The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-02-22
THE WOOD ART GALLERY.
New Pictures to Be Added In the
Spring. -'Evideuce OF Mr.. Woods
Abiding Interest.

To the Editor:-While the thermometer
does not yet herald the approach OF spring,
the calendar does, and have been query
ing whether your readers would not be in
terested to learn, now, something about the
paintings which Mr.. Wood intends to add
this season to the already large collection
In your art gallery. The new pictures
alone form very considerable collection.
OF these twenty-one, nine are copies of the
old masters, made by Mr.. Wood in Europe
last summer, and twelve are originals. One
Of the originals is by Mr.. Wood himself and
the other eleven are the works Of his artist
friends here, presented to him by them for
the gallery. Included in the first class are
/. The superb copy Of Rembrandt's
"Shipbuilder and his Wife," which Mr..
Wood made in Buckingham Palace, by
special permission from Queen Victoria,
with the circumstances OF which you are
are already acquainted.
Q. Zurbarron's praying Monk" paint
ing OF great strength and character.
-; Turner's Fighting Temeraire,"' one
OF Turner's most brillia 1T works in color.
4, Landseer's "King Charles Spaniels,"
probably the finest specimen OF animal
painting in existence.
8. Romney's exquisite portrait of the
Parsons Daughter"
6. Murillo's drinking Boy" the ripe
color OF which must be seen to be appre-
ciated.
Z. Bellini's famous portrait OF "a Doge
OF Venice"
8. Moroni's exceedingly characteristic
portrait OF lawyer,
9. Sir Thomas Lawrences splendid por.
trait OF Julius Augustine The original
works include:
l. IAN Autumn Landscape" by the late
Alexander Ell. Wyant, who with Inness and
Horner, constituted the great trio of Ameri.
can landscape painters. This large and
beautiful work was presented to Mr.. Wood
by Mr.. Wyants accomplished widow, to be
placed, as memorial OF the friendship be
tween her husband and Mr.. Wood, in the
Montpelier Art Gallery.
2 Lake st. Catherine" by Mr.. j. B
Bristol, one OF your typical Vermont land.
ssoapes, and very beautifully rendered by
Mr.. Bristol.
8. Ready for Harvest" by Mr.. Edward
Gay. charming picture Of ripened grain in
4. "a Cone in the Catskills," by Mr.. A
B. Durand.
8. Forrest vitas," by Mr.. r. M. shurt.
len, a most exquisite picture Of sylvan
scenery.
Nicoll, charming marine and coast view
I. Winter" by Mr.. @. j. Wright.
8. "There Was an Old Woman Who
Lived In Shoe" This is Mr.. W. III.
Boards famous painting, which has been
reproduced both in this country and
throughout Europe. Mr.. Beard has refus-
ed eighteen hundred dollars for this picture,
and now gives it to your gallery as a me-
mortal OF his lifelong friendship with its
founder.
8. "Gamins," by Mr.. j. G. Brown, one
OF Mr.. Browns best works. This picture
was purchased some years ago. at a large
price. by wealthy citizen OF Springfield,
Mass, hr. G. w. Smith, the founder of the
Springfield museum. Mr.. Smith has re-
ceived some valuable suggestions from Mr..
wood in the arrangement of the Spring
held museum, and has shown his apprecia-
ton therefor in most generous way, by
Gallery in Montpelier.
10. "a Vision Of Love-" by Mr.. III. w.
Watrous. This is one of Mr.. Watrous'
most charming and highly finished pictures.
1t is perfect gem both in structure and in
color.
II. IA Rembrandt Head" by Mr.. G. H.
story, real MASTERPIECES in portraiture.
~. "The Yankee Farmer" by Mr..
Wood himself, a strong characterization of
old New England life.
L have no doubt that these beautiful
works OF art will be duly appreciated by the
citizens of Montpelier and of the State but
l have sometimes wondered If they fully
comprehend the great opportunity which
lies right within their grasp of making
Montpelier the chief art center in New
England, outside OF Boston. Already the
finest collection of paintings outside Of
Bos on, is there. and Is being largely added
to every year. The most conspicuous figure
in many respects, OF the art world in Amer
lea to day is the founder and promoter of
the Montpelier gallery. He is devoting,
and expects to devote for the remainder OF
his life, which God grant may be long and
vigorous, very large portion Of his time
and means and labor to the development of
the gallery, and his very large circle OF ar
tist friends are now rendering him great aid
and encouragement by contributions Of
their best work.
Under these most favorable conditions,
Montpelier ought to become, in few years,
as widely known in this country for her
art treasures as are the famous little cap
itals OF some Of the German states. have
no doubt myself that it will become 80, and
that thousands OF persons will be attracted
to visit the place on account OF these treas
ures, and some to make 1t their place Of
residence.
have not mentioned in this list of paint
ings the splendid copy Of Raphael's "Trans-
fguration," made by Mr.. Wood in the Vat
lean Palace in Rome, last autumn, by
special permission OF the Pope, consecrated
to the use OF st. Augustine's church in
Montpelier by the Pope, for the reason
that 1t has already been described in your
journal and also in the Vermonter. 1t Is
expected that this will be placed in the
church at the same time that the new addi-
tons are made to the Art Gallery.
Very truly yours,
JOHN W. BURGESS.