New-York tribune., 1901-08-25

in the various senses Of the term. has its own
status" in many respects resembling the
French Academy, especially in respect TO It's
being about the best abused institution IN the
country, particularly by those who know the
least about II. Whatever they may say, how
ever Cto quote the words of a leading American
journalist. The Royal Academy is, after all.
the Royal Academy, and as such must always De
reckCned with"
OF one thing there is little doubt, and that IS
II lends solid lustre 10 the American artist
whom it ennolds, and consolidates the basis OF
his London status considerably. II may be a
surprise at first 10 him that the exact share
and value OF his claim be true born Arnert-
can are not wrangIed over. and hunted up and
down through the press-ad inAnitun et nau-
sean-ever the mere duration OF his residence
here and the number OF his pictures shown
harped on. Such facts may be merely men
toned, but always IN kindly spirit. The value
ard quality of his work will be spoken OF first
of all the real good and virtue in him. And
If he happens 10 have any little extra claim in
the way Of personal charm. it is put to his
credit. mostly. and not distorted against him.
I have observed, by long experience that the
most successful and the most endowed with rest
ful genius those who have risen TO the highest
positions here, have shone out strongly in mod
est, patient but determined qualities. Even the
master during his sincere and searching
studies and art practice sought perfection. un-
hindered by his cultivation gently and anus
ingly) Of the enemy. And his worst success, in
that respect, laughs with him, fancy, rather
than at him. There can be no doubt all that
the status OF the American artist residing tenn
porarfly abroad"-vide his ever changeable con-
sular free now and them certihcate-has a
much better social position in London than in
Paris. doubt very much II they get anything
like the substantial encouragement there or
even at home that they get in England For in
stance, some few years ago an American artist
fresh 70 London, was asked the price of his
Academy picture which wanted for the
Chantrey Bequest He came TO me for advice
saying that he knew not what TO say in reply
In Paris he explained. the very highest price
given by the State for the works selected for
| the Luxembourg is about $50 He has been
! advised he said 70 ask 1000 guineas here. but
| he thought the advice was given as a bad joke
| He scarcely believed me when I suggested that
| he should try 500 guineas. He got It easily but
/ he felt as If walking in a dream, compared to
| Paris And as another instance (ths is the tale
1 give it as report had it,, when the Whistler
| portrait Of Carlyle was, after many years Of
v aiting. wanted for the Glasgow Corporation
/ Gallery, the douce body waited the mas
/ ter" about the price 1000 guineas). They
| allowed it was a magnificent picture but do
| you no think Mr.. Whistler the sum a wee wee
/ bit excessive?" The master asked blandly
DIDN'T you know the price before you came 70
me? "Oh. aye-we knew that" said they in
! chorus. Very we'll. then" said he in his most
| sUave tones, Let's talk Of something else and
as there was nothing else of interest TO detain
them, they paid it, and a good bargain il was
{ 81 non vero"-its pity)
But l am leaving my real object in writing
this paper till the last. I am constantly seeing
| in the American papers very badly Informed
| comments on this very subject of the status "
| duties. perils and rewards Incidentally Of
American artists living mostly in London This
I quote from q clipping lately sent me:
Certainly the British, as a people are much
| better disposed toward US now than when
| Whistler and Sargent and Boughton and Abbey
| had 10 live down the insular narrowness that
saw good in men and things existing beyond
the lovely chalk cliffs of Albion
Now far my experience of living
/ down any neglect suffering goes l. for one
| can FRANKLY and sincerely affirm that my own
and only anxiety from the first was TO try to
| live up to- the excellent status" that was
| whelmed upon me from the first And If have
- n -. A.