The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-28

This wholesome sentiment in recent
accords with the writer's firm faith in
things American: "Our aim is to make it
clear that American art is something
fresh, virile, and characteristic, equaling
in Importance and influence other ma
tional schools, and inspiring the world
with hopes for great twentieth century
art
Then follows this interesting confession:
I'VE are obliged to say that much OF the
work that is really and typically American
at present is being created by men and
women whose names are not yet engraven
on the enduring walls of fame. The hope
OF our new art rests on them rather than
on the more famous ones whose skillful
works. ticketed with salon recognition,
have no spark OF the American spirit"
People who will be pioneers and blaze
the way for those who follow must ever
meet with vigorous opposition from the
conservatives, who find it more eomforta-
BILE 10 accept and defend conventional
standards than to use their brains and
give honor where honor is due, no mat
ter what cherished notions are dissipated
or what gods are dethroned. This is an
age OF seeking after truth. and the public,
grown accustomed TO revelations in the
field of scientific investigation, is ready to
accept new truths about art. The pubic
desiSs it. and those earnest students and
specialists who frankly declare the truth
on art matters. will find friends who will
help them win the battle against the con-
seryatives.
Recent exhibitions in Pittsburg, Philadel-
phia and New York have been widely
commented upon recently, and, while it is
clear that some OF the critics are caii-
tious most of the art reviews of these
exhibitions ring with praise of the younge.
men many of them finely equipped with
the best foreign training. who have gene
right to nature here at home for inspira-
ton These pictures are delight, and
give one a confidence in native talent and
native material.
Mr.. Lloyd Branson, of Knoxville was in
the city last week, arranging for some
paintings which the Postoffice Department
is to send to Paris as part Of its exhibit
at the coming exposition. Mr.. Branson is
a painter OF ability who prefers the quiet
environment of his native town and good
business connection TO any distinction that
world surely have come to him had he
pulled up stakes ten years ago and set
tied in New York. when his Academy pic
ture some Tennessee mountain girls of
the Charles Egbert Craddock type, attract
ed the attention there Of artists and con-
noisseurs alike This picture was pur-
chased by one OF the Crockers, of Califor-
mia. who became ar enthusiastic admirer
OF the artist and urged him to come to
New York. The distinguished collector
saw in the young man evidence not only
Of talent. but that BraDson had a keen APP
probation Of the picturesqueness Of his
people.
MIR. Croker offered every inducement to
the artist to come to New York or go
abroad and finish his studies, but Mr.. |
Branson preferred to remain quietly at |
home. and declined the ilattering propo- |
stion in brief and appreciative note.
Fifteen years ago Mr.. Branson and the /
writer occupied the same studio in New |
York. where both had come from the /
South as students to benefit by 4 winter
in the great city Branson. always re-
served and cautious. worked seriously and
well while many more brilliant student
became more widely known. only to be
forgotten. because the progress in tie
work did not keep pace with his social
recognition. MIR Branson has been alb
sent from the Northern exhibitions for
some years now. but one can never be
sure that the coming season may not see
me of his serious and excellent American
pictures the talk OF the Academy.
Mr.. Branson Is a fine example also of
me of the two types Of American artists.
)ne type is consumed with an ambition to
De famous and on the altar of art lays
even TO life itself; the other.
o which Bransou belongs, loves art quite
Is much, and is equally industrious. but