The Washington times., 1906-11-18
ART Y'ARTISE
~ e@ o.

Il think that this city has had enough
OF bronze men on horseback and bronze
men on foot, in the way of occupying
the public spaces which might be occu-
pied with more pleasing subjects" said
prominent architect of this city few
days ago. while discussing the present
art tendencies of the National Capital
Il do not wish it to be understood" he
continued, "as referring in spirit OF
adverse criticism to any OF the work
that has been done. for L believe that
the individuals who have been intimately
associated with the erection OF the many
statutes, equestrian and otherwise, have
felt that they were doing their fun duty,
and have done the very best that they
could do but the result from stand
point of art Is not pleasing, and yet ! do
not know that this city has sinned more
than other cities in this particular. 1t
IS time. however when a decided step in
the right direction should be taken, and
without reference to the mistakes of
the past il should be the determine
tion of all interested in a better art that
there be no repetition Of these mistakes. :
In the errors of the past. the artists
and sculptors have not been wholly
blameless. and the spirit of commercial
ism has much 20 do with the existing
conditions.
Funds Usually Inadequate
Usually the amounts 10 be expended
have been wholly inadequate for such ,
ambitious works, and il would be FAR
better in the future. IL we are to have
more statues. that we should have some
OF the work of such sculptors as st.
Gaudens. or one or two others who are
conceded to stand in the front rank of
their profession, and then, II II is de- !
sired to have something really conspic-
nous, to have enough money forthcom- ,
ing so that the best possible results may
be secured. OF else If the appropriation
IS limited, adopt some simpler com |
position, but let the work or the thought
. be expressed by the sculptor in such art
e language that il Will be JOY and
satisfaction instead of a reproach
II have often wondered why so little
attention has been paid TO the decorative !
value OF fountains in this city. The
number of fountains In Washington is
insignificant. and most OF them are al
lowed to run dry. Nothing can be made
more beautiful than a fountain. and the
sculptural work may be very modest
- and inexpensive. but the beauty OF the !
water In motion has far more attract /
ivepess than a man on horseback. A
wise expenditure in this method OF /
Oeautifying the small open spaces of
this city would result in higher artistic
effects and produce change of the pop
ular mind in the right direction.
CCrcoIan Gallery Aids Cause.
1T seems. 20 me a source of regret
that the General Government has failed
10 avail itself Of the services of such a /
distinguished sculptor as st. Gaudens at
such times as the project of further ad-
ditions 10 the public statues of this city
are under discussion. Abroad, when any |
artist has won distinction, he is recog- /
nizsd by the government, and there /
after he Is called upon when matters OF !
& public rature in his particular line are .
under consideration BY this method /
the advice OF The best artists is always
at the command of the government. and
the chances of naTustic or OveraInbi- +
tious productions finding their way into /
public buildings or grounds are greatly /
lessened. This country has much 10 I
learn IN this direction.
The appointment OF an art commits |
sion may do much toward an improve
nlent in present conditions and the ere
alton of a bette: art but the people at
large need education and an art awak-
ening Men cannot be legislated in art
directions or made artistic by set OF
be universal
7 am glad. however. to notice that |
there is a decided Improvement in art /
conditions IN this city. and I feel that |
much of 1t is due to the influence of /
the COTcOTan Gallery of Art in the open
ing OF that Institution on Sunday after |
Moons.
Il was highly gratihed on a recent :
visit TO the CorcOran Gallery on Sun
day TO note the interest of the artisans /
IN the art works OF that institution. /
lisened to their. conversation. and noted
an intelligent purpose 20 learn the how,
and the why. If our National Museum
could be opened on Sundays ii would
also become a useful factor I'm art edu- /
cation of the people.
Men who work all the week have lit /
tie opportunity for becoming acquainted
with art, and all possible advantage
should be given TO this class which must
be educated if a higher art feeling is 1