Evening star., 1939-08-27

This gift-for such it was-is m
Of the distinction of the artist and
her work, but because-she being
primarily sculptor of animals-it
admirably supplements the extern
sive collection of works by Barge,
which, through w. w. Corcoran's s
beneflcence, the gallery which bears
his name is so fortunate as to own.
There is no need of comparison
between the two-each artist who
has, as in these instances, excep-
tional gift, works in his or her own
way, unconsciously but inevitably
expressing individuality. But be-
cause OF this very similarity through
difference, 1t will be very interest
ing to be able to see so representa-
tive a group of Mrs. Huntington's
sculpture under the same roof as
those of the great Frenchman,
Barye.
When, at the time the long cir
cult exhibition was held here, the
possibility of the gift was made
known, G. Powell Minnigerode, di-
rector of the Corcoran, was asked
to express preference and the works
now presented were those which
he. after very careful study, indi-
gated as most representative and
desired. His selection met fully
with the approval of Mr.. and Mrs.
Huntington, and assurance was
given that they would be returned
to the gallery as soon as the cir
cult came to an end. Collectively,
the chosen works set forth charac-
teristic phases of Mrs. Huntington's
achievement.
They are: "Greyhounds Playing, J"
~Fawns Playing" both full size;
Elephant Running" "Yawning
Tiger" "Fawn" and "Colt Six
Months Old" all of which are in
bronze, and also Head of My
Mother" in marble, a most out
standing work in portraiture, deftly
and sensitively modelled.
Impresses Layman.
Anna Hyatt Huntington is not only
a very talented artist but very
skillful and conscientious techni-
clan. Her animals are always
anatomically correct, she knows her
subjects and her craft, she neither
stumbles nor fumbles, but whatever
the study land it is always inten-
sive) or the labor (Which is un-
stinted), the result invariably seems
simple. The layman is conscious
of the rightness of the result and,
therefore, takes the creative process
casually for granted.
Obviously, the characteristics of
the animals she models become
part of the work, but never does
she make the mistake of giving
this feature overemphasis. In her
"Greyhounds Playing" and "Fawns
Playing" she evidences the grace of
both dogs and young deer, not
merely in static, but in motion, and
what is most remarkable, she never
permits this motion to be frozen
or to become boresome There is
life within the slim bodies, vitality
and spring which the eye instantly
recognizes and understands. Also
these groups in silhouette are
charming as pattern.
The little Elephant Running"
also is full of action, but of an
utterly different order. Size in art
does not signify. A work to be
''large" or small" depends upon
manner of presentation rather than
linear rule. Although but a few
inches in length, this running ele-
phant gives, on the instant, the
impression of bigness With trunk
and tail upraised, he lumbers for
ward with such indication of weight,
as we'll as speed, that one instinc-
lively measures stride and possible
impact. How perfect, however, is
the mechanism of the body and its
coordination!
The "Yawning Tiger" is another
striking example of the sculptor S
complete command of medium, and
power to grasp, and set forth, that
moment in the life of the animal
portrayed which is most truly sig
nifcant of it and it alone. The
tiger so capable of swift motion and
with the stealth Of the cat, muscles
playing beneath the loose skin, yet
capable of becaming taut, on the
instant, unloosed, relaxed. with the
open yawning jaws. Nothing in the
animal kingdom to compare with it,
How supple and beautiful are the
lines!
Turning now to the Little Fawn"
and Colt Six Months DID," a change
of attack is noticeable In the mod
cling of these young animals is evi-
dent tenderness and sympathy, as
for all the unprotected creatures.
domestic and wild. This is shown
not only in the manner of rendering,
but the portrayal of native shyness,
together with clumsiness. There is
something lovable about them, their
innocence which appeals for protec-
tion and creates an instructive de-
sire to reach out toward them ones
hand. In both instances they are
delightfully."- skittish; capable, 1t
would seem, of sudden withdrawal.
Obviously, all there things are mere
ly incident to the big thing-art-
which sculpture, worthy of the
name, is. Back of the finished
work is genius, but more than
genius, knowledge, understanding,
and beneath that training, self
discipline.
Rare Equestrian Work.
Mrs. Huntington is one of the few
women who have produced eques-
trian statues. She has done two
the beautiful Joan of Arc"-so like
. flame, all spirit, which stands
In front Of the Cathedral at Blois,
France, on Riverside drive, New York
City, and in replica elsewhere in
this country and in Canada, and the
sturdy, masterful figure of THE
Cid" in Seville, Spain, in front of
the Hispanic Museum, New York,
and elsewhere. Both of these may
rightly be listed among the great
equestrian statues of the world. of