Evening star., 1923-12-09

i X x X
FINALLY, defeated and discouraged,
the boy returned to Boston 1t so
happened that from the time he was
ten years old he had been interested
in boxing, and through regular prac-
tice had acquired remarkable pro-
ficiency in the sport. He happened in
at one of the gymnasiums where he
had formerly exercised and in a chance
conversation told his troubles to the
director.
We'll, if there's no possible chance
of obtaining work in your line. why
not try mke?" suggested the expert
in physica training. II know of an
athletic sAow which is about to go on
the road and travel from coast TO
coast and all over America If you say
the word I'll get you place on their
program"
1t was thus that Clark Noble en-
barked in professional athletics for a
time His success In sports was un-
usual during the following year. He
was able to save up enough money to
continue his self-flnanced art studies.
Most boys in similar need and diff
ficulty would have appealed to their
relatives for assistance. That was not
Clark Mobiles system. He fought his
own batties-and won. These Victories.
unquestionably, were early auguries--
prophetic OF the more important con-
tests which Noble was to win in the
world of art.
Subsequently. Mr.. Noble studied and
worked with James Priestman. an
architectural sculptor of Boston. and
later, in New York city, with William
hunt, one OF the greatest architectural
sculptors of his time. simultaneously.
the ambitious student took up figure
drawing and the study Of anatomy.
Noble also studied with a certain DR..
Rimmer. one Of the early disciples of
American art. Noble devoted three en-
tire years to anatomical dissection. dur
ing which he gained full knowledge and
true foundation for the building of
the human figure. Az architecture and
sculpture are closely allied, Mobiles
training as draughtsman has always
been an outstanding asset to him. His
remarkable knowledge OF human anat-
omy enables him almost to put life
into the statues and portrait sculD-
ture which he designs and creates.
Clark Noble is American born and
Amer!can-traincd and proud of il.
Notwithstanding, the masters of all
Europe characterize him as America 8
greatest living sculptor" In anouy-
nous competitions in the United States
and on the continent Noble has re-
peatedly defeated the best sculpturing
talent. His years of hard preparatory
work, his thorough knowledge OF anat-
oiny his complete familiarity with
painting and his genius have all COM
bined to make him a master. Despite
the fact that most Americans are
prejudiced in favor OF foreign-taught
artists. Noble is universally recognized
as champion OF champions" Clarl,
Noble is one OF the four original
founders of the National Sculptors' So
clety and also one of the charter or
ganizers of New Yor1l's Arts Club.
After the world war Mr. Noble dedi-
Gated one year OF his work to the cause
of the disabled veterans. He made In
Vulnerable statues, bas-reliefs and
busts. and painted many pictures dur
ing that period. All these were auc.
toned off at charity functions, and the
proceeds were allotted to funds for the
use and entertainment and assistance
Of wounded soldiers.
Mr.. Noble is as proficient with
brush and palette as he is with the
sculptor's chisel. However. he does
not paint professionally. Several
hundred marines which adorn his
home are mute testimonials of his
great merit. He paints as a hobby
and relaxation from his modelling ac-
tivitles. The only pictures of his
that have ever been offered for sale
are those that were auctioned to raise
funds for the disabled soldiers.
X X x * "a
InN the dome Of the capitol Il.
Augusta. Me, there Is a. fine
statue, repousee in pure conper.
valued at $4,000, which Clark Noble
gave to his home state 1t so hap
pened that the Maine authorities ne
elected to set aside any funds for
the ornamentatfon Of the capitol
dome. Learning by chance that the
contractors were going to put a
cheap $500 zinc figure on the dome,
Clark Noble came forward and vol
unteered to supply the material and
his services free of charge for the
proper adornment OF the dome. That
is the "how come" of one Of the finest
pieces OF art work in one of our
northernmost seats of state govern
ment.
Many portrait miniatures in porce-
lain which Mr.. Noble has made are
outstanding for their fineness of de-
tail and their Photographic similarity
to the originals. Most sculptors who
attempt such work make the por-
traits on a large scale and have them
reproduced by machinery. Mr. Noble,
on the other hand, models his pro-
ductions directly with special tools
of his own invention. No one has
ever been able to duplicate his re-
markable process Of copying in por-
celain from the modelling wax orig
ina1. This process is also private
method which Mt. Noble has per-
fected. Some Of his most superb por-
traits of this description have been
| made from old daguerreotypes
The artistic creations of Mr.. Noble
are convincing-th they show con-
| science, sympathy, insight and rev.
| erence for the canons Of high art.
| His genius finds outlet in the incep-
tion and perfection of wonderful
bronze, marble and copper creations.
They tell q remarkable story about
the great speed at which CLARK Noble
works, up Newport and New York
way, where the famous American
| sculptor formerly resided. A great
public testimonial to the late Lester
Wallacls was held in q mammoth
auditorium. Mr.. Noble. was invited