The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-04-02
A PRESENT TO THE STATE.
Esr. j.. AcGsersnan Coles ssGood Sam
aritaE.' TO Adoru the Capitol.
s3ecfal to Tic Jerssu Citu Ncars.


TRENTON, April 2, 1ss7-Dr. j. Acker-
man Coles. who has become noted for
his gifts Of paintings and statuary to
colleges and public institutions, has now
donated to the State a painting that will
decorate the walls of the State House.
In his letter to Governor Griggs rendering
the painting to the State, DIR. Coles gives
an interesting sketch of the work. He
says
Il am now the owner of the celebrated
OIL painting knows as The Good Samari-
tan, by our distinguished American ar
tist, Daniel Huntington. The picture,
with its frame, measures about nine feet
IN width by about eleven feet in height
the principal figures being life size It
was executed by Daniel Huntington in his
studio in Paris in France, in the wears
l6o2-5, III falfillment of an order given him
by the late Marshall o. Roberts, Esq, of
ject having been left with Mr., Hunting
ton, he selected the pictorial Illustration
or Interpretation of the second great
commandment of the law-'Thou Shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself.' That he
succeeded in his efforts has been con-
ceded by critics, for here, with wonder
ful skill. IS yivdly portrayed the arrival
at the inn. the sympathetic interest of
lhe most, hostess and guests, and the re-
spectful attention given to the orders of
the Good Samaritan.
ar- huntington informs me that while
engaged upon this painting he was visited
IN his studio by Paul Delaroche the emf
nent historical painter of France who
took deep interest in the progress OF
the work, and, by friendly SUGGESTIONS as
10 detail color, ETC.. rendered him much
assistance, a circumstance which adds
immensely to the value of this picture
as it may be regarded as the Joint work
OF these two great master minds. After
It's completion, requiring several months
IL was, after attracting much attention
IN Paris. sent to this country exhibited
at the National Academy, then on Broad
way, also at Mr.. Roberts private gallery
on Fifth avenue, and formed one Of the
ch1ef attractions at the Sanitary Fair ex-
hibltions OF paintings, held in Fourteenth
civil war
Mr.. Huntington having learned that /
contemplated giving this painting
through you, to the people OF New Jer-
Sesting that should first send the can
vas to his studio in New York CITY. and
ieave 1t with him for month, in order
mat ne might retouch and restore any
injuries done by. the hand Of time This
nave done. have also had its artistic
ana beautiful frame relaid with the best
gold leaf.
Upon receipt of word from YOU that
as a gift, the painting will be acceptable
TO the State / will, as soon as practica-
Die, at my own expense, send it to Tren-
ton. and have it hung in the place deem
ed most suitable for its reception in the
Capitol, building associated with pleas
ant meetings therein of my father. the
late Abraham Coles, A. NJ, NJ D., Ph.
p. LII D., with his friends, some Of
whom are still living, while the portraits
OF others adorn it's walls. 1t is with
special pride recall the recorded words
OF the late Governor, Daniel Haines, and
those of the late Henry Woodruff Green
Chief Justice and Chancellor. who. ia
reference to the life and writings of the
late DR.. Abraham Cole, affirm that to
MIN the world owes a debt of gratitude
Ior ms labor and research which rebound
to the honor of our State =
In reply to Dr. Coles, the Governor
writes:-
have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt OF your esteemed favor of the
tWenty-ninth instant, rendering to the
State of New Jersey the painting known
as THE Samaritan" I assure you nothing
would delight me more than to accent
at your hands such valuable gift, on
behalf of the people of rne State. The
picture will be accorded the best hanging
that can be selected for it in the State
House, and will have an engraved plate.
II Ut meets your pleasure placed upon 1t.
giving the name of the generous donor.
Permit me to say that your generosity
ana gocdness to your native State are
deserving OF the highest appreciation on
behalf Of the people, and, when the picture
shall have been received, hope to express
to you, in a more fornaa way, the thanks
and gratitude of the executive for yo1r
generous donation
Whenever it Shall suit your convenience
to forward the picture, it will be received
and cared for with all the consideration
that it deserves