Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-11-30
A R T N OTES.

.. In connection with Christmas exhibit
ton of books at the Public Library quite
a number of original illustrations are
shown. Some are done in oils. others in
gouache. and others in pen and ink. For
this purpose every medium is now used
and the most perfect mechanical proc
esses employed. In no field of art. in
deed, has greater progress been made
within comparatively short space of
time than in illustration.
Not only does the Public Library at
this time call attention to the work of
contemporary illustrators. but through an
exhibition of photographic prints to the
great paintings by the old masters. And
with these. in the same hall is to be seen
group of Timothy Coles wood engrav-
lnss after the old masters. which in proof
sheets are not the formal. lifeless things
they appear when run through a maya
zine press. A fairly comprehensive col
lection of Mr.. Coles work has been loaned
by the Century Company to the library
or congress and will be placed on exhibit
ton there early in December 1t is, there
fore, especially interesting to have had an
opportunity to become acquainted with
them at first hand and previously learn
their exceptional worth.
!. X
Now that work on the new District
building is almost completed, the scuIp-
tural decorations may be remarked The
pediment over the main entrance and the
series Of figures which adorn the upper
story of the building were designed and
modelled by Adolphe di Nesti of this city
Mr.. di Nesti studied his art in Italy. his
~
scarcely more. than student. Coming
directly to Washington, he set about do
Ing whatever in the way of art work
came to his hand, portrait busts illustra-
tlons and popular paintings. Keeping at
ms work with logged perseverance and
having real aspiration, he found sue
cess, and at the end of a few years re-
celved. in conjunction with Mr.. Bairstow
a local stone-cutter, the contract for this 4
important commission. 1t meant a ire
mendous piece of work, to be done in a
comparatively short time and for little
money. but 1t was opportunity and
the sculptor in modern parlance made
good The work was completed when it
was promised and found satisfactory.
IL may be felt that for work of such
money should have been spent. and OBJ |
Jectlon may be made to the style and
repetition of figures. but this cannot re-
meet upon the sculpture or it's merit Mr.
OIL Nestl did as he was commissioned, and
MS work has the virtue of strength and I
simplicity He did not make the mistake
OF over-elaboration, and, therefore now
tnat the figures are in position they are |
enective and dignitied. Probably few |
who pass by will appreciate that these |
figures stand for sculpture painting. |
architecture, music, commerce. engineer
ing, agriculture and craftsmanship; but |
all Will recognize that they have been |
MADE part of the design of the building |
after no oh -
tectural sculpture. Mr.. di Nesti is at |
present in Italy on a vacation trip, which, |
on account of a commission for a paint |
ing, has been extended beyond it's original
length.
The Washington Water Color Club has |
fixed the dates for its annual exhibition. |
which was postponed this fall until win |
ter. Exhibits will be received January
10, the private view and reception will be |
held Wednesday evening January % and
the exhibition will be open to the public
from January 23 to February II, 1905
No exhibition held in Washington an
nually has been of greater interest or
merit than those held by this organiza-
ton. and special effort is being put
forth this year to make it an event of
Importance.
Mr.. Lucien Powell has now in his STU
dio in the Lehman building several of the
sketches he made last summer in Vir-
ginia. Some of these were done near
Bluemont and others in the vicinity of
Warrenton. They give in a number of
instances. broad views of rolling country
and show In their handling large simple
conception. One, however is an autumn
scene and pictures group of trees on
the bank of small pond or stream The
sky is partly clouded and the impression
is given of a clear, windy day The color
has been permitted to flow from a full
brush and is clear. strong and delight /
fully harmonious. The composition. also.
is especially happy and the effect there
fore leaves little to he desired. 1t is not
peals to Mr.. Powell, but it was evidently
painted on one of those days when, as the
painters say, things happen well \
On Monday afternoon, at 4:15 O'Clock.
in the lower hemicycle of the Corcoran
Gallery of Art, the December art Talk"
will be given by Mr.. Richard n. Brooke |
to the students of the Corcoran School
The subject will be From Sketch to Pic
ture,'' which has even for the layman an
alluring sound.
! x
The National Art and Crafts Institute
has arranged course of lectures on art
for Monday nights during the entire win
ter. They are free to the public and
cover a largo amount of ter
ritory. Prof. Raymond. Mrs. Vesey, Miss
Lane, DR.. Baker and Mr.. Niche are