Evening star., 1924-01-20
ny STEPPING HEILIG.

nH dle!" Paris knows him
Va simply as an American
u painter and sculptor, who
studied in Paris back in 1911 and
1919, who was in the war, who has
since been in the south seas, and
who now opens an exhibition full OF
south seas works. which is a sensa-
tion among artists.
At times it is vaguely mentioned
that "he is related to the well known
Biddle family of Philadelphia
AS q fact, he was born and grew
UP in those exclusive circles of Phila-
delphia and Baltimore. He has con-
uections and family friends all over
Paris society. Yet for the opening
day OF his exhibition twhen many
painters and sculptors move heaven
and earth to attract the fashionables)
he rather played n trick on society
by neglecting to mail his catalogues.
In Paris he lives and works among
fellow artists, and the event, at the
Barbazanges galleries, was domi-
mated by such--come to see, all hang
ing together (what many had seen
parting in his studio), what this
American has brought back from the
south seas generation after the
Frenchman, Gauguin,- made that
quarter of the. globe his home and
put it on the map Gas Frenchmen
claim) pictorially.
Yet Biddle's exhibition really made
the French remember Gauguin, who
had been practically forgotten in
Paris, although Russian and Ger
Even in 1911 it was impossible to-
raise enough money in France to
buy his ''LEsprit Veille" for the
Louvre. But now such funds will
be easily forthcoming.
Today do not hesitate TO say this
Americans south sea pictures are
better known in Paris than those of
his French predecessor
The effect of his pictures, all hang
ing together, is notable. The beaches
simmer in the sunlight; the land
scapes fill the halls with delicious
sun-fiecked GOODNESS. There is an
tasy-loping grace as of palms in
gentle wind. The island visions are
of infinitely graceful line and tender
color.
Here are tropical lands which are
not sultry. In blazing dayshine his
reds and greens melt into decorative
masses. His yellows maintain their
character for miles and miles in the
distance.
:: :. ::
THE man remains mysterious. 1t
was first said, playfully, in
"Vanity Fair" last November, that
George Biddle is the most open
fellow imaginabre-quite as open as
Gauguin ever was-and readily an
Swers any questions that are put to
him. But, somehow, when all the
questions are answered, yoh seem to
know less than before. He has in
Vulnerable friends who are devoted
20 him q among the number), but no
one in all this large company dares
make the claim of really knowing
George Btddle."
Here now is n detail OF il. L
Sterling Heilig-knew George Biddle
when he was a child, six years old.
] do not know him a whit better to-
day. True, have met him only twice
in all the years between.
Long, long ago, before I was old
eHOuSn 10 NOltp i was his IdlHtT ,
stenographer and a law student in
that powerful law Office where trusts
were invented, New Jersey corpora
tions discovered, the Reading Rail-
road reorganized, the escheats against
the Erie Railroad defeated, the Bell
Drawbaugh telephone contest liqui-
dated, and where men like Senator
George W. Pepper were among the
youthful students of my day.
George w. Biddle, the grandfather,
was the most authoritative and Dig
Hified figure at the then famous Phil
adelphia bar. His son George was
slready adviser of the Pennsylvania
railroad. His son Sydney had nodded
much Of our stock exchange and
street car law and was a law profess
ssor of the university. Sydney mar
Yied sister of John Robinson of Bal
timore. magnate of the Seaboard
railroad.
The social and financial place of all
these folks was similarly high.
I can hardly tell how we young
students made hero of Sydney Bid
die. In looks, dress, physique, grand
manner, culture, travel and real
power he was the ideal mixture of