New-York tribune., 1905-01-20
LONDON ART.
The International Exhibition -Etch-
erS and EngrGUers.
London. January Z.

London. January Z.
The New Gallery has again become a strong
hold OF art, and already rivals the Academy In
influence. The international Society, under the
presidency Of NJ. Auguste Rodin. has disarmed
prejudice and attracted public support, and its
winter shows are the most interesting Of the
year Not only are French, German, Italian and
American sculptors. painters and engraVers en-
abled 20 exhibit their work TO the best adVan-
tage but English and Scottish artists receive
the impulses of creative power and breadth OF
style and breaking away from habits ana con-
ventions regain their individuality and freedom.
The foreign work is less noticeable this year
than IL was a year ago. when NJ. Robins sculpt-
ure and NJ. Besnard's paintings were conspicuous
features; but there has been marked improve
snent IN the English exhibits. This is a most
encouraging proof of the educational value OF
the Society's work in London. The most pro-
Eressive men have been invigorated by the stiIn-
ulating effect Of these International displays
and are no longer content 10 work sluggishly
and 70 repeat themselves in narrow circle OF
achievement. They are less insular in their
aims and methods. and paint and etch Win
broader spirit and finer feeling. When the So
ciety was organized six years ago. the Acade-
micians sneered at 1t as Mr. Whistler's little
sideshow in skating rink; and in the next
was trying TO force his way into Burlington
House The time has gone by for silly innu-
endoes like these The International Society is
now a recognized institution. which enables IoV-
ers OF art TO know what IS going on in the world
outside the Academy. and is improving the
quality of English works and raising the stand
ards OF public taste.
The South Room where black and white work.
water coIors and pastels are displayed, was
perhaps the best feature OF last years SHOW
with the single exception of the sculpture in
the central han. This year it is even better
than 1t was year go. and it is full Of American
work There are eight examples Of Timothy
Coles wood engravings of English masterpieces
IN the National Gallery, soft and beautiful in
shading texture and chiaroscuro; and there
are eleven examples OF Mr.. Henry Wolfs mas
ferly wood engravings. THE Little Lazy
Sophia OF Soho" is perhaps the most exquisite
OF these in texture and technique; but THE
Lady IN the White Shawl" after Mr. Chase. and
Ienbach's portrait are also marvels Of crafts
.nanship. Mr. Joseph PennelI's series of nine
etchings of '.New-York sky Scrapers" is also
most brilliant With economy of line and
delicacy Of feeling he succeeds in imparting an
Old World picturesque effect 10 these Overpower-
ing masses Of masonry. with their steel frames
and groupings of stories. THE New York Stock
Exchange" and the Wilnam-st. "Cafon" are
perhaps the most artistic etchings; but Down
Broadway" and the New Tower Of Pisa" (the
St Paul Building) are full Of feeling; the Flat
sron" has fine effects of light and shadow; and
''Forty-second Street" the Golden Cornice"
the Park Row Building and Building the
Sky Scraper" are admirable examples Of the
stchers art. Mr.. Pennelrs series may convince
visitors that New-York. instead Of being a
city OF architectural monstrosities, IS a New
World Nuremberg; and certainly II ought TO be
exhibited in America IN order TO let New-Yorkers
know how picturesque their city is If it can be
looked at in the right way. Mr.. D. S. McLaugh-
Ian also has a series of six etchings Of ST. Sui
pice. Rue Mufftard." The Little Forge" and
other subjects, which bear a strong impress Of
1dr. WhIstler's methods. Mr.. Albert Sterner's
portrait Of Mrs HUmphry Ward. which !
described IN a recent letter. is a fine example
OF chalk drawing. Miss Mary Cassatt has a
series OF etchings and impressions. printed IN
dom and vivacity; Mr.. Charles Fromuth has a
pair OF pastels; Miss Pamela Coleman Smith a
water color, and Mr.. Frank Mura two charcoal
drawings. There are thirty-seyen Of these
American works-a most creditable display
The Continental ard English work in the same
room IS also of high quality There is a most
effective series Of eleven pen drawings by the
late Daniel Vierge, and another remarkable set
of nine illustrations Of The Rubaiyat Of Omar
Khayyam," in pen and wash by Mr. Edmund
J. Sullivan. Of singular beauty and deIicacy
NJ Rodin has two highly imaginative and force
ful drawings in pen and wash. entitled Rock