Evening star., 1936-10-24

Kent, Stow Wengenroth and Albert
W. Barker.
1t is an interesting fact that JOS
eph Pennell. who did perhaps more
than any one else to revive this art,
did not draw directly upon the stone,
but used transfer mathod which is
today by photographers regarded as
somewhat beyond the pale. This
method Stimulates charcoal drawing,
and does not take into consideration
teXtural qualities of the stone. Also
it is very dependent for success upon
the skill of the printer. This last is
true OF all photographic printing, and
in this respect tribute should be paid
to the late Bolton Brown. VINO as
printer and teacher did much to give
stability here in the United States to
this art.
just what is meant by texture in
photographic prints as differing from
all others was to be seen in the
Autographs by Rockwell Kent recent
ly exhibited in the art gallery at
Howard University. Take, for ex.
ample. "Mala." a grotesque figure.
striking an attitude on a stage or at
least in artificial light. In this four
or five textures are presented. boots.
trousers. shirt. flesh, background.
each one. however. dependent upon
the varied application Of crayon to
the surface of fne-grained stone.
Obviously the conception is original
and the treatment unique. but with
out complete mastery of technic the
splendid result would not have been
attained.
This same technical ability In the
handling of medium is found in the
Autographs of Stow Wengenroth, who.
by the way. spent the Summer at
Rockport, and has just published a
book on Making Llthograph"
(studio publication -" "How-to-do-it'
series). which not only explains the
process but illustrates the several
steps by working photographs and the
work of the leading lithographers, by
reproduction of noteworthy examples.
Mr.. Wengenroth chooses, as a rule,
homely themes, but he renders them
beautifully, with force, breadth and a
kind Of simple dignity which borders
on real nobility. His work is dis
tinctly outstanding.
Portraits OF Musicians, by
Gerome Brush.
A PROPOS of the opening OF the
concert season in Washington and
elsewhere, mention may be made OF a
series of portrait drawings by Gerome
Brush of the l09 members of the Bos-
ton Symphony Orchestra, which, be-
cause of their clever rendering and
excellent likeness, have been incor.
porated in a book-full-page illustra-
tions, each faced by a biographical
sketch written by the artist. Mr..
Gerome Brush" says Edward Weeks
in his introduction, has performed
public service. He has singled out
the black and white keys Of one of the
greatest instruments in the world.
With the strokes of his crayon and
the sympathy of his pen he has
brought to light the individuality OF
the members of the Boston Symphony.
Each musician sat for him in the
little room that houses the CaSadesus
Collection: each played for him
solo in order to Danish the last vestige
of elf-consciousness, and from each
he has drawn comments, bits OF per-
sonal history, and the geam OF aspira-
-ioI1 rhoro n ericfiN " EQPh
man is shown playing an instrument.
the only exception being the one man
who makes no sound-the librarian
who is pictured smoking a pipe. They
are sketched in charcoal, loosely, but
with evident sympathy and UNDER
standing. The note of personality Is
dominant. To-day, unnoticed, waiting
for traffic light to turn green, hesi-
tate unasSuming men, for the safest
moment to cross the street and get
into the tuning room of Symphony
Hail." writes Mr.. Brush in his fore
word, adding. II have had the good
fortune to be allowed in this tuning
room, and here they are" Not only is
this an excellent idea, but a publica.
LlOll Vi AdSIlAlS WI IAi a. NAoIASohy'
Gerome Brush is the son of George
de Forest Brush, one of our American
painters to whom the appellation
great" may appropriately be given
the painter of the Mother and Child"
in the Corcoran Gallery Of Art and
other distinguished canvases. Young
Brush studied under his father and
other masters and has not only, as In
this instance, proved himself a ca
pable and gifted craftsman, but has
produced works in sculpture Of signifi-
cant merit.
Conferences on Modern Art,
Phillips Gallery.
CTUDIo HOUSE announces again
~ this year course of eight in
formal conferences on "The Back
ground and Theories of Modern Art"
to be held in the Phillips Memorial
Gallery on successive Tuesdays, be-
ginning october q, at 5 o'clock.
These will be conducted by G. Law
Watkins, educational director Of the
Phillips Memorial Gallery and head
Of Studio House, who has been gath
ering new material for study during
the past sumper in Northern Europe