The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-12
THE STANDARD OF CULTURE.
Esthetic Progress Truly Measured by
the Industrial Arts.

The following is from an interesting arti-
Gle by Alfred I. Goshorn. on The Worlds
Fair and Industrial Art" in the current
number of the Engineering Magazine:
As general principle it may be stated
that the culture Of n people is measured far
more accurately by the degree of develop
ment of its industrial arts than by the higher
esthetic expressions of its fne arts; since
these industries exist for the purpose of
satisfying wants more or less widespread
and distribute their products through chan
nels comparatively inaccessible to the great
works Of sculpture and painting. Without
the commercial prosperity assured by this
demand manufacturers do not long continue
to produce objects of art. This Is opposed
to the experience of painters and sculptors.
whose work is frequently so far in advance
of their time that it Is encouraged neither
by financial support nor even by an intelli-
gent comprehension. The supremacy of
France in art and most matters of taste has
been maintained through several centuries
by her artisans rather than by her artists
II Is the comparatively high development
of art Industries that has In measure
made possible the great painters. The
great art finds an essential founda-
healthy support of American artists by
American buyers of paintings until from
persistent contact with mutitudinous prod
ucts of art industry our people shall have
acquired not only spasmodically sound
ideas of beauty applied In simple forms,
but even more than this-the habitual asso-
citation with thugs possessing esthetic in
terest, to the point that their absence Will
be tO-a degree painful.
To secure material advance in Industrial
art in this country we need more extensive
provision for technical training in schools.
hat na MOI hare Is 00pa in
Europe, skilled workmen and SupernteDd-
ents who will be fitted TO direct intelllgenty
the operation of common laboreIs. l mean
schools for immediate instruction IN the
processes employed In the applied arts;
schools for the teaching not only of
drawing, painting. and modelling as
fine arts, but of decorative art in all its an-
pllcations, and for technical and scientific
training in the purely mechanical processes
of the art. Further, different conception
of the value and dignity OF the applied arts
must be cultivated among our young men
and women who are seeking occupation in
art A large number OF purely art
schools are now firmly established.
and are prospecting IN many cities throug h.
ont the land Thew are crowded with
students, especially women, ambitious to
become artists, pursuing art with restless
hope OF success and fame. to be won some-
how or other, rather than that persistent
search for truth, and the means OF ex-
pressing ii when found, which is character
istc of real artist. 1t Is natural lmpos-
sibility that all, or even respectable
minority of these students can become
artists whose works shall have any per-
mauent worth as fine art. Gradually wear
by year some drop out OF the race, to teach.
or to abandon art altogether. How much
more satisfactory to themselves, and how
much more useful to the community. IL
their activity could be continued In The an.
pied arts. Tor the training in drawing and
painting already received would esneeiailv
help them in the study of Industrial art in
some appropriate school. SO far ns re-.
Enumeration for decorative work ia con-
cerned. 1t is ON the average far bet