Evening star., 1936-01-05

IlDY CARD Of appointment
- only" there has been
opened recently to the
- public, for the first time,
the most famous art collection ever
gathered under the roof of private
home, a collection coldly estimated
at S50,000,0o0, but actually as i'm
possible of evaluatioR as the lambent
light of its Turner's, the dramatic in
tensity of its El Greco, the depth OF
coloring Of its Titians, the amplitude
and splendor of its Veroneses and the
impressionistic naturalism Of its
Goyas.
For four years, since the death Of
the widow Of Henry Clay Frick in
1881, the quadrangular pile of white
stone set back from Fifth Avenue at
East Seventieth street in New York
City, in its own secluded park of green
behind marble balustrades and iron
palings, has been boarded from public
view and locked against entry while
an army of worknen moved diligently
within its walls making ready the
interior for permanent display Of the
treasures paid for by coke and steel
and galnered in all corners Of the new
and ancient world by one Of the
greatest industrialists Of our time.
1t is to be known as the Prick COL
lection; it proves beyond question
that stars, as well as sparks, may be
struck from steel. Not unattainable
as the stars, however, is its beauty to
be, thanks to the generosity of the
millionaire art lover who offered that
beauty 16 years ago in his will "for
the use and benefit of all persons
whomsover." There was clause in
the will permitting the widow to
occupy the mansion and withhold the
collection from public view until such
time as she should give up residence
there. Hence, since the death Of Mrs.
Frick in 1881, art lovers in all quar-
tsrs have eagerly awaited the COM
pletion Of alterations begun at that
time and the result Of an activity
discussed with ardor and anticipation
here and abroad.
The secrets Of the bricked, flreproof
vault that held the treasures during
this four-year period were divulged
few days ago, and groups, unutterably
appreciative, have moved before these
priceless heritages In wonder and de-
light. Due to the desire Of trustees
to preserve always the atmosphere of
q home, entrance to the Frick COL
lection will continue to be by card Of
appointment.
Small groups Of not more than Is
persons will be admitted hourly, so
that one may receive his card at once
or find 1t necessary to wait for o
period for admission.
"A YOUNG art student, breathlessly
a. arrived from Europe for the oc.
easion: q former prize fighter and
John D. Rockefeller, jr., were the
first to cross the threshold the day
Of the opening, and before noon OF
that day more than 800 persons had
stepped within the hushed area OF
the entrance patio. Two days after
It's opening I was the 7,s65th guest to
pass through the tlirnstile, the ss3d
Of that day.
What does one see within the walls?
In what environment will these age
old paintings permanently lo6k down?
Amid what splendor shall we know
the vibrant enamels from the work.
shops Of Limoges Of Nardon, or what
simplicity? Reality Is dtfiicult OF de-
scription: with the beauty Of the place
warm upon me, shall be charged
with hypertole. But the iushed
murznurs on every hand, the inspired
light in pplifted eyes, the rapt atten-