Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-10-08

The fate OF the older and more valuable
specimens Of Gobslin tapestries 10 often
high by about eight feet wide and of an esti-
mated value Of 81, 900 francs, disappeared from
an untenanted house in Limoges. One repre-
ssnted the story Of Narcissus and the other
Apollo crushing the python. Several months
later these same tapestries were found In Paris
in the shop Of seller ofantiquities in the hue
Bonaparte. The dealer readily explained his
possession of them-thev had been left in his
place by Spaniard who had bought them in
Madrid from a seller of curios. This latter had
received them for lady. The lady was found
and stated that she had them from a broker Of
Anglers, in France. II was this broker, last Of
all, who could not explain, and he WAS there-
fore arrested.
The perfection to which the manufacture Of
art objects is carried in France shows what q
national mandatory can do, not only by pro-
ducing works of art, but also, in view Of the
public interest, by forming artists and art
workers, and In view Of the service of national
industry, by increasing the means for technical
researches. President Carnot's recent decree,
recognizing the national manufacture Of
sevres, declares that 1t has for its object frat,
the fabrication of hard porcslaine and other
ceramic products which offer some interest Of
art or instruction; second, the study
and popularizing of artistic and chemical
ceramic art and industry. It is also for the
normal teaching Of ceramic art. Moreover, it
puts its formulas at the disposition Of private
industry. 1t communicates to those manufac-
turers who are authorized by the ministry tho
result of its artistic and technical work; IL
charges itself with executing at their demand
all other researches which are susceptible Of
serving TO the development and progress Of the
national production. There is also school es-
tablished in the mandatory having Tor its
end to form artists and art workers. This ex-
plains how 1t is that French manufacturers
hair in
these articles Of luxury. One Of the chief silk
men Of Lyons told me that they could no
longer compete with America except in these
costly and artistic lines.
RARE TABLE ORNAMENTS
To come back to our exposition, on o long
table in the middle Of the room there Is q col
lection of bronze and silver table ornaments,
very imposing and elaborate, but quite tar
nished and ruined by fire. They are from the
table service Of Napoleon III and were found
in the ruins Of the Tuiileries, burned by the
commune. There is a large ccnterpiece repre-
senting a triumphal car bearing warriors and
drawn by noble steeds. and there are humorous
candelabra. All these souvenirs Of monarchs
past and gone are touching and tell Of some
tragic fate. There Is . room full Of furnt-
| ture Of Louis XVI and Marie An
| toinette. Then there is collection
of garments worn on state occasions BY Napo-
embroidered In gold The French have always
| taken delight in profuse decoration. and no poo
pie in Europe have been more perfect adopts Of
this art. There is a sample modern dress in
richest silk, with heliotrope flowers a shade
darker embroidered on the front and around
the corsage and train, which also deliberately
| trimmed with point applique, SO artfully made
that lace and silk seem woven together.
In the picture gallery, Of course, only women
artists are represented. Henrietta Ronner dis
plays her cats, field whore she is easily mas
ter or mistress. if you wish And there are
paintings by Marie Bashkirtseh, very charming
studies of the gamins of Paris. But this de-
partment needs less mention than the others.
Tho chief impression of the whole exposition,
| as remaining in my own mind, is that of end
less brocades, jewels and lacss. DR.. Theodore
Zomonwitch, the delegate of the gov
eminent of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
and his assistant, Of whom l have
already spoken, were very obiiging in showing
me their special department. Some of their
boxes had not yet been opened. and perhaps
will not be until they arrive in Chicago, where
more space will be given them. was able to
see several evening dresses in Bosnian en-
broidered gauze, brilliant with the gold thread
which was interviewer throughout the fabric.
"YAMILY JOYS"
The whole spirit Of the exposition breathes in
the rich tableau arranged by the Musee Grevin,
famous for its waxworks. It is called "Family
joys" and is set on a stage amid garden
scenery, with trees and strawberries extending
far back. In the middle there is y terrace With
plants and blooming flowers, while seated on
garden bench is a happy pair gazing on the
babe in its mothers arms. An sttractive-lo look
ing nursemaid stands at respectful distance,
ready to take the vounKster whenever the
mother shall tire Of playing with IT. The piece
therefore deserves its title. This tableau,
viewed with the proper effect Of light through
its hlmy veil Of gauze, is very realistic. A
companion piece represents an afternoon tea
and has Ave female figures dressed in the latest
Parisian fashions, with all the accessories of
wealth about them.
There IL also q very noteworthy historical
series Of costumes, reproducing the fashions
generation by generation, from the middle
ages down to our own times But most inter
esting Of all 10 the room devoted to coifurss.
1t contains q series Of siXty-seven busts, life
size, arranged on pedestals around the wall.
The series goes back TO the graceful Greek
styles Of coils and braids, follows out the
freaks OF Roman empressss and the obsolete
fashions of medieval times and comes down to
the curis and powder of the court beauties be-
fore the revolution. In one singular example
| there is a miniature ship under full sail on top
of the powdered mass of hair, the water
being represented by waves Of green gauze.
After all these comes the close curled hair Of
the directoire. Next is the style brought In by
| the Empress Josephine, which is indeed lovely.
The hair is dressed low and fiat, with a wreath
| of roses. From the Empress Eugene, whose
rule Of the world of fashion is not forgotten
| there Is the graceful mode Of turning the hair
back in soft rolls from the face to fall in curls
at the back.
As we descend the broad stairway with q tired
| and mixed recollection Of beautiful things We
think that perhaps after all the critics are right
who say that this is really an exhibition Of
womans dress. for in dress all her art Of decora-
ton ends. STERLING HELLO.
Written for The Evening Star.