The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-26
THE PARIS SALONS.
The Rival Societies Are Making
Brilliant Exhibits.
OLD AND YOUNG MEN COMPETE,


Paris, April 13.-[Special Correspond,
ence. The opening Of the two rival So
Ions Is the talk of the hour in artistic cir
cies In Paris. Last year when the pro
gresslve painters and sculptors, wearied
with the humdrum management of the
time-honored National salon, broke away
and formed themselves in a new society
headed by the late NJ Meissonier, the
croakers predicted speedy downfall for
the audacious effort
So there were two salons, opening within
few weeks Of each other and lasting the
same length Of time.
The new one contained the younger
men, as . rule. and nearly all of the lead
ing American artists exposed there. II
was held in the art halls Of the exposition,
left permanently in the Champs de Mars.
The Old salon remained in its home, the
Palais de lIndustrie, with NJ. Bouguer-
eau as president.
The brilliant success of the new salons
hrst year made all fear that the second
would fail for in the meantime NJ. Meis-
sonier has died and his enthusiasm and in
fiuence are greatly to be regretted; but his
vacant chair" has been ably filled in the
person Of Monsieur Puvis de Chevannes,
the successor as president of NJ Meissonier,
OF the salon in the Champs de Mars and
one OF the greatest painters in France.
The old salon having changed its president
from NJ. Bouguereau to NJ. Bonnat, there
promises to be .whetting of swords" this
year, and general effort to have two bril-
liant expositions. / have been fortunate
In securing the original drawings of the
pictures to be exhibited in the Palais de
PIndustrie and Champs de Mars, from the
hands of the leading American artists in
Paris, as well as q first glimpse of the
paintings of the representative French ex-
hibitors of 1891.
NJ Bonnat sends full length portrait
of lady, also a canvas representing the
Struggle of Samson With the Lion"
This painting is four yards by three, and
is one of the most vigorous productions
which NJ. Bonnat has exhibited for years.
From the president of the Champs de
Mars salon, NJ. Puvis dc Chevannes,
there are are three very important can
vases; one of which is a part of the decora-
ton of room in the Hotel de Vile, enti-
tied s.Summer;" the other two canvases,
named Pottery and s.Cerannes,n are to
complete the decoration of the museum at
Rouen. for which the artist last year
completed an enormous mural painting
called sInter Artes ct Naturum." These
subjects are treated in this masters pecu-
liar poetic and almost medieval style, al
though the figures are modern.
NJ. Benjamin Constant sends two por-
traits to the Palais de pIndustrie salon,
one which he completed in America of
Mrs. Charles Alexander, nee Crocker, the
daughter of the California millionaire; it
is a remarkable painting, which has much
the character of Paul veronese in color
ing. The lady is seated, the light falling
full on the face brings out strikingly the
ruddy golden hair, in brilliant contrast to
the grey tone Of the China crepe robe. It
is face of the Elizabethan type, blue eyes,
fresh complexion and strongly marked
features, combined with the present fash
ion of dress, reminding one forcibly of the
Tudor queen, and as work of art will I'M
doubtedly be strongly discussed. Madame
Benjamin Constants portrait, the wife of
the painter. is the other of the salon exhi-
billions. 1t is pretty picture of woman,
with powdered hair, seated in an oaken
arm chair, dressed in black velvet, with
her feet resting on dead gold cushion,
golden lace in bodice and waist. The flesh
tints are admirable and the figure easily
and gracefully posed.
NJ. Dagnan- Bouveret, who is one of the
idols of the artists at present, has COM
pleted his large painting, begun last year,
called lies Consents, - for the Champs de
Mars, and represents the country recruits
marching into town, arm in arm, with the
flag and drum. 1t is a subject most fla
miliar to all eyes, in the early spring, when
the cOnscripts are drummed in, and the
life-sized peasant lads, with their awkward
gaiety and Importance of marching to the
barracks, where their uniforms await
them, are excellent. NJ. Dagnan- Bouveret
tined for the Odeon theater foyer. M.
Dagnan," as he is familiarly called,
is one of the champions of the new
salon, as is NJ. Courtois, his brorher-in-
law, who lives in the same house. NJ.
Courtois sends to the Champs de Mars
some striking work; one is large portrait
of Madame Gauthereau, said to be the
New Orleans, La. She has certainly the
distinction of being the most peculiar in
type. NJ. Courtois said: ''She belongs to
the Florentine renaissance period, with
her perfectly cut features high, I'M
adorned forehead with serpentine lines.
The portrait represents the lady in sim
pie white ball dress. Other contributions,
portrait of NJ. Van Stetten, and small
portrait of an old woman, and large
panel of Figaro" the companion to '.Li-
sette," exposed in last years salon of the
Champs de Mars, and also destined for the
foyer of the Odeon theater.
The popularity of the new salon is that
the members may contribute as many
works as they like, while the Salon du
Palais de l. Industrie will admit but two
by each expOsant
NJ. Won Stetter sends a street image ven-
der, with images under his arm, hat on
the back of his head and an expression of
saucy nonchalance, dressed III the white
blouse costume of the Partisan street ven-
der.
NJ. Aublet, whose Moorish studio at
Neuilly is the envy of all the artists in
Paris, sends painting to the Champs de
Mars of q group of boys, wading ON the
sea beach, IN very white effect. There
are also series of canvases by the same
artist. intended for the Champs de Mars
exhibition, prepared for the decoration of
the Hotel de Vile in Paris. NJ. Gervex is
also successful decorator for the Hotel
de Vile in the same Fin de Steele" vein,
which is extremely clever. One of NJ. Ger
vex's decorations is intended for the new
Salon exhibition. NJ. Paul Liot sends .
pretty Breton landscape, similar to those
previously exhibited, portraying the exact
phase of Breton country life. NJ. Carolus
Duran distinguishes himself this year in
the excellent portrait of NJ. Charles Gou-
nod, the great composer; also two por-
traits of the children of the Prince de
Seroglie and painting Of "Danae."
The Amer lean artists deserve much
credit for their salon work this year. Mr..
Carl Meichers. of Detroit. sends to the
Champs de Mars, the Dutch Choir Mas