Evening star., 1935-07-28
About Well Known Folk
In Books, Art, Politics
Salisburys King George Portrait Lauded
Robert Bliss Loans Statuary to
National Gallery.
BY ROBERT CRAWFORD.

BY ROBERT CRAWFORD.
The portrait of King George v,
recently presented to President
Roosevelt, for the American Nation,
by the English artist. Mr.. Frank O.
Salisbury, as tribute to the Amerl-
can people. in commemoration OF the
service rendered by this country to
the British empire in behalf Of world
Justice and peace, has lately been
hung in the national gallery.
The location of the portrait in the
gallery on the second fioor-or first
floor up-is ideal. as it hangs lust
outside the door of the Harriet Lane
Johnston room which has the por-
trait of King Georges father the late
King Edward VII, democratic gentle
man. statesman and diplomat, and
also the large autographed photograph
Of his grandmother Queen Victoria.
Really family gathering and if he
could peer around the open doorway
he would be face to face with the
portrait of his father painted when
he was Prince of Wales, and shortly
efter his visit to this country In the
SOS when he was entertained at the
White House by President James
Buchanan. and his beautiful niece,
Harriet Lane. who did the honorS and
saw that the young prince enjoyed
70 the utmost American society.
This portrait OF the present King s
father painted by Sir John Watson
Gordon. is the picture of young
bovish- looking man in his teens. ro-
bust appearing and with that eN-
preston of the Joy OF living that was
characteristic of Edward, all during
his wears Just below the portrait in
3 glass case is q small black bo-dered
note-it must have been written
shortly after his fathers death in
1851. In this note in a hoyiSh hand.
dated March 2S, 1852 he says Dear
Mr.. Buchanan. permit me to request
that you will accept the accompany
ing portrait as a slight mark OF my
grateful recollection OF the hoSpitable
reception and agreeable, etc, etc
Il is addressed to the Honorable
James Buchanan, eX-P-eSldent Of the
United States.
As one approaches the portrait Of
King George. the first impression,
what a charming gentleman, and
then after standing before il for
s while the realization comes that
the artist has delved deep into the
SOU ot his subject ana has brought
out ir the face ali the feeling for
humanity. the mental suffering anX-
ietv anc physical pain the British
ruler hsS passed through during the
paSJ TWO decades the terrible years
O. the World Wa. his visits 10 the
trenches and the horrors ana the
S1-uCCls 1o- the rehabilitation Of his
people during the DAYS o. -econst-uc-
uan arg au stamped OF the canvas
There are many portraits II the na-
Cansl gallery Of tbs leaders IN the
World WE-. msc who were II the
forefront o. oaTils. bu1 Il Is doubtful
Z there Is one that VII carry II
tuuu-e generations the message Of
vdET Il FL meant Rs VII this portrait
O. George '.
NJ. SALISBURY has = way Of getting
Il Ihe psychic II his s1tters. as is
SHOWN II the portrait Of President
Roosevelt. painted during this year.
and II The one Of the late President
CoohdgFihe most human of the
several portraits painted during his
Presidency.
The artist seems TO paint from the
inside out. and, while his technique
Is almost perfect in coloring and exc
cutlon, 10 the average person it is not
the performance. but the result that
impresses one The latter is particu-
IaIly 50 in this picture of the King
painted in a dark blue uniform deco
rated with all the insignia of his
Office. The graceful folds of the royal
red velvet mantle add color and dig
nifty as well as enhancing the height
OF its wearer, and yet one would have
felt the picture complete without this.
George V may not be one of Eng
lands greatest kings, but since the
day his elder brother, the Duke of
Clarence, died and he became the
her presumptive to the throne, he
has held special place in the hearts
of his subjects. His love of children,
his simplicity and practical human
sympathy, and his spontaneous reac-
ton to the suffering of others have