Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-11-30

graphic arts represent the democracy O
art-the art which is for all. the art OF
the people-and for this reason they merit
the most serious consideration. One poor
Iy painted picture hung In gallery will
do compa ra lively little harm, but ten
twenty or a hundred thousand pictures
with artistic merit scattered through
the land are bound to lower public stand
ards.
In making the exhibit which is now in
course of development effort will be
made to demonstrate mechanical and ind1-
vidual reproductive methods and at the
same time manifest the possibilities OF
achievement by setting forth only the
best. As an Instructive exhibit and as a
link between commercial interest and ar
tistic development this collection prom
ises to become very important.
X X
A PAINTING by Belgian-Van Lerius
IA by name-has been loaned to the
National Gallery by Mrs. Frances E. Mus
grave of this city and may be seen with
the first group of pictures as one enters
from the main hall of the museum. II
is painted on large wooden panel and
technically is superior piece of work
The drawing is excellent. the color strong
and harmonious, textures are admirably
rendered and fine surfaces are wrought
nut it must be admitted that the subject
is very 1ugubrious. 1t is entitled Death
Preferred" and pictures "A fair woman
throwing herself rom a high window in
preference to surrendering to representa-
tives of an. invading army who have
made their way to her room. 1t seems
odd that one who could paint so skill
fully would expend so much time upon
such an unpleasant subject but this pic
ture was probably painted at a time when
such themes were in vogue-a time when
violent deeds were mistaken for drama
Fortunately We have a healthier outlook
today, which finds expression both in our
painter was a master of his craft there
can. however be no doubt.
THOMAS MORAN, the veteran painter
of the far west. was in Washington
last week and visited the National Gal
lery, wherein hang two of his works
loaned by private collectors. Mr.. Moran
still spends his winters in New Mexico
painting in the canyon but whereas he
once rode over the mountains and into
the great valley alone or with a single
companion, the railroad now brings his
fellOw-painters almost to his door. For
two or three winters now a group Of the
younger artists in New York have joined
Mr.. Moran IN the west and have painted
with him for several weeks. At the pres
ent time a collection of paintings by
these artists of scenes in the far west
is being exhibited in the Macbeth Gal
lery. New York. Later this exhibition. in
which Mr.. Moran is admirably repre-
sented. will make a tour of several Of the
larger cities
A n attractive illustrated catalogue has
\ just been issued by V. G. Fischer.
formerly of this city, of the paintings
on view in his galleries in New York.
This might well be mistaken for the cata-
logue of choice private collection or of
a section of an art museum, SO choice as
vel as diverse are the exhibits. The fact
that they are for sale need not signify
inasmuch as they are treasures obtain
abe only by those possessing extraor-
binary wealth. Such works, whether in
public or private ownership, may well be
accounted enrichment for the nation, for