Morris tribune., 1902-04-12
GEN. GRANT MEMORIAL
Exhibit Of Competitive Models
In Corcoran Art Gallery.
HOW FINAL CHOICE WILL BE MADE

Model of Henry Hudson Kitson At
tracing the Most AttentiOn-Fa-
nous Soldiers Widow Particularly
Pleased With It-Noted Sculptor of
Indians Has a Striking Design.
| Persons who have wondered how the
$25O,OOO which congress appropriated
for the Grant memorial in Washington
! was to be spent in statuary have their
question answered by a visit to the
Corcoran Art gallery, where the COM
petitive models are exhibited, writes
the New York POSTS special CORE
spondent. The idea which has appealed
to most sculptors is that Of a peristyle
of generous proportions forming
background for an equestrian statue of
Grant Perhaps half of the models are
on this order. Another class consists
of huge pedestals, with an equestrian
statue Of Grant at the top or perhaps
with an emblematical figure at the top
and Grant in front of the base Anoth-
er plan for giving an air of elaboration
to the work is the construction Of a
huge platform, perhaps 300 feet long,
with group figures appropriately plac-
ed, and an equestrian statue Of Grant
overlooking it from the middle Of the
rear line. These designs have a parade
ground effect and are perhaps the most
warlike in their character Of any.
in no iTi1 o1 ~
TO four classes: The first contains those
in which everything is subordinated to
some great ideal of Grants life, like
the reconciliation of the sections or the
peace and prosperity of the united
country; the second consists of those in
which the personality Of the hero is
chiefly emphasized: the third class is
the monumental, the personal and even
the ideal elements beillr subordinated
to demand for great and impressive
structure; the fourth class may be
characterized as decorative. In these
the personality OF Grant is so minimiz-
ed that for the most part they would
apply as we'll to almost anybody else.
The model Of Henry Hudson Kitson
Of Boston is attracting much attention.
Mrs Grant and other members of the
family who have visited the gallery
express themselves as particularly
pleased with the representation it
makes of Grant himself. To the gener-
al public it appeals particularly be-
cause of its originality. The nervous
ness and Impotence Of a beautiful
horse contrast with the calmness of
the man, who has dismounted to view
the scene of advance. He is standing
on a natural elevation which brings
him so above the horse as not to be OBJ
scured by it from any point Of observa-
ton. Grants freedom from "frills" Of
all sorts, even his dislike for sword
and gloves, is exemplifed in this rep
resentation of him. There is a roman
tic touch, too, about the figure which
influences strongly all behOlders. The
colOnnade by which it is half surround
ed affords an excellent chance for rep
reservation Of the notable scenes of
Grants life where they may be stud
led by visitors free from the glare Of
the sun, an important factor for one
third of the year in Washington.
Scenes in bas-relief in other designs are
unprotected in this way. The climatic
objection is also urged against the pa
rade ground" designs, which would
look hot from the reflection Of the sun
on the light colored stone for greater
part of the year.
The model of Mr. J. Massey Rhind is
attracting a great deal Of attention
from the massive character Of it's repre-
sentation Of the hero, who is astride an
enormous horse. The artist has sought
to produce a sphinxlike effect, impress |
ing in the most emphatic manner the
heroic character of the subject The
lower platform, or pedestal, resembles
the pavement of Greek temple in all
it's details and approaches.
Scion H. Borglum, the Missouri artist
whose work in the west with the In
dams has attracted so much attention,
contributes a model which is more
strictly ideal in it's design than any
other He would not even put the
names Of battles into view, but instead
has filed the spaces on two sides Of
the pedestal with the flag Of the Union. |
An emblematic figure holding up the |
standard of the country surmounts the |
top, while Grant himself appears on |
horseback under an arch at the front of |
the pedestal The artist has thrown all |
the emphasis upon the ideals of fra
ternity, peace and prosperity, which |
were the aims of Grants career. The |
quotation from the dying Grant ex-
pressing his faith that the country was
on the eve Of new era Of great har-
mony between the sections appears |
prominently in the inscriptions and is
clearly the thought which the artist I
had most in mind. His splendid horse !
studies in the west are shown to good {
advantag e here. Models are also eXhib- !
tied by Attic Piccivilli, L. Amateis and |
B. G. Miller.
The commission appointed to select |
the final design will probably hold it's
first meeting in a few days. Six de- ,
signs are first to be selected from the |
whole number submitted, and from