Evening star., 1932-01-10

lul IuaG IlAS testimony, IN MS own Work,
and this series OF significant Autographs are the
permanent possessions of the Library of Con-
gress is a matter for great congratulaton.
THE exhibition of water colors by John whorf
Of Boston, which opened at the Arts Club
2e17 street, a week ago to continue for a fort
night, is no less interesting than was antici-
pated.
Whorf's mastery of his medium is as neero-
nancy to the initiated and, subjects aside, al
lures and appeals. But John whorf is one who
chooses his subjects well, as the present ex-
hibition admirably testifies. For the most part
In the past John whorf has been known as .
painter Of the sea and shipping, but in this
exhibition he shows figure compositions and
goes far afleld for subject matter presumably
to France, Spain and the West Indies though
he does not label his themes; they may be any
where. No. In the catalogue is of Lumber
men" and a typical New England drive" ad-
mirably rendered Outstanding for dramatic
quality and strong presentation is one entitled
'Parti," a funeral scene presumably in Brittany,
a procession Of grief-stricken mourners proceed
ing along jetty or dyke under a clouded sky.
A note of drama has been introduced also in a
painting entitled THE Rider" equestrian
dashing along shore path.
In all Of Mfr Whorfs paintings there is q
sense of motion of vigor suppressed and about
to burst forth This is even to be found in his
sea pictures, such as THE Pilot" a really
superb presentation of untranqun water, its
weight and motion lifting a great ship, tossing
a little boat representing huge power SO i'm
pressively that the onlooker marveis at the
courage of man in defiance. In second sea
picture, simply entitled west Indies there is
more than a reminiscent note of Winslow
Homer But Homer was invariably graver than
Whorf. painting and drawing to him was
more serious matter. He had not Whorf's
facility nor has Whorf his simple sincerity.
But in the rendition of light ON white sur
faces whorf is at his best. as in his painting
of great white-bodied boat standing high in
the water above the little craft of bait fishers.
Drying Sails" is another typical Whorf,
whereas his Women (nudes) and Trees" and
Evening" also nudes, like nymphs, on rocks
surrounded by water, are new departures and
suggest exploration on the part of the artist in
a new field. THE Family" an interior show
ing group Of women around table covered
with red and white checked cloth, gives fur
ther evidence of Mr.. Whorf's versatility, of his
unwillingness to establish formula to accept
boundaries. 1.-THE Return of the Fleet" The
White Goose" and Surf Riders" all saver Of
other lands, possibly Brittany, and strong,
picturesque, memorable
Whorf has the uncommon ability of pleasing
the public and satisfying those of his own pro-
fession. He Is q genuine artist, a brilliant
painter
IN the drawing room at the Arts Club are now
TO be seen etchings and drawings by Emily
Burling Waite Manchester, many of which have
been made in Washington or nearby Alexandria,
anticipating, as 1t were, the widespread interest
in historical landmarks induced by the ceie-
bration Of the George Washington Bicenten-
niaL
1t is . common inclination TO look fer beauty
far afaeld and to overlook that which Is close
at hand Mrs. Manchester's etchings and draw
inss demonstrate admirably how much that 10
really beautiful In old buildings and their en-
Vironments ID to he found here In our own
vicinity. For instance, there Is q charming en-
trance to an old house In Georgetown, there ID
an etching of the Washington Statue In wasf-
1ngton Circle, which with its foliage back
ground Is essentially decorative. There are pic
lures Of both north and south facades ef the
White House. Of 1.-THE Capitol In January" e