New-York tribune., 1900-05-27

Jacque, and, the total only amounting to about
200 francs. the etcher induced him to increase
the size of his bill by purchasing two pictures
by Michel at 100 francs each. They were prob
ably the first examples brought to this country;
to-day they would easily fetch from $1,000 to
$500 each In addition to the Jacques collect
ed by himself Mr.. Avery added later jacques
personal collection, which catalOgued for
the artist by Guifrey in 1861 1t numbered 420
prints then, but largely augmented during
the years following.
The only complete collection of Jacquemart,
other than Mr.. Avery's, bequeathed by the
etcher to the French Government.
Mr. Avery spoke with enthusiasm and afec-
ton of COrot. Il visited him in 1861" he said.
ION my mission of etchings. l did not dare think
of his paintings after my experience four years
before, when Mr.. Walters sent me two to sell in
NewYOrk For those Corots l got only SllO
apiece, so L was not in the market for paintings.
But the dear old man never thought of that. He
affixed his autograph to his photograph and sew
eral etchings. and appeared to be much graft
fed if l had bought of his pictures. He
was always willing to do anything for anybody
and fellow artist never sought him in vain.
At the home of Mr.. Baugnet, in Vile DAvray,
1 met him several times at dinner. We were
seated at table the meal half over, when a voice
was heard outside.
PAPA COROT ARRIVES.
"'Oh, there's Papa Corot.' said some one, and
in he would come in his working blouse He
chucked the waitress under the chin affection
ately and then joined at the table. Later he
sang and chatted i'll the most simple and in
formal way"
1t was just after the bombardment of Paris
by the Prussians and the Commune episode
that Mr. Avery called en- Delatre the printer
and intimate of all the great etchers of Paris.
His house and printing establishment had been
partly destroyed by the bombs and broken
presses showed the ravages of war. The rain
was pouring through hole in the roof and in
the midst of the desolatiOn the printer sat-
picture Of despair. Mr. Avery asked him if he
had any prints and Delatre answered:
'Burty was here with a wheelharrow and took
all for the bread l needed TO save my family
from starving"
But he still had his own collection. proofs of
all the plates he had ever executed. and he was
glad to dispose of them to the American coll
lector.
In completing the collections of Hadens and
Flamengs Mr.. Avery had the personal assist
ance of the artists themselves, and the former
wrote in the collectors notebook You take
away many impressions of unpublished works.
Mr. Avery's collection of Whstlers is unique.
The rarities are described in Wedmore's cata-
logue. The collector had known Mr.. Whistlers
family in Baltimore before going abroad, ana
for many years he enjoyed an acquaintance with
the eccentric etcher and his friends. from whom
he secured many rare proofs. AS an evidence
of the rise in value OF some of the MINISTER'S
may be mentioned the one known as "ftiault,
the Wood Engraver," which was done IN 1SOO
Mr.. Avery bought this proof at the Anderson
Rose sale for four guineas. similar proof
was sold last summer in London to Mr.. Keppel
for f72
The Avery collection which was described
in detail in The Tribune of May 13 Is now on
exhibition at the LenoX Library.