New-York tribune., 1902-01-19
ABBEY GUEST OF LOTOS.
THE ARTIST AND HIS WORK PRAISED
BY SPEAKERS AT A DINNER
IN HIS HONOR

Edwin A. Abbey, the American artist chosen
by King Edward to paint the of his
| onation, a very welcome guest Of honor
last night at the Lotos Club Over two hun
dred members and friends of the club were
there to give expression to their friendship and
affection for him. The speeches made during the
evening rang with his praises it seemed that
the diners could not say too many kind and fat
tering things about their guest,
The menu card contained a reproduction of
one of Mr. Abbey's series of pictures illustrat-
ing The Quest Of the Holy Grail"
The speakers introduced by Frank R. Law
renee. president of the club were in jovial
mood.
we welcome a master workman said Mr..
Lawrence. He is the greatest American artist.
There is beautiful structure going up a few
hundred yards from here-the new Public
Library building. I trust that in a few years
we may see some OF the wonderful work of
guest therein"
Mr.. Abbey in responding the toast said
that he had always looked upon himself
student and that he always should consider
himself from that point of view.
I am surprised that Mr.. Lawrence has spoken
Of me as one who has achieved things he said
with true modesty. 4 want you all 10 look
upon me simply learner"
John La Fargo spoke of Mr.. Abbey's extraor-
to put his hand to solid and permanent things
Il have watched his progress with the keenest
interest," he said, and I simply wish to say
that he has the goodwill Of every artist in
America"
Edmund Clarence Stedman traced Mr. Abbey's
career with sympathetic a touch that everv
man at the dinner was thoroughly pleased He
spoke Of his early admiration for the painter
1t is true" he said, there is no frontier to
ha oF
and each province is glad when it can put forth
such a champion as Mr. Abbey. While 1t may
be that at present we perhaps little be-
hind Europe in original scientific discoveries we
certainly are holding own in figure histori-
cal and mural painting It is a remarkable
compliment TO Mr.. Abbey to have been called to
paint what will he perhaps the most remarkable
canvas which England has had prepared for
hundred years. America is now wealthy: she is
through with her century Of preparation and
is now ready TO achieve great artistic works
For Mr.. Abbey to have had such a career and
to have had begrudge him his success is
felicity, indeed"
Frederic Dielman, president of the National
Academy of Design, compared Mr.. Abbey with
benjamin West. who in his youthful days made
his own brushes out of the furry tail of his cat
Mr.. Abbey" continued Mr. Dielman is
hguratively speaking, making his brushes out
of the hair of the British lion"
William H. McElroy in a witty speech said
that whenever he went TO Boston he wondered
If the public library in that city was not
merely a decoration for Mr.. Abbeys paintings
He thought that those art treasures the
most important feature OF the library. although
he frankly admitted that ne cid not intend
convey the impression that books were not
great help TO any library"
Frederic CrCwninsheld, president OF the Fine
Arts Federation, called New York an ugly city
without a single artistic grouping OF buildings
He urged that the club aid in the campaign
against materialism and in favor of the applca-
ton of scientific art in municipal decoration.
Among those present were Howard Russell
Butler, the Rev. Percy S Grant Royal Cortissoz
Frederic Crowninshield George Kirby, Charles
II. Caffn Harry w. Watrous. r. Swain Clifford,
George II. Smillie George II. Bogert, William
h. Howe, r. V. V Sewell, David Bispham Rus
sell Sturgis, the Rev. Merle St c. Wright. Will
lam NJ. WINS, w. J. Arkell and Z. De Forest