Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-14
great masters engraved by r. G. Steven


So far the work shown is purely repro
ductive-that is. the engravers have not
rendered original themes, but have con-
tented themselves with reproducing the
works of great painters. This almost ex-
clusively has been the mission OF engrav-
ing. With etching. however, It has been
different; it is a painters process. and
has been almost entirely used as a me-
dunn of direct and original expression.
To be sure, some examples Of reproduce
tons through this medium OF famous
paintings are included in the Hbrary's dis
play. but the majority Of colored etchings
shown are original compositions.
This makes wide difference in the feel
ing of the print; in one instance the
etcher or engraver yields his own per-
sonality to that of the artist whose work
he reproduces. and in the other 1t Is al
lowed free play and expression. Further
more the medium Is exceedingly flexible
and permits great variety in treatment
and manipulation. Some color etchers put
much stress on line: others use It spar
ingly. holding their color in broad masses.
Choice Examples.
The library collection includes choice
and characteristic examples by Camille
Fonce, Luigi Kasimir. J. Celos, Bernard
B. de Monvel, Allan Osterlind and Will
liam Unger, as we'll as fine group Of
seven by George Senseney. a former
Washington artist, who has won much
distinction in this field: Five OF the Sem
seney etchings are OF landscapes and
show strong color freely applied, but
effort toward realism. but rather SYM
pathetic and free translation Of mood in
nature. together with decorative effect.
MT. Senseney's compositions show frank
design and his effects seem not acciden-
tai, but purposeful results. His touch is
sensitive and light.
The most artistic expression in the art
Of printing In colors from wood block
prints. 1t is said with truth. came from
Japan, but the Japanese in these later
days have a close rival in this art In Miss
Helen Hyde, who. in fact. won q prize
for her wood block printing in Japan
some years ago.
Numerous examples OF Miss Hyde's
work are shown in this exhibition. The
majority are of Japanese subjects charm
ingly rendered in the spirit and manner
of the Japanese, but with frank individ-
uality. Some American subjects are
shown. and not few Mexican ones. The
last represent Miss Hyde's most recent
work and have only very lately been re-
ceived at the library.
Process Is Simple.
Wood block printing is an exceedin ely
simple process, but for this reason none
the legs agreeable or difficult. Miss HYDE
line Is exec lent and her use Of color good.
What is more. she has to a great extent
mastered the art of elimination. which,
after all. is all important in this work.
With Miss Hyde's delightful prints are
shown several likewise of excellent quail
ity by Bertha Lum--works wherein tint
rather than line is given predominance,
but with excellent effect. Mention also
should be made OF a number OF very
pleasing and artistic color etchings Of
children by Mathilde de Cordoba, which
are to be found In the section given
over to color etchings and wood block
prints
No less than one-half OF this exhibition
ia made ND OF what are known as de
Medici prints-facsimile reproductions
published by the de Medici Society OF
London Of works by mater painters.
This society was organized In 1905 with
the object Of getting out the finest re-
productions Of great paintings at the low
est possible commercial price," Each
90 nf~,As - -