The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1900-01-22
DOINCS AT ST. MICRAEL'S 5
New Picture Unveiled
Father Sheppard Thanks
Saloon Keepers.

The splendid picture, a reproduction of
Raphaers famous ''Discussion of the Doc
tors, upon which an Italian artist has
been working for the six months, and
which adorns the sanctuary arch of st.
Michaels Church, was exposed to the view
of the parishioners at yesterdays masses
and vesper service. 1t is pronounced by
connoisseurs to be a splendid piece of
art. The picture cost $4,7 $50.
Raphaers original picture adorns the
sanctuary arch of the Milan Cathedral.
There is but one other reproduction of
the picture on this continent, and that ON
a small scale in a church of one of the
| Mexican towns. The picture contains
eighty-five figures. Two-thirds of the time
spent in completing the picture was taken
up in drawing the figures.
critic discussing the picture last even
ing, said: 1.-THE work is marvellous IN The
close attention paid to proportions, fore
shortening, etc. The expressions IN the
faces convey a wonderfully striking ides
of the actual happening of the Council of
Prelates which was convened to adjudi-
cate upon the question of the Real Pres
ence in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucha-
rist
zone figure is that of a prelate who cam
not accept the decision of the other doc
tors His attitude as he turns away clear
ly indicates that his mind is troubled.
Some of the prelates look askance at him
others with pity. But the impression is
conveyed to the beholder of the picture
that he goes forth like the Disciple
Thomas, doubling yet believing.
.sThe grouping of the figures is artis-
i 4J,a l,a, NJ Of f.anp
to the proper disposition of figures in
group paintings. The facial expressions
are remarkable for their fidelity. Each
one conveys the idea of a human emo
ton.
tAs to the color scheme it is brilliant,
vet subdued inasmuch as the most
judicious use of the primary color is
manifest These are toned down, how
ever, by soft greys and browns until
most restful effect is afforded. The pic
ture in itself is in great measure
allegorical and the artist has made most
effective use of gilt as a background. TO
the casual spectator the works betrays a
wonderful effectiveness, but to the stu
dent of art, especially ecclesiastical art,
this reproduction of Raphaels great work
will be of undoubted benefit"
AT Yesterdays masses Father Sheppard
announced that two stained glass win
dows for the sanctuary had been con-
tributed by Mrs. Waters and Mrs. D.
Barry. Father Sheppard said he wanted
new marble altar and hoped that some
time in the not distant future the way to
secure it would be made clear.
At the ten o'clock mass, the Father
thanked the merchants. and saloonkeep-
ers for doing away with immoral show
posters and other Objectionable pictures.
The Father took occasion also to de-
nounce street corner loafing. He said he
had noticed. in his walks through the
parish the congregation of young men
who annoyed and insulted pedestrians He
thought there were other places where
they could better spend their time.
The Rev. Father Thomas Mclaughlin
will deliver the first of series of three
musical lectures at St. Michaefs Church,
this evening. His theme will be Smiles
and Tears of Erin He will be assisted
by ST. Michaers Church choir. The lee
lures are to be delivered under the aus
pices of the Children Of Mary of st.
Michael's Church