The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-12-15

A memorial exhibition Of the sculptured
works Of Edward Kemeys opened with a
private view and reception in the hemi-
cycle Of the Corcoran Gallery OF Art last
evening.
The exhibition comprises more than 100
bronze and plaster casts of animals and
a few Indian studies. Not since the Barge
exhibition in New York has such col
lection Of animal sculpture been assem-
bled in America
Mr.. Hemeys has often been called the
Barge OF America. and in many re-
spects his work compares with that Of
the famous sculptor The studies of
Hemeys were made with finished express
sion as the end in view, rather than de-
tail. Barge studied his subjects in zoo
logical gardens. while Kemeys watched
the animals in their native haunts.
Born in savannah, Ga.
Edward Kemeys was born in Savannah,
Ga. of Northern parents. in 1915. and
while a boy was sent TO New York for
his education When the civil war broke
out he enlisted in the Sixty-ffth New
York Regiment. ana AT the close Of the
war ranked as captain. but even at that
time had not discovered hts true voca-
ton. From his boyhood he had been
deeply Interested in aniraals. and his va
cations were spent whore ne had oppor-
tunity TO study large game in their ma
tive habitat 1t was not until many
years later lac discovered his real ability
and made use Of his knowledge Of ami
mails.
In 1857 he went abroad and studied the
works OF the OLD World. While he was
IN Europe he met Barge and became
acquainted with josef Wolf painted ami
mails and gained instruction from many
OUt-of-the-way places. In the Paris salon
Of 1873 his Bison and Wolves" was cx-
hibited and In England and France his
ability as a sculptor was recognized.
following his return TO America he pro
duced still Hunt, which is In Central
Park, New York. and is regarded as one
OF the best pieces he has made. a plaster
cast OF this piece is included in the pres
enJ exhibition
He modelled the Wolves" Panther and
Deer" and the Raven and tine Coyote"
IN 1872 he mGde number Of pieces for
the Columbian Exposition. This last led
20 giving him the commission for the
large bronze lions which now guard the
entrance 70 the Chicago Art Institute.
After making his home for eight years
n Chicago. Mr. Hemeys removed to ARR
IONA 4 number of bronZes made while
he lived on the plains We're sent 10 the
Chicago Art Institute. and through the
courtesy OF the institution are being
shown with the collection at the CorcOran
Gallery
From Arizona Mr.. Kemeys came 10 this
a "a
studio in the old Art Students League
Building Here ne modelled the great
bears which adorned the entrance 10 the
ST. Louis Building at the Louisiana Pur-
chase Exposition
Died in This city.
Mr.. Kemeys died May i3. 1917. and was
buried I'm Arlington Cemetery. He was "A
tireIess worker and in the last days Of
his lie carried out a number Of com
missions he had by directing the hands
OF another.
Among the features Of the exhibition
is -Panthers and Cubs purchased last
winter BY the Metropolitan Museum Of
Art for its permanent collection. Two
small sketch models in bronze of the
lions asthe Chicago Art Institute. and
r plaster model Of a panel in relief are
also shown There are a number Of
plaster casts shown with their bronze
replicas for the purpose Of comparison.
and 10 give an insight into the method
of the work Mrs. Kemeys. Miss Watson.
of Chicago; the National Gallery, and
many others have contributed 10 the eX-
hibit
The exhibit will be open 10 the pub
lie, beginning to-day, and VIII continue