New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-12-16

for Bouchardon's fountain OF the Rue de Gre
nellie these are not the things which chiefly
remember In eighteenth century French sculpt-
ure. We think most OF Les ChevaUx du SOleil.~
that nervous yet delicate and wholly captivating
piece OF modelling. the relief which Robert 10
Lorrain made for the stables OF the Hotel de
Rohan. We think of the deft artidce OF Cou-
stou's Venus at Potsdam. of Pigalle's L En-
FAINT la Cage" Of the busts by Lernoyne and
Cafferi. of the statuettes by FaIconet. Of the
exquisiteIy dainty busts and other productions
of Pajou and CIOdion of Houdon's masculine
and yet incomparably elegant "FOltaire." The
glory of all this sculpture is its grace, it's light
ness. its worldly. polished tone. 1t has not
much soul. but il is wonderfully attractive
Lady Dixie has described it with unfaiIing taste.
Her biographical notes are sufficient; she puts
each member OF the school in his proper per-
spective. and with the aid OF her decidedly artis-
tic Illustrations she makes her book, in short,
most useful and interesting contribution to a
department Of the literature Of art which. in
English at all events. is none too well supplied
We would find it difficult to praise too warmly
the series of brief monographs devoted to the
great masters in painting and sculpture which is
being published under the general editorship OF
Mr.. G. c. Williamson. That gentleman has
shown in his own books on Luini and Perugino
how much at ease he is in the discussion OF
artistic topics. and his good judgment is dis
closed also in his choice of contributors. The
latest volume in the collection, that on LUca
Della Robbia, by the Marchesa Burlamacchi. is
one of the best thus far printed, 1t gives a ser
viceable sketch of the sculptors life and trav-
erses the works in chapters at once interesting
and instructive. The editor in a supplementary
chapter. strikes the right note when he says:
Lucas work does not well bear removal 1t is
peculiarly suited to the places for which it was
made, and under the brilliant sky of Italy is az
home" This sculpture, as Mr.. Williamson OBJ
serves. was in the best of all senses unique, and
it so largely because OF it's reference to spe-
cial conditions IL was never more effective
than when it was designed for a position out OF
doors. where the color for the exploitation OF
which Luca had so rare a gift lost whatever
erudity u possessed. and shOne in su0dued
beauty under the southern sunshine which the
sculptor had been considering from the outset
This volume. like every one OF its companions.
has good biography. full catalogue Of the
works. a good index and numerous half tone
Illustrations
Every one who has made the acquaintance OF
the Temple Classics" has doubtless amused
himself by making list OF the masterpieces
which he would personally like to see included
in that invaluable collection OF reprints. For
our own part, although we have dabbled in this
occupation. We have not thought hitherto of the
ACCESSIBILITY OF including Vasari but now that
his immortal work has been added to the list
a little abashed at not having thought
OF it before No one. indeed. is better qualified
for admission to the series. His matter is absO-
lutely indispensable to the student Of art; his
manner for which the translator of this edition,
MIR. A. b. Kinds. gives US an excellent equiya-
lent is uncomfortable and yet somehow very en-
gsgng- 1t is particularly pleasant 20 read vasar1
in short sittings. and for any one OF artistic