The times., 1899-11-19

hung, or perhaps rejected Fayors should
not be expected for any but the best pic
lures, and those usually forge their way to
the most conspicuous places in the exhi-
bition by reason Of their merit alone. Such
work never needs the help Of name or in
liuenCe, and the lower grade Of work may
be thankful that il is admitted TO any place
in the exhibition.
The Fischer Catalogue,
The Fischer gallery has issued one of
the most dignified and elegant small cata-
logues that has thus far been published.
The quiet buff cover is ample evidence that
simplicity is a large element in good taste.
Modern type is so perfect, artistiCally, that
one can express refinement and taste to the
last degree with il, and il is far safer than
original letter designs unless the commits
sion be entrusted to some one Of the mas
ters of this branch of art
The body of the catalogue is printed on
japanese yellum OF the most exquisite quail
ity. One IS almost tempted TO shut his
eyes TO get the fun enjoyment of its deli
cate texture. This paper would satisfy the
sight and touch Of a sybarits The print
ing is most inviting and reflects great credit
upon the press from which il came. The
haf-tone engrayings of the important pic
tuTes catalogued alone are not successful,
and ii is TO be regretted but the fault is
not in the cuts or printing, but entirely
due 10 the fact that Japanese veIlum, while
a docile and agreeable surface to every
other form Of presswork, refuses to travel
In double harness with the half-tone cut
Half-tones must Eave a specially prepared
chalky. glue glazed surface, paper in it
self very unsatisfactory to the eye and
touch, and artists of any sensitiveness can
only abide this paper when it is covered
with a wel-sngraved hali-tOne-when its
shoddy plebeian character disappears.
However, the text of this catalogue,
which is the feature that must give it
permanent value, Is unique. 1t is from
the pen of Mr. Fischer himself, and is
attractive as is his personality. which
means that the catalogue is a delight TO
his friends. The text reveals Mr. Fischer's
scholarly knowledge of art matters, his
intense earnestness and sympathy. Therein
lies his charm. 1t tells of a different at
mosphere from the flip art writer who
does these catalogues in slippery cOnven-
tional English for the purely commercial
art establishments. No one half believes
their glittering generalities and eXtrava-
giant praise. II is all a matter of business,
but those who know Mr.. Fischer realize
the enjoyment this art expert found in
the elaborate and exhaustive research that
was necessary in the preparation Of this
important catalogue, and out-of-town, as
well as local connoisseurs, will look for
ward with pleasure to future catalogues
issued by the Fischer gallery.
In this catalogue there is a very, very
great Nandyke and examples by Reynolds,
Wilkie. Raeburn, Constable, Ramsey,
Buchey, lie Brun, Lawrence, MOreley,
Opie Romney, Fink Mengs, and other mas
ters. but reference viii not be made TO the
Individual examples of the masters men
toned. They deserve more than a pass
ing comment, therefore careful studies OF
the more important will be made from
time 10 time as opportunity offers.
JAMES HENRY MOSER