Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-11-05

~T is generally conceded that the art
schools in this country are COM
parable with the best in the world.
WHY. then, 1t may be asked. should
those seeking art education go
.hroad, Not for the mere Instruction
,iyen in classrooms and ateliers, but
for the knowledge gained through IA
m;liarity with the great works of the old
masters which are to be found In the
public museums.
Until a few years ago Americas art
collections were comparatively meager.
Some famous works had been brought
to this country, but for the most part
contemporary art engrossed attention.
Genre paintings by the opponents OF the
Dusseldorf school and pictures by the
Frenchmen of 1880 were more In favor
among American buyers twenty-five
years ago than We're the works OF the
old masters. But things have changed,
travel has broadened visions, and for
tunes, which represent purchasing power
have increased. Very recently the Rem
brandts owned in America were listed py
well known writer on art, and to the
surprise Of many IL was found that with
but two exceptions no country could
claim a larger number. Last winter, at
the time of the Hudson-Fulton centennial
celebration, a loan collection of Dutcn
art was held at the Metropolitan Mu-
scum, which could scarcely nave been
surpassed in the land of its original pro-
duction. Later, in the same season. COL
lection of paintings by Van Dyck was
shown at Knoedler's, the pictures being
loaned by such collectors as II. 4. triek
and =. A. b. Wldener, ana attracting
much attention.
The majority of the paintings OF this de-
scription that find their way into this
country come from private collections
A source which is, however, not mex
haustible Italy has made strong EFFORTS
TO retain her treasures by forbidding their
expectation. and though other countries
have passed no laws to this effect, Ia
ment Is constantly made when great
painting Is purchased by an American.
This is not through any unfriendlinesss
toward America. but because of apprecia-
ton of the value of such works OF art. 1t
Is therefore no little satisfaction to be
able to record q number OF important re-
cent acquisitions which. whether In pri-
yate or public ownership. are In reality
an enrichment to the nation.
During the past summer in Europe v.
G. Fischer Of this city secured several
paintings such as are to be seen In the
great cole ctions abroad. and these are
now being shown in his gallery here.
Two are works by Van Dyck-portraits Of
George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.
and of Char.es Louis. Elector Palatin.
Both are young men. scarcely, in fact.
more t1an IduS, auu suSS ST III IcdtuIe
the portrait of the little boy in Windsor
castle Both are painted within q circle
and are represented standing The one
has red hair and W. ars cloak Of copper
colored cloth over richly embroidered
coat. The other Is clad In black velvet
and wears a large Van Dyck" collar of
lace. He-the Elector Palatin-has his
lift hand on the hilt of his sword, the
right resting lightly on his breast. In
merit there seems little to choose between
the two paintings, for IL the one II more
spirited and colorful, the other is richer
In tone and gives token OF greater re-
serve. Both belonged to Lord Carlysle,
many years in Castle Howard. The di.
rector of the National Portrait Gallery in
| London writes of them not only with In