The age-herald., 1898-11-03
The American Girl
Who Poses as a Model

The Paris Figaro recently paid high tribute to the American type of beauty, and asked if 1t is not destined to be the model of the future Venus. adding that many Paris artists claim it to be, in some partic- nlars, the most perfect known
 This statement of the Figaro was shown to a number of distinguished American art ists whose experience has specially fitted them to express an opinion on the compara- tive merits of American and foreign models. these artists add to the Figaros their own tribute to the high attributes of the Ameri- can model, and explain to what her superi- ority is due.
 A. B. wenzel, who in addition to many American figure subjects. has made numer- ous illustrations of foreign life, among them a scene on the driveway. Inter den Linden, Berlin, which has had much vogue, said that the American model is superb right through"
 ''The lines of the American models fig ure," he added. "are more indicative of good breeding than those of foreign models They are more symmetrical and also cleaner in the joints, with a good sugges- ton of underlying muscle. It is especially to be noted that the American figure does not run to heavy ankles and bulky feet another indication of refinement.
 "Too much cannot be said for the face, or rather for the face types, which form the crowning glory of the American girls phys ical makeup. The faces of American wom- en carry out to remarkable extent the suggestion of combined grace and inde- pendence indicated by the figure. Refine ment is coupled with a breezy 'get-there' expression, which, like the figure. conveys the impression of grace and buoyancy coupled with dignity and self-reliance. Add to this beauty of figure and feature an in- telligence which acts upon the sligh lest suggestion from the artist regarding .sc pose. and you will readily understand why the American model is the finest in the word.'
 Edwin H. Blashfeld, who, in his figure canvases and in his large mural decora- tons, has found it necessary to employ a large number of models, said that the American models were superior because 'the choice here is much greater than in any foreign country.
 Better women models are found here than anywhere else, because all nations are contributing to our population. do not mean that We find combined in one type the characteristics of several of the nations which go to make up our population, for feal type IS superior 10 d mixed cne QO mean, however, that we have here types of all countries-English, French, Irish, Ger man and Scandinavian-each with the high est charm of the race. For the foreigners who come here almost immediately improve their condition They get better food and lead an easier life; and, as a result, the best physical points of their race are de- veioped and emphasized. This is especially the case with their children who are born and grow up here.
 Ae be such, but I have never inquired into them-and I doubt If other artists have. Poets don't use rhyming dictionaries, and artists don't use measurements. An artist wants to do thing that looks well on can- vas"
 Irving G. Wiles said the American model was superior to the professional foreign model, because she usually came from better position in life.
 '"The foreign model" said MT. Wiles, "usually belongs to the lowest classes. Her people, as a rule, are very poor; she has been badly cared for and poorly nourished. These conditions have naturally affected the figure injuriously. She earns little by posing, compared with the American model, and, as she cannot spend as much on herself, her appearance Is not as at- tractive. She is usually lacking in the air of good breeding which Is characteristic of the American model"