Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-23
A R T N 0 T E s.

The hrst chapter in the Won Steuben
monument competition is closed The jury
consisting of Secretary Taft, Senator Wet
more ana Mr.. McCieary, advised by Mr..
Saint Gaudens, has announced its primary
award From the eight models submitted
three have been selected as most meritori-
GUS and with these second competition
has been instituted The sculptors of these
winning models have been paid $500 apiece
for their trouble and have been requested
to submit. not later than April / of the
coming year. enlarged models of the figure
Of Won Steuben, with the privilege of re-
studying other details of their work If de-
sired. The final award Is therefore post
poned until spring, but will then be made
to one of these three seulptors. They are
in Elberfeld, Germany. In 1868, is
member of the American Architectural
League and of the National Sculpture So
ciety and is entirely self-taught; Adolph
from Germany in 1850 when ten years old
and studied both under Mr.. Saint Gaudens
at the New York Art League and at the
Cooper Union, and Mr.. Henry Herring,
who is not only pupil of, but a co-worker
with, the same eminent sculptor.
The model submitted by Mr.. Jaegers was
rated first by the jury of award and is
undoubtedly work of much force and
merit. 1t represents Won Steuben in cooked
hat and military cloak as though endur-
ing the hardships of a rigorous winter He
stands squarely facing the front and bears
himself with dignity and reserve. The fig
ure is'well constructed; the pose admirably
chosen. The mans personality Is definitely
expressed. but it is not made aggressive
He is not on parade, he does not strut or
appear self-conscious, but to the contrary
stands quietly and at ease before the peo-
pie. 1t is, moreover, well related to the
PEDESTAL, which In turn Is frankly rendered
simple and pleasing. To the front and
rear of the pedestal allegorical groups have
in rda hat fto
might better conform in style to those of
Lafayette and Rochambeau which already
occupy relative positions in the same public
square wherein 1t is to be placed.
These are, it must be confessed the least
satisfactory portion of the design The one
IN front represents somewhat appropriately
Military instruction" and is in itself
rather attractive but the one at the rear
pcrtrays America" assisting youth" to
ingraft on her Tree of Fame branch to
the memory of the distinguished German
officer to whom she will owe for all time
debt of gratitude. The thought here Is
not. however, well expressed the group is
awkward and out of place. Without an ex-
PLANTATION it is puzzling and open to va
riety of irrelevant interpretations and from
the sculpturesque standpoint 1t does not
hold together. Possibly this is a part which
Will be reStudied.
Mr.. Herring submitted four models show
ing various adaptations of the same
scheme. All are clever and original but
more frivolous than Mr. Jaeger's and less in
IL.
All show as a pedestal section of a col
umn and the one selected adds to the base
semi-circular seat at the extremities of
which are Interestingly placed two conven-
tional eagles. The work is charmingly
done; the effect delightful, but its design is
too arbitrary to be Incorporated into a
scheme and its form Is Ill adapted to the
position It must occupy.
The best, the most commendable part of
the third selected model, are the allegorical
figures on the pedestal-.svaior" and s.Or-
Ia,~ Mr.. Inn HOW Tlal ~.
consummate skill, bat he has succeeded less
well with his statue OF the baron whom he
portrays without feeling as pompous and
overbearing. The design of the pedestal is,
however on the other hand specially good
in proportion, line, and decoration.
1t seems little strange that in making
which commends itself through conspicuous
merit should have been overlooked. It is
true that the figure is little fdgety and
less military in conception than might have
been desired, but the whole taken as unit
Is keenly artistic and displays as possibly
the others do not unique individuality. II
charms the eye and holds the interest, but
it was confessedly more French than Ger
man In sentiment. Possibly this is the ex-
PLANTATION
As the selection of a new monument for a
pcb bic place Is of necessity of much import
| ance and wide interest 1t has been deter
mined by those in authority to exhibit all
the models entered In the competition In the
basement of the corcoran Gallery until the
first OF January. Collectively as well sas in
dividually they viii be found worthy OF
careful examination and study.
Few exhibitions have attracted as much
attention In this city as that. OF original
drawings and paintings by 4eading Ameri-
can illustrators which was gotten together
by Golfers Weekly and given recently a
place in the atrium and hernicycle of the
Corcoran Gallery. Between the hours OF 2
and on Sunday afternoon the gallery was