New-York tribune., 1895-07-28

side and a dying cannoneer on the other. while
behind them is file Of advancing soldiers. There
Is fine action in this group. BY a happy conceit
ffer is placed near the dying cannoneer. sound
ing the advance and inspiring new courage In the
presence of death 1t is a geam Of the JOY and ex-
citement Of battle lighting up the shadows of the
horrors Of war. In the upper part OF the work
there Is a wounded cavalry officer falling from his
horse and supported by a winged Fame-a bold
and successful allegorcal motive
The companion scene presents a naval COM
mander at the head Of group OF sailors and
marines when the order has been given to board
the enemys ship The motive here is self-con-
tained courage in the crisis of battle. Faces and
figures reflect the tone Of fortitude and calm
selfrestraint. while in the background are the
wounded and dying tied up and shrouded in cord
age and calls. indianapolis will have a most
original and noble work of art when these two
designs fully developed and executed in de-
tail.
Personal TRAITS.
Mr.. MacMonnies Is one OF the most modest
and unassuming Of msn. 1t is with difficulty
that any can draw him into conversation
abou; his own work. 1t is fortunate that his
sculpture has been great enough to force recog-
milton of his genius for quiet. unobtrusive and
gentle an artist was not fitted tn advertise his
own talent Tall, well formed. with light eyes.
brown hair and mustache. and bright, agree
able face he is pre-eminently a lovable and ight-
hearted companion. entirely without mannerlsms
and small affectatons Although only thirty
two. he has already won his way into the nrst
rank Of living sculptOrs. but the strain or ar
duOus labor during the last years has
overtaxed his strength. He is always busy, from
early morning until late twilight. and rarely al
lows himself holiday although his friends
have succeeded during the last year or two In
placng restraint his Industry ana
have warned him against wearing himself out
prcmaturclv Eleven years continuous residence
in Paris has not abated the American spirit OF
this Brooklyn boy nor diminished MS prihe III
and affection for his own country. Possibly over
work which is his besetting sin. may be attributed
10 the resources OF American energy which he
has not yet learned to regulate Alright.
II was pleasant indeed. T. hear this success'ul
sculptor whose genius has been fully recognized
I'm Europe speak affectionately ana with pr.de
of his native town 1t was Brooklyn that gave
him his first important order Tor the Stranahah
statue and he Identifies the town with his own
fortunes The quadriga and statuary which he
is now designing and executing for the arch. and
the other projects which he is preparing to un-
dertake for Prospect Park, with the Siocun
statue II that goes 70 him, Will make MS own
town tn. centre Of hi, art work. II" Is too loyal
and intense an American II remain always
abroad congenial as Is the atmosphere OF Paris
t. his artistic temperament. II is one OF tn"
concentrations Of his tosome career that ne mas
cnjovcd the sympathy respect ana recognition
of the clty where he was born ana wn"re, A poor
boy without much education and without iniiu-
cnce he first dreamed his boyish dreams Of de-
voting his lie to art and Of winning distinction