Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-19

the present outlook is favorable for its es-
tablishment.
At this tea quite a collection of paintings
! by both Mr. and Mrs. Smith was exhibited,
among which were portraits of Mrs. Bent
| ley of Washington and Mr.. Levi P Smith
OF Warren, Pa, which Mr. Smith has but
lately completed, The last named is
large canvas, showing the well-known,
public-spirited man seated at his desk, and
| Is to be presented by the citizens Of War
rem to their high school as token of ap-
probation of his lberality.
X
Mr.. Messer has Just finished a notably
fine picture showing a bit of the country
| near Greenwich, Conn. A rocky meadow
constitutes the foreground, and an irregular
scattered row Of trees comes between 1t
and the atmospheric blue of the sky. These
trees are not of single kind. A bare
young birch may be seen in the middle dis
lance; some naples whose foliage has been
gllded by the autumn frosts, appear among
the mass, and several sturdy evergreen
cedars lend an air of dignity and perma-
nence to the composition. The sky Is
partly covered with long, straight clouds,
which are very vaporous and gently restful.
1t is extremely realistic, yet full of poetry;
not dramatic or perhaps even forceful, but
rather reverent Interpretation Of one Of
natures happiest modes. Mr.. Messer is
now working upon two other Greenwich
canvases, which were done down by the
sound, and show, therefore, quite a differ
ent phase OF that interesting neighborhood.
In spite of all this countrys charms Mr.
Messer and his little art colony will not re-
turn to Greenwich this summer. but pur-
pose instead seeking pastures new, some
eight or ten miles from Poughkeepsie.
where 1t Is said that Dame Nature still
re1gns supreme, unfettered by the conven-
tionalities of the world of fashion.
Miss Foster has been painting miniatures
of Mrs. de Vain and her little son. The
latter she has completed, the former she is
still at work upon. Both are very salts
factory, nicely modelled and good in color
Mr.. Brooke is painting another portrait
for the Army and Navy Club. and is at
work upon an important landscape study.
1t is broad view of hill and valley. The
full moon has risen and shines family. not
withstanding the overpowering brilliancy
of the setting sun, whose departing rays
battle the foliage on the hillside with a
rudy light. In the valley flock of sheep
Is turning homeWard, and figure or two
give life and active interest to the fore
ground 1t Is a strong painting and one
WHICH dll VIII surely uuO uNCOmnOnly
teresting.
Miss Burdette has just finished a most
attractive study in black and white 1t Is
the figure of young woman with some
what classic features, wearing a simple
Greek robe. The pose is graceful and artis-
tic and the craftsmanship exceptionally
fine. 1t Is done in charcoal and possesses
all the charm Of that medium when han
died by one who has completely mastered
its technical possibilities
* *
The art event of the week in New York
was the presentation, by Mr.. James H.
Smith, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
of beautiful Madonna by Rubens. The
canvas in question was included In the
Mathiesen collection. recently sold at auc-
ton in New York 1t was bought at the
sale by Mr.. Blow, a relative of the late
owner, at $4,000, which is understood to
be $4,000 less than it cost Mr. Mathiesen.
and his intention was to take it to his home
in a western city; but when Mr. Smith ex-
pressed desire to purchase the picture
for presentation, as above, Mr.. Blow kindly
consented to sell 1t for the sum he paid
for it. The size Of the picture is 6S1a by
S11a, and 1t is regarded as one of the finest
and most pleasing of all Rubens' works