New-York tribune., 1908-05-17
LONDON ART
The Aoademg Portraits Exhibition
Conventions.

London, May >.
There is a commonplace Academy, without
canvas which be dignifed -'the picture Of
the year The most noticeable work is large
panel by Sir Hubert Won Herkomer. The Coun-
ell Of the Royal Academy, 1907" with the presi-
dent, Sir Edward Poynter in the centre and tfir-
teen painters sculptors architects around
him. The semicircle arrangement suggests an
old-fashioned minstrel show, but as the most
dgnihed members are at the ends there is no
hint OF tambourfne and bones The council IS
intent upon making a decision, probably with
reference to the acceptance Of a picture. and
the members are in characteristic poses and ad-
mirably grouped The likenesses are striking
and the panel will be surrounded with specta-
tors throughout the season 1t is the best work
in the galleries for exhibition purposes and will
help 10 draw the si1illings at the gate through
out the summer. 1t does not lack either dignity
or vivacity, and the modelling Of the faces is
remarkably strong.
Mr.. Sargent has five portraits but does not
seem TO have enjoyed painting them. nor TO have
been deeply interested in the subjects. Those OF
the Duke and Duchess Of Connaught are COM
panion pictures and accord with each other. The
soldierly qualities Of the duke and his dignity
Of character are clearly revealed and that is
more important than the brush work in uniform
and decorations The duchess is in black and
white with light centred upon arms neck and
face. as she stands with a column behind her
II is vivid rather than stately portrait
There is a larger canvas for full length of Nj
Balfour. who is also standing in front Of a COL
ur7n. with one hand in the lapel of his frock-
coat and the other outstretr1eG on the painscot
The likeness is excellent nd the pose charac acter-
istic Of an intellectual but indolent statesman,
who has To force himself to do his work in poll
tics but the portrait lacks distinction and is less
vital shan the Of Lord Ribblesdale which
was hung on the same wall a fen years ago
more brilliant portrait is that Of Miss Helen
Rrice standing out from a black background
with her dark hair and grayish white draperies.
with fine play of light on face and shoulders
The painting Of the hand is exceptionally good
and il is = vital and picturesque portrait The
hrUsh work Is bolder in the portrait cf Mrs.
Hugh Jackson, whose gown is wonderfully
painted and whose face seems 10 have interested
him. This is a compliment 10 the subject. for
the modern Van Dyck has evidently grown
weary Of portrait painting
The rival American portrait painter Of the
Academy. Mr. J. }. shannon, has four works OF
excellent quality. one is portrait Of the hand
some, vivacious Princess Patricia. seated in =
crimson chair with white evening dress and
ropes Of pearls, ana with DUH metallic glints and
dark red roses on Il able to complete q charm
ing color srleiir.- 4holieI l. q portrait OF the
Marchion-ss 81 salisbury. ia black against a red
curtain. with Lord David Cecii. boy ia brown.
standing beside her A larger group is Mrs
dieofTey Lubbock. in black. with her three chil-
dTen around leI. one IN light blue nd the others
IN while-a graceful end refined oiil position.
These works Do not reveal any decline OF in
tenest in portrait painting. yet Mr. Shannon is
evidently as bored with the drudgery Of his art
as Mr. Sargent Is. for he has found relief in A
subject picture. The Infant Bscchus." an ex-
oeedingly pert little god with two nude girls
under trees. This is a sumptuous work with
beautiful effects Of color in the landscape leaf
ege, flesh tinting and pink roses. and Mr. Shan
non has Thoroughly enjoyed working out the de-
tails Of the graceful composition renewing his
South while he has been painting II. This id,l