New-York tribune., 1908-12-16
ART EXHIBITIONS
Sculpture and Painting at the
4cddemu of Design.

ing 25s pictures have been hung In the riding
school next door. which Mr.. Frank Gould has lent
for the purpose, there has been arranged collec
uion OF about hundred pieces of sculpture This
latter exhibit is Of special interest, not simply
because IL is SO volun1iuous but because the
diuons in the large hall really favorable 10 the
display OF plastic One has of the
space, the light and air which sculpture needs.
Large monuments seen IN something ike
proper perspective, and examples OF architectural
sculpture may be studied from almost II not quite
the right point Of view. The figures designed for
the Brooklyn Institute by half a dozen sculptors
are admirably presented. They raised TO con-
siderable height above the floor and placed against
a background OF brick wall Their merits are far
more readily perceived IN these circumstances than
under the arrangements Of the ordinary mtscel-
laneous exhibition. It be hoped that this dem
orstration made by the sculptors will meet with
public appreciation and that If Mr.. Gould's kind
ness may be invoked again the experiment may
lead TO annual exhibition Of the same sort.
The sculptors have abundantIy justified the con-
sideration shown them on this occasion. The
average of excellence IN their work commands
specr and more than individual supplies ex-
ceptional matter for reflection Mr.. French has
never done anything better than hts Melvin memo
rial. large Mourning Victory" half emerging in
relief from surface untroubled by any decorative
motives. Indeed, he has done anything quite
so fine. Not that work which fixed his
pute- the Death and the Young Sculptor, is pos
sessed OF qualities of breadth and subtety
parable to those which distinguish his latest pro-
ductOn. II Is noble figure that he has modelled,
and il is forth with great beauty Of design The
nude torso is massive without heavlness. and the
upfted arms are al once true TO nature and elo-
quent OF the idea which artist has sought 70
press He has handled his draperies too, with
equal skill and judgment; they finely done in
themselves, and they are adjusted perfectly to the
broad effect aimed Il is IN fact, for the felic
ity Of the work whole that Mr. French Is most
10 be praised. This calm and majestic conception
has been developed into a thoroughly well balanced
unit Of form. In technique and in style Mr-
French rises TO the level Of his idea and gives
an impression Of rounded felicity He has added
appreCably to his this work OF his
two figures for Brooklyn Institute, II is posi-
bic 10 speak with some sympathy but not precise
y with enthusiasm. and the truth is that one is
left IN the mood by those statues which have
also been made for that building by Mr. Adams,
Mr. Bitter, Mr.. Heber, Mr. Cox and Mr.. Luke
man These things all creditaby made and
symbolic the genius Of Greek science or religion,
lyric poetry or Chinese law. the case may be,
in digniied and fairly interesting fashion No
where in this group does the work speak OF Pc
culiar inspiration. We are grateful for the sense
Ct character disclosed and for sound technique yet
we pass on unnOved.
If We moved at all by Mr.. Lorado Taft's large
group OF The Blind II is not by elements in the
work which pertain more particularly TO the art Of
sculpture. The design unquestionably has a certain
dramatic force d certain pathOs bat these things
only become Of permanent value III a work Of art
when they are expressed IN terms OF beauty For
some years past European sCulptors have been wont
10 exploit ideas Of realism in what might be de-
scribed as forms OF stolid narrative They have
assembled half a dozen figures more IN mont
rlents prodiglousIy defiant Of academic laws Of
composition. On rare occasions they have been
we'll rewarded for thei- pains. Il would be absurd
deny the artistic quality Of Bartholome s monu-
rnent OF The Dead for example But too often
this movement has led to unfortunate results
Meuner. for all his genius set many sculptor on
the wrong track. Mr.. Taft, whether he has taken
leaf from NIeunier's book or not, produces work
Of sincere and suggestive intention which never
thalzss fails to carry conviction. Il makes ap-
pea that is, say literary, Il does not charm
or thrill as should a piece Of sculpture pure and
simple For this strictly plastic quality must
look on the whole in this exhibition among the
pieces in which the artist gives less play 20 his
imagination than TO just his feeling for FORM MS
faculty for modelling Mr Bela Pratt's nudes. Mr.
BartIetts clever heads and figures, Nj Robert All
zens vivacious studies, NJ Eli HarveEs little por-
traits Of animals, and the medals contributed 6y
Mr Brenner Mr.. Flanagan, Air- Mckenzie and Mr.
Weinn7an-these are the things which invite the
observer TO pause, beguiing him with the skilful
manipulation of line and surface and with the SAVIOR
of Individuality There IS generous quantity of
work here which. il not altogether mastery. is. al
any rate. full of life and significant Of genuine
ability The Iast subteties and distinctions OF mod
cling may not abound but modelling that is work
rnanIike personal. and amusing in the French sense
Of that word. is visible on every hand Decidedly,
the sculptors have made it impossible for future
their full cooperation.
Though the painters have nothing to show in
imaginative art 70 be mentioned in the same mo-
rnent with Mr French's Mourning Victory their
part Of the exhibition is illuminated by the work
Of a. least superb teChniCtan- Three portraits
bv Nj Sargent are shown, and they all illustrate
his brilliant gifts IN felictous action The Mr..
Joseph Pulitzer is in his simplest and strongest
vein and the Mrs J-seDh Pulitzer for a
curious ambiguity about the chin and the throat
lust above the black band worn by the sit-er. IS
one Of those paintings in which he plays with
problems OF texture like a magician The head
and shoulders are marked by that authority in
modelling which gives the spectator sense OF
repose: he rests on the strength Of a master Very
graceful and charming too and very engaging in
its quiet tones IS Mr.. Sargerts portrait of Miss
Helen Brice. He is. TO be sure a host in him
self These three pictures alone could carry an
exhibition There is as i matter Of fact. much
else 10 support this one The landscapes are, as
usual, numerous, and Of a high degree Of merit.
From vivid direct Impressions Ike Mr. CirOlls
Passing Shower in Arizona" or Mr. Scho6eIds
winter on the Soune," and examples OF lunli-
nous inapressionisna such as Mr.. Hassam and Mr-
Lawson send 10 the show. the low toned studies
in color by Mr. c. " Eaton Mr. F B Williams
and q score Of others. the paintings in this field
are admirable alike for their and their skill
The difficulty. indeed is 10 parttcuartZe in mass
Of work so generally satisfactory. Here and there
I BIT Of outdoor painting IS too salient 20 bs OBJ
served without a word OF special sympathy There
is Mr. z L. Warmers First snowfall mod !
est sketch which is just the fuH OF charm,
there IS the splendidy robust picture by Mr. SchO
eaId which has already been mentioned: there are
the landscapes in which Mr.. A T. Van Laer shows
remarkable gain and there is the exquisite
Iris at Dawn in which Mrs. Dewing gives you
rot set flower piece but d painting from which
rbe soul Of flower exhaIes. Il would be interest
rlg 10 compare this picture with by Fantin !
9rour that Frenchrnan whose floral studies have