Evening star., 1917-10-14

down. but one who builds up; he is urg-
ing the nations on, not to revenge, but
redemption. He had no great rank in
the art world before the opening OF
the war. but he used his talent where
there was need and when the oppor-
tuntty offered. He is not one who poses
artist. according to the general ac-
ceptance OF that term, but he is a great
cartoonfst. and as such his work prop
erly may be given place as 1t is now
here in museum or gallery of art
+
During the past summer Mr. Messer,
principal Of the Corcoran School of Art,
painted for Mrs. Messer a portrait of
himself. small canvas, showing little
more than his head. but a most excel
lent likeness and admirable piece of
portraiture. All painters from time to
time paint themselves, some probably
for lack Of other model. but seldom do
they meet with such eminent success.
Mr. Messer uses rather q low-toned
palette. but his rendition of values Is
very true. his effects very atmospheric.
In this instance the head is beautifully
modelled. the face very expressive, the
eyes literally windows to the inner
spirit. which. while ever just and kind
~, dwells in higher places. Mr.. and
Mrs. Messer spent the summer In Con-
necticut. not far from the haunts of
Ben roster and the late James Henry
Moser.
Douglas Volk. member of the Ma
tionai Academy of Design and we'll
known as figure and portrait painter,
was in Washington last week visiting
his son. who is at the University camp.
and attending to some business In con-
nection with the American Artists
War Relief Fund. of which he is presi-
dent. The purpose of this fund is to
assist when necessary American art
workers or their dependents, who, be-
cause of their entry into war service
or other causes related thereto, may be
In need. Such fund has been found
needful in both France and England.
Since the outbreak of the war the
American artists have contributed fire.
quently and generously to funds for
the relief of artists and their families
abroad now they are themselves
threatened with want. The movement
to establish an adequate American
fund is nation wide. committees being
formed in almost all the states.
Il
John W. Beatty. director of the art
department of the Carnegie Institute.
Pittsburgh. was also in Washington
last week. Mr.. Beatty is not only an
exceedingly able director, but also an
extremely skillful and successful land
scape painter. 1t was under his manage
ment. furthermore. that until the war
began there was yearly h Id at the
Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh an
international exhibition of paintings
In this country. composed of the best
works of both American and foreign
artists.
On the cath of November a notable
new museum of art will be opened in
sante Fe, n. NJ, where the School of
American Research has long been To-
Gated. The establishment of this
museum. which will, it is thought, rank
with the best of the small museums of
this country, is largely due to the in
terest and munificence of Frank Spring
er of this city.
New Mexico has become in recent
years quite retreat of artists. At
Taos there is a colony of artists. which
includes Rolshoven. Couse. Sharp, Blu
menschein, Dutton and others. all very
well known. The majority of these
painters spend their winters in Ne
York, but go each summer to Taos,
where they do their seasons painting.
John 8. Sargent. who came to this
country last year to install his lately
completed mural paintings In the Pub
lie Library at Boston, and has since
been travelling in this country. is re-
ported to have taken a studio i'll Boston
for the winter. Mr.. Sa gent gave up
portrait painting some years ago on
account of the strain of the work. and
has since heen doing only such pictu es
as especially appealed to him. chiefly
landscapes and outdoor themes. He
consented. however. to paint a portrait
for one Of the British war benefit
funds. The unpainted canvas as sold
to Sir Hugh Lane. who proved the
highest bidder. and upon his death
passed into the poss ssion of the Irish
National Gallery. to which his estate
was left. This galley had the choice
of subjects, and has selected President
Wilson, V ho has consented. 1t Is said,
to give Mr.. Sargent the required num-
ber of sittinEs This should bring Mr..
Sargent to Washington some time dur
ing the winter. TFFIA HECHLIN.