New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-04-28
ART EXHIBITIONS
Il Collection of Etchings by Mr..
d. Y. Cameron.

Collectors OF prints in New York are having every
opportunity this TO make themselves well
acquainted with the etched work of Mr.. D Y
Cameron, of Glasgow. About fourscore representa-
tive plates by him shown at the Wunderlich
gallery early in the winter, and now there may be
seen at the Grolier Club collection illustrating
his art from the little village scene which he etched
just twenty years to the study of F1orentine
sargoyle. dated 1905 His characteristics have al
ready been noted in The Tribune but It Is pleasant
to return TO the subject in the light of the Groler
exhibition This has been chronologicaly arranged.
in a number of instances il shows etching in
more than state. and in short. It presents the
clever young Scotchman at full length. His clever
ness goes deep. He has Unborn gift. which he
has developed steadily and with fair rapidity.
principle OF growth runs through this collection
making feel that the artist has worked from
the beginning with a kind of zest, always having
an eye TO technique, but always likewise seeking
themes that would make the exploitation Of his
technique worth while. There is nothing perfume
tory or academic about his earliest plates:
these may not be mastery but neither they
smateurish or dull
He appears 10 have been, at the outset, much
under the influence OF Haden and Whistler. One Of
the earlier pieces. the Clyde Carmyle." might
have been done in deliberate emulation OF Haden's
"Shere MIL Pond" in his sketches Of shipping
the echoes OF Whistler are insistent But even at
this period Mr.. Cameron feeling his way
toward a note of his own, the note first clearly
most himself in the austere simplicity of this plate
and OF later productions like the beautiful ''Sena"
The sentiment. well as the style, of these works
suggests temperament But there is an
original force be discerned in many of the other
plates. for all that they linked in
another TO presidents esta blished by certain ia
nous masters. That is to say, Mr.. Cameron
follow in the footsteps of a classic without remain
ing mitatOr Doubtless his art would not have
unfolded quite it has unfoided if he had not had
the example OF Whistler before him. but, when all
is said. his impressions his II this is the
regards his landscapes-as witness the
"Elcho on the Tay," which possesses quality only
attributable TO genuine feeling for the poetry OF
natuTe-it is even more regards the architect
ural studies which make up the bulk of his work.
In these Mr.. Cameron takes pains TO bring out the
more romantic aspects of his material, and at the
same time considers that material with the sym
pathy of architect. He does not look merely
for picturesque sky line or for the episode OF
decoration. He appreciates the weight and dig
nifty in a solid wall; in making a picture of
building he is loyal to its character a piece OF
construction. Perhaps the most brilliant example
OF his effectiveness in this matter is the "Cour des
Bons Enfants" The etching is full Of light and
shade it is rich in color. and 1t makes original
and charming picture. But OF its first merits
is its fidelity TO the studied the impression it
gives you of being a portrait OF place
This exhibition brims over with local color" MI
Cameron has worked much abroad well
home. and his French Dutch. Belgian and Italian
subjects have each the essential atmosphere of
the country visited. 1t Is. indeed, for their truth
that his etchings are first and last. be
mended. His line is good, and he is often skiIful
in the manipulation of tone, in
striking church interiors He has a capital
Of composition. Though in instances he
shows himself to be lacking in the art of omission.
his work whole testifes to his authoritative
grasp the true genius of etching But while
his workmanship is admirable in itself, it is chiefly
be valued because of the which IT has
been put. because II has been made the servant
OF the artists ideas. He has sought to put before
the charm IF ancient buildings. sacred and pro
fame. magnificent and obscure but always pct
uresQue or beautiful His success makes him
equally appealing to the IayQan and TO the con-
noisseur OF etching.