Evening star., 1943-10-17

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The exhibition of materials from
the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library
at Hyde Park, New York, which
now occupies the imposing hall,
purposed for such displays. in the
National Archives Building on Con-
stitution avenue between Seventh
and Ninth streets, is an up-to- date
illustration of the legend of
'Mshomet and the Mountain"
Because of wartime restrictions,
chiefly in gasoline, thousands of in
terested persons who otherwise
would have visited the library at
Hyde Park are prevented from doing
so, hence a selection of exhibits
from the collections has been made
and brought here, where an even
larger public, including service men
and war workers from all over the
country, can see them. AS we can
not go to the library; the library
comes to us.
This is indeed unique showing,
the materials on display being ex-
tremely varied and of unusual char
acter, we'll chosen and admirably
set forth. 1t was, we are told, Presi-
dent Roosevelt's conviction that
citizens of a democracy have the
capacity so to learn from the past
that they can gain in judgment in
creating their own future: for
which reason the materials making
up his library, given to the Nation,
were chosen as worthy of preserva-
ton. Obviously the historical side
is uppermost, but art has been
called in to make the learning more
agreeable and the lesson more
forceful. Not only do we find here
historical documents and personal
memorabilia, but paintings, prints,
craftWork and illustrations of genu-
ine artistic quality.
Almost Immediately upon en-
trance, glancing to the right, the
visitor to this exhibition will note
a painting of President Roosevelt
and Prime Minister Churchill,
seated on the deck of H. M. s.
prince of Wales" in August. l94l.
when the Atlantic Charter" was
framed. They are in evident ami
mated conversation, each in a char
acteristic pose. The painter was
Raymond P. r. Nelson, National
Academician, who did it from a
photograph, not usual procedure,
but one which, in this instance,
served the purpose of supplying q
reliable souvenir of great occa-
sion.
Churchill as a Painter.
Near this hangs another souvenir
Of a history making meeting be-
tween our President and Britain's
Prime Minister, one which will al
ways share historical interest with
that derived from sheer merit as a
work of art. 1t is an oil painting
Of Marrakeck, Morocco, made by
none other than Mr. Churchill him.
SELF in 1929, and presented by him
to Mr.. Roosevelt, at the time of the
Casablanca Conference - January,
1943.
1t is given to few to be so many
talented as Mr.. Churchill, writer,
statesman and artist. This painting
by him, now on view, has none of
the ear-marks of the novice, it is, in
fact, fully professional, and leads
to the conviction that when the
painter chose political career the
world lost very genuine artist,
gifted beyond most.
There is nothing pretentious about
this painting, but it is very charm
ing. The little city of Marrakeck
with its low-roofed, pink houses, lies
stepped in sunlight, between the
plains and the mountains, the latter
snow-capped while beyond is blue
atmospheric sky. The color scheme
is excellent, rather high keyed but
subtle and in perfect tonal accord
The manner of handling is similar
In measure to that of exponents
OF the French Impressionists School
and yet there is in it an assurance
on the part of the painter, distinctly