Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-01-03
BY LEILA MECHLIN.


THE intervention of the holidays
invariably causes a lull in art
circles, but now that they are
over interest reawakens and
before the end of the present week
the art season VIII again be in full
swing
Arrangements have been made to
extend the notable loan exhibition of
early American portraits, miniatures
and silver until the end of January,
SO that those who have not had oppor-
tunity to visit the National Gallery
in the new National Museum where
this display Is set forth will be able
to do so with ample time 10 carefully
study the exhibits. The chief reason
for interest in this collection is found
in the fact that many of the works
exhibited are privately owned, have
not been shown before and may not
be shown again. 1t Is understood that
invitations have been issued by the
committee which assembled the ex-
hibition to various local clubs sug
costing that "a certain afternoon be
appointed by each for the attendance
of club members. at which time mem
hers Of the committee promise to be
on hand to act as hosts and hostesseR.
and TO answer such questions as the
visitors may desire to ask. The
superintendent of public schools has
expressed his interest and his desire
that the school children of Washing
ton should take advantage of the OPP
portunity OF becoming acquainted
through this medium with early Amer
lean art. An editorial in an out-of-
town paper called attention to the
exhibition, stating that II afforded one
of the best demonstrations yet made
Of the real need OF a building to house
our National Gallery collections. Mu-
seums and collectors in other cities
are ordering copies Of the catalogue
which constitutes a handbook of early
American art, and directors OF Art
Museums and art collectors are max
ing special trips to Washington to
OF the leading British art magazines
cabled the British Amba ssador re-
questing his assistance in securing an
article on the exhibition for publica-
ton. Seldom has a local exhibition
attracted such wide attention.
< i. X
THE Corcoran Gallery of Art is open.
ing the early part of this week a
special exhibition of paintings by John
6. Johansen and his wife. Jean Nc
Lane. both painters of exceptional dis
tinction. regular contributors to the
Corcoran's biennial exhibitions and to
the other leading exhibitions held in
other cities. Mr.. Johansen. it will be
remembered, was commissioned by the
national portrait committee to paint
portraits of several of the foreign
celebrities for the national war por-
trait collection, and to Mrs. Johansen
fell the honor of painting for this
same collection the portrait Of the
Queen OF the Belgians.
During the war Mr.. Joha nsen paint
ed a series of ShipyarH pictures, large
Canvases broadly rendered, richly
colorful, fun Of light and atmosphere.
painted with the idea of propaganda in
the interest of a successful termina-
ton of the war. These were done at a
time when many people were not only
doubtful as to the outcome of the
war but unhappy concerning our par
ttcipation in it, a period of great de-
Spondency. Mr.. Johansen painted the
series of pictures with patriotic intent.
He endeavored and succeeded in put
ting into them some of the enthusiasm
and force that American shipbuilding
inspired in him, and thus he opened
the eyes Of our people to heroic effort
and real accom- plishment. They form
q worthy page in the history Of Amer
lean endeayor, of devotion and
energy. witnessing 10 the part that art
might play in such endeavor and it's
value as national asset.
Primarily. Mr.. Johansen and his
wife are both painters of portraits.
Among his best known works is
portrait OF Alexander w. Drake, for
many years art editor of the Century
Magazine. He is a Dane by birth, was
brought early to this country. studied
first at the Art Institute of Chicago,
then under Duveneck In Cincinnati,
then al the Julian Academy in Paris.
He is a member of the National Acad-
envy of Design ana has received nu-
merous prizes and awards. He Is repre-
scented in the National Gallery of
Santiago. chic; the Pennsylvania
Academy o the Fine Arts. the Art
institute of Chicago the Art Museum
IN Dallas, Tex: the Art Museum in
Syracuse, the John Heron Art Insti-
tute. Indianaolis. and other public in
stitutions as well as private collec.
ions.
Mrs. Johansen was born in Chicago,
but likewise studied at the Chicago
Art Institute and under Duveneck.