The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-15
OUTLOOK FOR AMERICAN ART.
Sir Philip Burne-JOnes Says It's Flu
ture Is Bright.
New York Mail and Express.

NNtN 1OIh MAIL anu EADIGSS.
I'm art, as in other branches of activity.
America is fast forging to the front. In
London to-day three Americans hold the
foremost rank, and one of them as a por-
trait painter has an almost unprecedented
rogue. The outlook for American art, in
short, was never brighter"
With these words, which were uttered
with a ring of conviction betokening evil
dent sincerity. Sir Philip Burne-Jones the
noted English artist, characterized to-day
the work and prospects of his fellow-crafts-
men of American birth.
Sir Philip arrived here yesterday on his
first visit to these shores, and in mpan
with Sir w. Martin Conway, the explorer,
the English publisher, Gerald Duckworth,
and Capt. A. Graves, r. A, is staying at
the Albemarle.
Despite his light complexion, there Is
much about the British artist which Ie-
minds one Of his cousin, Rudyard Kipling.
There are the same square, determined jaw,
the high cheek bones and well-knit figure,
but, above all, a certain irrepressible en-
ergy, like that OF the author-poet, which
seems to defy all efforts at a curb and
manifests itself in rapid gestures and quick
play of expression while he talks and found
characteristic expression in his answer to
the first question asked.
What did / come here for? Why, to
paint" Sir Philip answered. as if it would
have been the most unnatural thing in the
world for him TO have left all thought Of
work three thousand miles across the At
lantic.
"Yes. 1 expect to be kept quite busy
while l am in this country. / hope, how
ever, TO find time TO study American art in
its native surroundings, an opportunity
which 1 have long sought, but that now for
the first time presents itself.
Il am fully persuaded of the great posi-
bilities that the future holds for the artists
of this country. Even now they have won
enviable recognition in Europe. In London,
for instance, are Sargent. Abbey and
Boughton, literally in the forerank of the
elect. As for Sargent. he has a wonderful
vogue. 1t would seem as if everybody who
is anybody must have his portrait painted
by him.
Naturally continued Sir Philip Burne-
Jones, Il am most familiar with the work
of those Of your countrymen who pursue
their art mid European surroundings"
In Sir Philips opinion Europe is bound
to continue 10 influence American art for
an indefinite time.
THE atmosphere of tradition which
pervades Great Britain and the continent
is in a measure the breath OF art. Above
all things the accessibility TO the great
masters of past ages is a factor in favor
of Europe as the mistress of art. The alb
sence in this country of such influences has
been the greatest drawback. L believe, 10
the rapid development of art here.
Still. at the rate the museums and mil
lionaires of this country are buying the
great masterpieces" admitted the speak
er, with a smile, lit won't be long before
a student here will have rare advantages.
Understand me- continued he; Il do
not advocate slavish copying OF the art
of any past age; only ii is most instructive
and helpful TO be able to study the differ
ent examples"
With true British reserve, Sir Philip
Burne-Jones begged to be excused from
talking about his own painting. although
he admitted that the one I'm which he was
most interested was The Vampire"
There is no truth in the report. how
ever. that l had i'm mind when painting
il a certain popular actress he explained.
At the time the picture was put on ex-
hibition Mrs. Patrick Campbell had just
received unqualified recognition in Lon
don. The fact that the woman in the pic
ture had black hair and a form thought
by some TO resemble that Of the actress
led 10 the report that l had taken her as
my model. But 1 had no thought of so
doing"
The artist declared in conclusion that be-
fore his return he hoped 10 visit Wash
ington, Boston and Chicago. but had not
as yet laid any definite plans. He seemed
much amused at the published accounts
of the game of poker which was played
by him. Sir Walter Martin Conway. Mr..
DuckwOrth. c. J. Cato, of Toronto, and
+. X. Spinney.
Yes he concluded, 1T is true that in
the game L came out loser. But, really.