Evening star., 1901-12-21
A r T NO T E S

rites opened last Tuesday in the hemi-
cycle of the Corcoran Gallery, where it may
be seen by the public until the 31st Of De-
cember. Taken collectively it is an i'm
posing display, and well suited to the size
and dignity Of the hall in which it is
shown.
One Is Immediately impressed upon en-
trance by its color-ful qualities and con-
scious of a sense of pleasure in the har-
nony Of effect. The first impression is
given by Mr.. Powell's paintings, which
constitute the major part of the eXhib-
tion, thirty-one canvases being shown, be-
sides six sizable water colors and some
sixty-five sketches. large proportion of
these are the Turneresque Venetian pic
lures, by which the artist is best known.
They are especially remarkable for their ef-
fects of light, their color and technique,
which virtues in a measure outweigh the
weakness in architectural drawing and ex-
aggerated distances, noticeably observable
in the Venetian views. In spite of the
interest of these compositions the clever
ness of their handling and the established
precedence of Venice as place of un-
rivaled picturesqueness, the group of paint
ings done by Mr.. Powell last winter from
sketches made a year ago IN the Yellow
stone valley surpaSs them and make really
the most notable feature of the exhibition.
Two of these are of the canon of the
Yellowstone taken from the same point of
view, but looking in opposite directions.
One is about by 10 feet, the other not
less than s by Z, and both are as big from
an artistic standpoint as from that Of linear
measure. -
The one midway Of the semi circular side
of the hall Is a mastery production, full of
the majesty of the strange scene it de-
picts. The giant walls Of the canon glow
with the prismatic hues; the river at their
feet, dwarfed into the appearance of little
more than brook, reflects the deep blue
of the sky, while between float, the clouds
Of vaporous mists. It Els dazzling with
color but perfect in harmony Ind atmos-
pheric to the furthest degree The per-
spective is excellent, the light well con-
centrated the geological formation strong
ly constructed, and moreover Mr.. Powell
has handled the subject so we'll that while
dramatic, 1t is nowise STACEY. little
water color Of this same GrandsCanon, in
Corspicuously hung over side door, is no
less pleasing or poetic, and demonstrates
great skill in the management of that me-
dunn.
1t is always interesting to see so large a
collection of one artists work, for from a
score or two Of his paintings viewed to-
gether much better estimate can be made
Of their value, clearer insight gained of
his point of view and aims than by the
same number viewed separately. In this
connection a strong marine by Mr.. Powell
is specially interesting, testifying to the
versatility of his powers. His two groups
of sketches made last summer in Italy add
also materially to the exhibition. 1t is diff
ficult to believe that they could have all
been done in so short a space of time, for
their number Is at first sight beWildering,
and even upon longer acquaintance detri-
mental to the appreciation of each individ-
ually. They give marked evidence Of the
ability and experience of the painter, for
they are handled with charming simplic-
ity, and possess the attractiveness Of truth
ul interpretations.
OF the portraits shown, three are by Ben
jamin Constant. They are likenesses OF,
respectively, Mr.. and Mrs. J. B. Henderson
and Lord Pauncefote, the merits Of which,
especially that of Mrs. Henderson. are so
obvious that even the uninitiated could
scarcely fail to appreciate them, but before
the one Of the British ambassador. the
artists themselves are inclined to linger.
tbs an extraordinary piece of work.
The portrait Of Lady Pauncefote, by Mr..
Henry Floyd Of this city, possesses some
good points, but on the whole is not pleas
Ing.
Even less can be said Of the three-quar-
ter length portrait of General Miles, oy
c. Ayres Whipple "a western painter of
celebrities), which is hard lifeless and poor
In color.
Wilma Parlaghy's portrait Of the I.us-
sian ambassador is also hard and faulty in
drawing. but 1t is strong, well put together
and force to it that atones for the wood
enness of the flesh and demands respect
from the critic. Last year quite commo-
ton was created abroad by the rejection Of
Of the Berlin exhibition, for the German
emperor Immediately requested Its admis-
sion, and replied to a protest made by the
artists by royal command.
Miss Muedens "Juanita," exhibited In the
Water Color Clubs late annual more than
holds it's own with these notables, among
which Is also characteristic portrait by
Eastman Johnson and one of lady by
Prince Troubetskoi. The latter is done in
the happy manner noticeable In all his
work.
An admirable portrait by this painter
may be seen in the studio of Mr.. Keeling.
(of whom 1t Is likeness), who has him
self Just returned from London. He has
painted during his last season in the Brit
ish capital, portraits of the queen. the
Countess Of Warwick, and other person
ages Of note among whom Mrs Brown
Potter may be mentioned. Mr.. Keeling, in
fact, considers himself a resident Of Lon
don, and purposes spending only a couple
Of months each year in this country. At
present he Is working on number of min
iatures of New York people.
Many will learn with regret that Dr.
Kindleberger will not in all probability re-
turn to Washington this winter. At pres
ent he Is in Christiania, Norway, painting
with enthusiasm the splendid Norwegian
.s-
Miss Solomons is still in New York, and
is not expected back here until the middle
of January.
X *
Mr.. ]. Mcclure Hamilton, the weli-known
Anglo-American portrait painter, and his
family are expected to be in Washington
| by Christmas They come to stay for the
| rest OF the winter and spring.
At the Art Students League preparations
| are In progress for the usual Christmas
party, for the officers, instructors and stu
dents Of the school believe heartily in the
value Of the union of work and play. This
year the festivity is to take the form of q
garden party, burlesque on the one held
at the Barber place last spring after sew
| eral postponements. 1t will be an indoor
affair. of course. but not necessarily devoid
| OF trees or tree.
The evening design class at the league
/ n foc 80 f1aro - Ia fy,,n