Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-10-05
A R T N @ T E S.

the National Gallery of Art. Through the
courtesy of Mr.. Theodore Sutro of New
York thirteen paintings by Edward Moran,
illustrating the marine history of America.
nave been placed, for at least year on ex-
addition in the remodeled lecture hall at the
National Museum. For their acCommoda-
tion three large HAT screens, covered with
green burlap. have been placed successfully
across the hall, which in this manner has
been broken into series of small galleries
and made to yield much additional wall
space. The production of these paintings
covered period of fully fifteen years, and
the series was thought by the artist TO be
the browning work of his life. 1t was his
last, and undoubtedly his most successful,
work. and TO it he gave endless enthusiasm
and searching study. In order that every
detail should be historically correct he
spared no pains, and that the subjects
should also be pictorially presented was his
aim
Edward -tJ~an born in Lancashire,
England, IN 1879 the oldest son of a poor
weaver, who in 1914 emigrated to America
with his family and settled in Maryland.
There were hardships to be faced however,
in the new land as well as the cd, and in
spite Of aspirations Edward was forced
more than once 10 return TO his loom in or
der 10 gain a livelihood While still a lad
he walked all the way to Philadelphia with
the hope of obtaining opportunities there to
study art at the same time that he earned
a living. He had the logged determination
which, coupled with ability, is bound to
.ead To success, and in time success came.
Almost as soon as he really began to paint
he received encOuragement-he was perfect
iy in sympathy with his age, and his art
His pictures were accepted by the juries of
the leading American exhibitions and were
shown both al the Royal Academy London,
and the Paris Salon. Almost without eX-
ception he painted marines, and nearly all
Of his pictures Illustrate story of the sea-
1t would have been difficult for one who
underestimate his own capability, but while
Mr.. Moran felt his strength" he was a
conscientious worker and a genial COM
pan.on. When he died in June 1901 at the
age of seventy-two, he was still young in
spirit and making progress in his art. Per-
maps he was not a great painter they are
FCckoned today. but there is no doubt that
ne had genius, artistic instinct and patri-
otto zeal.
The series of paintings which is now in
he National Gallery is of as graf histor-
cal as artistic value. concentrating in
'Httt4IS'Hl form great events In our
tons history. BY some critics il has been
declared the most notable series OF historic
pictures ever painted in this country and
whether this be 50 or not. these paintings
AVE undoubtedly great educa tional value
Each Is complete in itselff. but it was the
painters d. sire that they be considered col
-sS'lNv'N' as group. u series of related
vents set forth in thirteen chapters.
The nGMHer Is" Mr.. Sutro says was de-
.aerateiy selected on account of its national
>Snifcanc.- There were thirteen original
s-ates. tie first order for the creation of a
-.dEy was for thirteen ships; it was ON Feb
!ddry IL. las, in the harbOr of Quiberon
nat the American flag received its first
recognition by foreign government; and
u was thirteen years after the Declaration
- independence was signed that Washing
ION. our first President, was Inaugural ed
hUs the fatal number Mr.. Moran has ac-
pied as good omen and emphasized
ven Introducing thirteen gulls in the frs
painting of the series, The Ocean," which
literally serves as a prologue 10 his picto-
rial naval history.
1t was impossible TO arrange the paintings
chrunologIcally upon the screens at the mu-
scum on account of the variance in their
size. but with almost no difficulty he SEE
luence of events can be traced. Beginning
with the Highway of All Nations" one
should pass to The Landing of Lief Erick-
son in the New World. in 1901" the picture
OF the Santa Maria. Nina and Pinta" and
The Polarization of Columbus to the
Midnight Mass on the Mississippi Over the
Body Of Ferdinand de Soto" The Entrance
IF Henry Hudson Into New York Bay and
The "Em5arkation of the Pilgrims From
southampton" SO far American history is
dealt with. but from here on 1t becom s
strictly national The First Recognition
Of the Flag of the United States is pic
turcd, together with The Burning of the
Frigate PHILADELPHIA in the Harbor of Trip
OIL Commodore Decatur's great exploit;
The Engagement OF the Brig Armstrong
and the British Fleet in the Harbor of
II - l.
he Merrimac." The White Squadron's
Farewell Salute TO the Body of Capt John
Ericsson and The Return of the Con-
IIerors From the Spanish-American War"
ircdt. indeed. is this chain of events and
iIll worthy is II OF commemoraton.
In som" cases il may be felt that the
painter "as over-dramatic and inclined to-
ward the spectacular. but at least it must
90 admitted that his conceptions were not
puuy. To Il great extent these pic -ures tell
heir own stories, and in most instanc -
hey tell them well. Here and there IL will
D.. observed passage Is most skillfully
painted. and from first TO last there is evil
isnce Of sincere purpose and thoughtful
are The psha7 kation of Columbus" has
Inc color G'.1iIty, and The Midnight Mass
On the MsSjs- pPi' some emotional force
..sid, from suhicJ tive interest. Likewise
..s.. IL :Ar, II be noted that in manner of
sN,rUlion the Lass of the series are better
tUya t'la liTs.-frJnker. freer and distinctly
none almost. ere.
Inc and color which make esthetic appeal to
The eye. bat If its tenets are regarded there
IS no reason why ii may not concern itself
with history and serve a stimulous to in
toilact as well. \ painting which is essen
tally illustrative Is not the highest type OF
arr hut-lt performs a legitimate and useful
function. This particular phase of art has
-uSIOssrd our American painters too little,
some think, for while art is universal il also
may b" national Tha opening of new
country and the building of a nation bring
forth deeds of prowess and events of sig
uiiirJut import which il would in truth be
well to hold in rem entrance. Patriotism is
not synonym FOR boasting or for national
cuucrit. 1t Is not fair therefore, to Judge
thFss PAINTINGS by Edward Moran upon
their art merits merely, or to estimate their
value unrelated!y. They have deep sig
nifcancc and in spite of limitations may
serve noble purpose.
Nj. Moran gave this entire series of paint
tugs To lis wife. but emitting to mention the
fact In lis Will and leaving only the income
Of his estate 10 her difficulties arose after
his daath and long litigation ensued His
executor claimed the right 10 dispose of the
pictures and refused to relinquish them to
"a artists widow y suit was brought Mr.
Sutro representing Mrs. Moran, and for
more than three years the matter was be-