The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
THE ITALIAN ART CLUB.

When the italian Art Club was
formed for the study of the painters
and painting Of Italy, none Of the six
teen members appreciated how much
pleasure was before them and what
unusual privileges they were to enjoy.
Miss Heath took charge Of the class,
planned the work and gave the men,
bers the benefit Of her knowledge Of the
subject.
The Albright Memorial Library was
the place of meeting, where one after
noon a week was spent in the reading
Of papers written by the members Of
the class and illustrated by beautiful
photographers Of the pictures studied
Each photograph gives one fine idea
of the original. though of course the
colcring is lost. The books Of refer
ence needed for the work Of the class
were arranged in the gallery of the IL
brary, where they were easily accessi-
BILE.
METHODS PURSUED.
The first few lessons of the class were
devoted to the study of color. compo-
sition. perspective. chiaroscuro, style
and the materials used in fresco, mo-
sale and other processes. Then the
different periods Of art were considered
such as the Byzantine. Romanesque
and Gothic.
Giotto was the first great artist the
class studied. In his works they found
great originality, dramatic insight and
marvellous truthfulness.
Fra Angelica was admired for his
spirited discernment, simplicity and
purity. Masaccio's works show that
he was a student of nature and had
high ideals. In Andrea Mantegna we
nd t0 nj CSto Iic
drawing is fine, his style severe and
his handling Of perspective wonderful.
Perugino, the teacher of Raphael,
shows in his work great sweetness and
calm thoughtfulness.
Botticelli's individuality of tempera-
ment Ia stamped on all his paintings.
He has an exquisite flow of movement,
his action is always graceful and the
faces Of his madonnas most serene.
Leonardo da Vinci's power Is mys-
terious and subtle. He had an invent
i've mind and his genius had many
sides.
The work Of Michael Angelo is stu
pendous and Overpowering. In no
other painter do we find such grandeur
Of conception and such truthfulness In
drawing. Giorgioni's paintings are
joyous and poetic, reveling in the free
dom of nature. Titan. besides being
the greatest colorist. was a splendid
technician.
THE GENIUS OF RAPHAEL.
showed itself in the noble purity, re-
ligious sweetness and charming grace
of his work. Everything he touched
was idealized. Correggios paintings
are of a peaceful and joyous nature.
They show beautiful coloring and ex-
traOrdinary chiaroscuro. Tintoretto
had mighty genius. but 1t was
marred by lack of training. The work
of Veronese Is brilliant in style. He
was fond Of a pompous splendor and
reached the height of decorative art.
Besides these great artists, many mi
nor ones. too numerous to mention,
were studied and greatly enjoyed by
the class.
The object of the Italian Art Club
was not only to gain knowledge of
the painters and paintings of Italy, but
also to arouse in the members a love
Of the beautiful in art that would be
of lasting benefit to them.
Among those who at different times
enjoyed the privilege of the lessons
were Mrs. A. Fl. Storrs. Mrs. c. s. Wes-
ton, Mrs. j. Willis Conant, Mrs w. I.
Finch, Mrs. Kay, Mrs. G. b. Penman.
Mrs. George Jermyn, Mrs. G. NJ. Hall
stead, the Misses Gilmore, Miss Ruth
Dale, the Misses Archibald. Miss Clara
Simpson. Miss Emma Mott, Miss Mary
Foster. Miss Jermyn.
.. ELIZABETH ARCHIBALD.