New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-09
THE ROBINSON PICTURE CONTROVERSY.
STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF The
ARTISTS COMMITTEE.
ARTISTS COMMITTED

To The Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir In regard to the controversy which has
arisen concerning the picture by Theodore Robin
son which has been offered TO the Metropolitan
Museum Of Art by the Society Of American Artists.
and which has been by common report. refused by
the Museum Il is mos; unfortunate that an unau-
thorized partial view OF the whole matter has alone
been disclosed as yet in the public prints Pending
the conclusion OF the official action OF the Society
OF American Artists taken at its annual meeting
on December 10. and equally offcial action on
the part Of the Metropolitan Museum OF Art. which
will naturally follow there is perhaps no reason for
controversy discussion In the press
As the chairman Of the committee OF the society
OF American Artists appointed to purchase pct
ure by Theodore Robinson for presentation to the
Metropolitan Museum of Art may say, however
that the invitation to subscribe to the fund was
addressed exclusively TO the members OF the So
clety and 10 a few persons known as possessors OF
Mr. Robinson's works. In two instances these
latter were men who. as individuals. mad mace
valued donations OF pictures 10 the Museum Inc
subscription 10 the fund was very general ana rep
resented fairly every shade Of opinion In the so
ciety which embraces painters OF varying schoo s.
This should dispose OF the assertion that the SUD
scription was one made by "a few friends OF MT
Robinson" II was an official act OF the society.
and in its spirit conformed 10 a precedent estao-
ushed by the presentation to and acceptance by the
Museum OF works by other deceased members OF
the society The picture was the most important
work OF Mr.. Robinson's available for the purpose
and more important BY reason OF Its previous ex-
hihitlon at the society and at an exhibition III
Cleveland where II had taken prize as the most
nnsritorious Landscape in the exhibition than the
,tcture chosen by the Pennsylvania Academy OF
Fine Arts from the sale OF Mr.. Robinsons works.
A member OF the Committee on Painting OF the
Ne,rooolitan Museum was invited TO Join the pres-
dent Of the Society OF American Artists In the
selection OF the picture. and the failure OF the
gentleman thus invited 10 be present at the meeting
for this purpose not affect the intention OF the
Society Of American Artists 10 show every possible
courtesy TO the committee OF the Museum. II is d
principe well esta blished that nv "l.ISt
nanfers should receive the work OF men OF oistic
ton in ali schools Of painting regardless or the IN
that il goes without saying that the two men
who have chosen in this case TO reject the pc.-
ure might without sacrihce or oigniy, vooe do'
q reconsideration Of their action IL Is quite pos
.,hla raj occupied In other directions, they have
5srdlv realized that Theodore Robinson lived ms
zoo brief life acquired reputation, ana was the
ar r,is,s IN such a manner that a large number
% MS fellows representing in many cases RIlhh-
cples OF art at variance WIN .noee y, III hnngb
,nson unite in demanding that snaIl tnousn
or,hy arnple OF his work may help 10 perpetuate
~ memory OF his faithful service 70 arr on ths
rsI,s Of the n useum Of the city where MS chei
no That such reconsideration may be had as the
resrit Of the recent unanimous acton OF .ns 80. ou
ciety o, American Artists and tnat .ne ~ ' ea ~
S,sciosure OF the existing MISUNDERSTANDING may
hnI, rsther than hinder such solution, must pe
ny .,rcsre hope OF all who have prize IN oui
achievement in any walk Of art u,,1, low
Chairman Of the late Committee OF the Society OF
Cha.i m 10. Artists for the Presentation OF a
Work Of Theodore Robinson for the Metropoi-
ptt tan MuseI New-York City. Jan. D. 1895