New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-18
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ARTIST.

tIH GENIAL AND KIND NATURE AND FREEDOM
FROM JEALOUsY-TRIBUTE OF A COLLEAGUE.
That Thomas W Hovenden the painter, should
have rushed TO his death at Norristown in moment
of heroic impulse 70 try and save helpless child Is
not strange TO those who knew him well. He was
always thoughtful for Others almost totally ignor-
sng self Said artist last evening at the Salma-
gund Club: "Hovenden very unselfish man.
besides being gifted vita qualities which endowed
him with very erT.able fascination. apowerful
equally with women and with men. There was
never traceabe shade @, envy or jealousy in his
nature; disposition mcanly and deftly 10 pull to
pieces a brother artists work. assailing the most
ambitious points of a picture. common in
studios. On the other hand, he sought the aid and
counsel Of artists and laymen even in his greatest
works himself suggesting all manner Of deficiencies.
exaggeratons in composition, distortions in draw
ing and all of this with sincere air When paint
ing Elaine certainly his greatest picture and
worthy Of the name and fame OF any artist who has
tried to perpetuate that touching and sombre scene,
be would say: think have made the old servitor
too prominent: SIR Cialahad is a trihe bumptous.
Ind the palace interior perhaps too gorgeous for the
Arthurian period
There were many painters and scuptors who
shave since risen TO International eminence. who
, tenants of the same studio building when he
was painting this memorable thirteen years
ago. and. of course. he had plenty Of advice. But
Hovenden himself. strong in his per-
Bonaty and while listening. generally absorbed
what alone was advantageous TO the final result
sought Many artists, yes, the great body Of them.
get angry at friendly suggestion cultured crti-
csm. which they often careful to invite. some
times evading the effect with contemptuous air
by supercous silence and disdain. Not with
Hovenden He would make chalk marks his
canyases. and the critic would go away certain
that he had Influenced the painter his direction.
Such a tendency a marked characteristic OF
Hovenden, and, OF course, he made his visitor
feel highly fattered at the reception accorded to
his artistic perception But all of this sim
ply the trait OF a gentle nature, with no desire 10
obtrude his skill In technique the thoroughness
with which ne dealing with the subject in hand.
Witness. for instance. this very picture. Elaine.
The artist became a complete master OF Arthur.an
literature. He became close student OF the
Knights OF the Round Table and at any moment
All said. moreover in no Of his important
works is there other than his own individuality in
perfect mastery OF detail and that chiefly Is why
he became the commanding figure he was and will
remain
1T has been generally supposed in a.. circles that
Hovenden largely favored ~ the pecuniary
advances and patronage OF William T. Walters. or
Baltimore. then the richest collector In America
While he did render assistance 10 the painter work.
ing at Port Aven. IN britany; Hovenden won
name for himself soon. He sold his pictures 10 the
day: To show you what was Hovenden,
note this incident: gentleman well known in the
Hovendens THE Rising Sum The artist was heed
less Of his own pictures but strongly recommended
was then painting in Brittany but he had not yet
made his debut in New-York The purchaser was
convinced and ordered the pictures home but after
ward became one Of Hovendens most valued friends
and customers"