New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-30
ART AT THE WORLDS FAIR.
XII.
SOME CLOSING NOTES On TIE BUT DINGS
AND OTHER ARTISTIC FEATURES.

SOME CLOSING NOTES ON TIE BUT DINGS
AND OTHER ARTISTIC FEATURES.
WHAT THE ArcuIrEcTrRE At THE FAIR WILL.
po-TmE PICTURES AND SCULPTURES
WORK BY TUDENTs-1NDt STElAL
AND APPLIED ART
trhoM sIArF CORRESPONDENT OF THE ThIRrSsl
Chicago. July IA last look az tfat which il
artistic in the Fair embraces the entire contents
of the Art Building and Il great deal elsewhere
than in that structure 10 which il would bc inter-
csting TO give attention il il were possible. The
buildings themselves might we'll invite renewal
OF the detailed discussion 20 which they were re-
ccntk subjected in The Tribune. II Is frequently
said here. and il is remark to which II would be
difficult 10 take execution that the architecture
is the most beautiful feature OF tn" far " may
be added that no other feature Is likely 10 have
"A more profound influence in the higher develop
mcnt of America in the coming decades. The in
structon which il affords 10 the throngs Of people
who come TO Chicago from all points of tho com
pass, from the large cities and from towns and
villages and the smallest settlements. is not on
the whole. explicit. That is 20 say. tn" precise
lesson which the architecture of the Fair teaches
is one bearing upon problems Of monumental work,
and except for some of the State buildings. the
only motives which can be adapted throughout the
country are matters of ornament and detail BIT
the broad significance of the larger cdiccs is what
will mean most i'm the cultivation OF better taste
among the people.
The Illinois Building and the Government Build
ING are here TO illustrate the worst phase OF arch
tectural art in America The Administration and
Art and Agricultural buildings are here to show
the other side of the question: and they are bound
TO lead even the least architectural Of minds away
from old and hidcous gods to others newer and
worthicr. They will do II vaguely and through
processes so subtle as to he almost imperccptible
but no matter how they do il. they will do il for
good and all. No race however unfamiliar with
fine architecture. could resist the charm Of these
buildings The analysis of them in The Tribune
emphasized their beauty considered as pure monu
mcnts of structure and design Studying them
again, now that they complctcd-Stndyihg them
under warmer sky. with surroundings adorned
by the trees and turf of summer and animated
by thousands Of men and women-thev apprc-
hcndcd as ono complex and magnificent spectacle
which touches the Imagination IN many different
ways Aud every inspiration they offer makes for
an appreciation Of what is fine and strcr gthenng
in art. The spcndor of the architecture cannot
that II becomes truly such a source OF delight and
stimulus AS no other architectural creation of tho
century is 10 the same extent.
THE PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES
Tho collections in the ART Building are less uni
form than the architecture Of the Fair in adhor-
ing tn high standard Among the buildings the
mcdiocr" and bad designs in the minority.
Among the pictures and sculptures 4 is tho other
~. l.f. md tl,.;r La,.n hanp
dwclt upon in the criticism Of the various national
sections. In some cascs. such as thos" Of Italy
and Germany. there has been no extensive school
OF brilliant artists 20 draw upon. In other. such
those Of Spain and Franco. the intelligence Of
Amcrca has been regarded rs an unimportant
quantity. and the nations have been content 70
send their second best T. the Fair instead Of their
hest work. which il really artistic and strong.
Whcn all the omissions and other more tangible
drawbacks have been taken into account. the hun
drcds Of poor pictures scattered through the build
ing. and the wr"tchcd hanging in 20 important
section as our own. the exhibition rcmnins one Of
remarkable interest. II NAV confuse som" people.
leaving them with n cheerful bc'cf that III" art
Of Van Bc,'rs or Bro7il5 of others on the
same and nciGhboring levels j. great IN"
art of Sargent or T"nbach or Orchard.on. Vet 70
the average person Of Intelligence in the Art Bull
ing WI" W''''f DhlU1N ramon tpIHNl III VII, 1ill
their probahl" effect upon thc aesthetic develop
mont Of the country AZ large j. not less
ing in ones fancy because il Is ncalcuahle ~ for
tho American pictures. they not only promiS" 10
bear good frnt among lavncn. but they manifest
state of activity and constant improvement In tho
construction Of National school which Il would
bc hard to praise too cordially
TlIE SCHOOL EXHIBITS.
That is after all what il Of most consequence
10 Americans jnsi now. the condition Of their own
art and although no account can b" attempted of
tho objects which all Europe has poured into the
Liberal Arts Building 1T would FIJI an s-u" Of
The Tribune. a few remarks on our exhibit There
may he made They have rcrcnc" to two soc
tions. 10 the work Of the art schools and TO the
product, of industrial and applied art The stu
dents make very good showing. aud Of course
they Indirectly reflect credit upon the Instructors
All the important cities representatives.
York BROOKLYN. Boston. Philadelphia 81. Iouis
and Chicago. one does not look 10 students for
work Of much positive value. and there is nothing
In the collection of paintings DIR wings and models
which needs to h. SINGLED out from the rest What
il is sufficient 10 find in the galleries j.. volum"
Of work which speaks favorahlr for the dilusivc-
ness Of art education in the large cities and an
average Of clcvcrn'sS which gives hopes of some
welcome recruits 4" the ranks OF professional
painter, and designers in ia" yearly harvest.
There il li'tr pGrritY in the exhibit Of work by
students Even if it is chiefly tho exhibit of those
who will always b" amateurs. the organizers have
nj least shown that the amateurs we'll trained
and can make much more respectable plctlrcs for
their friends than they could mp 10 within iii"
last few years.
INDUSTRIAL. AIT.
The Industrial art in the American section leave,
q great deal 70 he desired and the satisfactory
exhibits are found ~ long intervals The furniture
is in the main poor There is consdcrahl" stained
l.-. ~. u,1InL tl,nt 1.