Col
orado picture particularly is interesting,
not only from Its presenting a majestic
aspect of American scenery, but from the
brilliant atmospheric effect which per-
vadeS the picture.
Norton Bush. the artist so well known
here, has large number of tho produc-
fions of his easel on view His many
friends are pleased 70 see that lie has YER
satiilty which a few years ago he was not
credited with. In the last three exhi-
DitionS he has given us three proofs of his
easy capacity TO depart from landscape
with entire success. His flower piece and
bronze vase will be remembered as one
striking instance the picture being now
owned by well-lnown art connoisseur
of this city. In the present exhibition he
has a ''portraitn of St Bernard dog so
we'll done as to entitle MIR. Bush to a
place among painters of animals. His
SPOT of Hydranges" proves that in still
life he has vigor and originality and fine
sRsta. No. %, by Mr.. Bush. Heart of