The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-01
ROYAL ACADEMY EXHIBITION.
THE AVERAGE A LITTLE HI0HER
THAN LAST YEAR.
Good WORK by woman Artists--Ameriean
and English Invasion Of French Art
shown In the Old Salon OF Paris
Work OF American Artists Described.

Academicians was asked the other day
what chiefly characterized this years
exhibition. He replied: "A high level Of
mediocrity."
The definition was pretty good. The
average is q little higher than In 1902, but no
picture energies from the rest 30 far as to
be called the picture Of the year. No artist
has proved himself TO be miles ahead OF his
fellows or greatly to differ from them in
method.
The exhibition Is chiefly distinguished,
first, by a large proportion Of good. sound
work by woman artists; and. secondly,
by the much better quality and arrange
ment OF the various exhibits classified
under the heading OF sculpture.
This was largely due to the presence on
the selection committee Of George Tramp
ton, R. A. Much interesting work is shown
which formerly would have been rejected
as not in accordance with academic con-
ventions. The younger members Of the
academic body are to be congratulated on
having brought about this change for the
better.
The exhibits number 1880, compared
with / ,72e in 1902. OF this number 1888 are
oil paintings, SIT water colors and minia-
LURES ana 100 SOUL pluIes, &C. hHo iSJ'S'ioAS
numbered is con, breaking the record.
OF Americans only j. j. Shannon can be
said to have distinguished himself He
sends an excellent full-length painting Of
young Lord Vernon, as one Of King Ed
wards pages at the coronation.
Mr. Abbey's only contribution, pot
pourri," Is well hung on the line OF the
chief gallery. 1t depicts a white chamber
- al -; ria with
piles Of red roses In many ways 1t Is
charming, but does not show the artist
at his best.
Mr. Sargent shows single figure. His
portraits are rather disappointing. 1t was
said at the Paris view that he was becom-
ing careless. The portraits include Lady
Evelyn Cavendish, Mrs. Joseph Chamber
lain, Mrs. Julius Wernher, Mrs. Phi lip
Agnew, wife OF one of the proprietors Of
Punch; Lord Cromer and G. MacCorque-
dale.
Other good characteristic works are con-
tributed by F. D. Mllet and Frederick A.
Bridgman.
Sir Edward POINTER sends the completed
picture THE Cave Of the Storm Nymphs,
the study for which was shown last year.
He also sends three other oils and two
water colors.
Among the portraits by Academicians
must be noted an amusing likeness OF Gen.
Baden-Powell by Herkomer.
Good work is shown by George Clausen,
j. Solomon, and Frank Dicksees.
A rather labored, but succ--r' Il, portrait
Of Lady Arid is Alma Tadema's only e1-
hibit.
A small picture entitled Silver Favo-
4 L 1 -. n nnn .trna
1t represents three classic maidens upon a
classic marble seat feeding fish,
RICHARDSON sends only one painting, an
excellent picture Of rather short and
stout Mrs. Siddons reciting before select
company assembled in Reynolds studio.
Among the landscapes 1t is pleasure to
notice four vigorous canvases by Henry
Lathangue and three by George Clausen,
Francois Millet.
Earnest Waterlow sends his diploma
picture, and two other landscapes which
are better.
There is nothing calling for special notice
among the watercolors and miniatures,
but with sculpture 1t is far otherwise
Frampton shows two busts one OF which
in bronze is an excellent likeness Of William
which goes to the Guild Hall.
There is also low relief in bronze by
Walter Besant for st. Paul's Cathedral
Pietro Canonico, an Italian. sends three
works, all remarkable for refinement,
delicacy and skilful execution, which are
sure to attr act attention. One out Of the
common is called "The Communicates,
representing two girls before an altar
ol txyo SyrY,fho owirp-
ming, entitled, "Sons of Posedon." is
shown by Oliver Wheatley.
The exhibition opens Monday.
IN THE OLD SALON OF PARIS.
PARIS, April 3o.-The fea ture Of the
Old Salon OF 1903 the vanishing day Of
which was to-day. is the development
Of the American and English invasion Of
French art The French school is annually
more addicted to rose tints, whether ex-
emplifed by Bouguereau's beautiful women
or Didier's or Pougets landscapes.
The Americans bring subdued coloring.
which, though found by some to be mo-
notonous, makes a pleasant contrast to
the earish ints beloved Of the French.
Among the contributions OF French painters
a remarkable work is Balls -Benedicite,"
REPRESENTING fourteen nuns at grace before
meat. 1t is full Of technical skill, color,
and feeling and will probably obtain a
medal.
Oswald Billey's nude is a fine study in
gray tints.
Bridpmann's Procession in Honor OF
Isis does not fulfil the expectation Of
what should be done by an artist Of un-
doubted talent.
Chartran's portrait Of President Roose-
welt is geographically correct, but it
does not produce the Presidents indi-
viduality.
Cole exhibits portrait showing excellent
technique.
Dierck's Bible Reading breathes Dutch
religious feeling.
Dumond's sRome's Diversion Is ex-
tremely exaggerated.
Dupuis's .Old Man Drinking recalls
,Ribera's strength.
.Eaton's .Bruees Canal is a clever moon
light scene.
Ferrier scores success with Gen. Andres |
nortrait His 'Douleur" Is also excellent.
Gihons Evening Is probably the best |
work he has done. II deserves honors for |
its delightful mellow atmosphere.
Gilberts Song Seller possesses Rem