Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-14
A R T N O T E S.

An interesting collection of etchings and
dry points, by D. G. Cameron loaned by
Mr. A. j. Parsons of this city, is now on
exhibition in the v. G. Fischer art galleries.
This collection consists of fifty-six prints,
and will be found both comprehensive ana
representative. Many of the examples
shown are not only superior states OF MI.
Cameron's best etchings, but are exceed
ingly rare, being in some cases the only
impression made from plate None or
this etcher's works are common, however
nor are his plates ever overworked, for he
assiduously avoids the of steel facing,
and relentlessly destroys the copper as soon
as it gives the least indication of wear
Thus. two or three dozen impressions are
all that any plate yields, and each of these,
printed by the artist himself, possesses an
individuality and intrinsic worth which 1t
otherwise could not have Let 1t be per-
fectly understood however, that all this
care and these precautions are not taken
with the purpose of increasing the COM
mercial value of the prints, but rather from
the desire to give to the world only the
best-to make each as perfect as lies In the
etchers power. And the results justify the
pains and labor Mr.. Cameron is still a
young man, but he is ranked today with
the foremost modern etchers. His work is
clever. substantial and intensely artistic;
and, while less brilliant than Whistler's and
less serious than Seymour-Haden'S 1t is
more winning and joyful than that of either
of these master etcherS. There are pas
SageS here and there which suggest one
great man or another, but on the whole his
works are distinctly individual-true inter-
pretations, which, while showing the So
called temperamental qualities, have pre-
served the balance of intelligibility and
clearness. Great care is displayed in
the rendering of elaborate architectural
schemes. such as the facadeS of certain
Italian palaces, yet in simpler themes a
lightness of touch is seen which is charm
ingly spontaneous and apparently I'M
studied. An interior of ST. Marks Q32
Wedmores numbering) shows the after
noon light sitting through a rose window
in a dim corner of the great cathedral, and
in "A Wine Farm, genre subject, and
Church Interior, Venice there is to be
found remarkable interpretations of rich.
dark. Rembrandtesque shadows. "Aber-
deem Bay and 'Tayside' are charming
little outdoor bits-simple compositions de-
scribed in a few lines and tones, yet SEEM
ingly with nothing remaining unSaid, and
wonderfully expressive of air and sunshine.
1t is this last quality which specially dis
tinguishes THE Stair, Rowallan." A single
flight of marble steps are seen stepped in
sunlight. Their brightness is da zzling and
the warmth is more than suggested. yet so
simply are they wrought that each line has
its mission. AS Is always the case with
works of art built on a firm foundation,
these little prints all grow more attractive
charms are not all on the surface, but
rather divulge themselves gradually upon
acquaintance. 1t Is therefore matter of
congratulation that they are so placed that
one may see them conveniently several
times. and thanks are due both the owner
and the exhibitor for the opportunity thus
afforded.
An historical painting Of Clusters De-
mand' Ga momentuous incident in Sheri-
dams Indian campaign, by Charles Schrey-
vogel, bearing the date of the present year.
has been hung this week in the upper
atrium of the Corcoran Gallery. 1t Is
large canvas and was painted partly from
War Department records and partly from
studies made on the spot. The time pic
tured is when Gen. Custer made his cele-
brated demand of the chiefs, which resulted
in the surrender of all the southwest tribes,
numbering about 20, 600 Indians, and the
place is Antelope Hills, where the scene
was originally acted. Gen. Custer with his
Interpreter, Scout Gaver, on his right, and
A0jutant General John Schuyler Crosby
and Lieutenant Colonel Tom Custer on his
left, is seen addressing the four independent
chiefs, Satanic, Kicking Bird, Tom Wolf
and Little Hare who have approached I'M
der a flag of truce. The army officers are
in fatigue uniform, the Indians in war
paint and feathers. All are mounted. Off
to the right, at some distance, Gen. Sheri-
dan is seen in advance of the 7th Cavalry;
among the foothills, to the left, the Indian
warriors and their families are gathered
awaiting the result of the interview; and
away off in the direction of Fort Cobb, al
most on the horizon, horseman in a cloud
of dust, Who is supposed to be the mes
senger sent by Gen. HaZen Of the Indian
bureau to ask that these tribes be spared
is seen. AS historical paintings go this is
FAR above the average. AS historical data
1t Will be of lasting value and work of
art 1t Is not without interest for while GER
tain passages are hard and poorly related
the drawing, the color, and the general
composition are good, and the whole has
been put together in vigorous, painter
like way.
X *
Less can be said in praise of another his
torical painting which arrived in Washing
ton this week, 1.-THE Signing of the Proto-
COL" which was painted last spring by NJ
Chartran. and has recently been presented
to the nation by Mr.. H. c. Prick Of Pitts
burg. This canvas shows NJ Cambon, the
late French ambassador, seated at a table
in the White House signing the interna-
tional document. President Mckinley
stands to the left, behind the table, watch
| ing the making of the signature, whereas
beside the ambassador is seated Secretary
Day and behind him are grouped Assistant
secretaries Adee, Moore, Cridler and THE
baut. The top Of the table occupies the
foreground of the canvas, and in close
proximity in the background, between the
President and the other officials, is small
curtained window through which misty
representation of the White House grounds
| is seen. The figures are all life size, and
! are recognizable nkenesses, but strangely
enough they share one complexion and one
| expression, IL the blank stare on all the
countenances can be dignif1ed by this name.
The form representing President Mckinley
| is little short of grotesque caricature and
all the figures are 1ifeless and waxen-ef-
| fgies from the past to haunt the future.
With this painting came another this
| week by the same artist. The portrait of
| President Roosevelt, which was exhibited
| last winter in New York and last summer
| in the Paris Salon, and which has recently
been presented to our nation by it is said,
! friends of the artist. In NJ. Chartran's