Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-12-03
BY Leila Mechiin

The Corcoran Gallery of Art has
lately established an informal but
continuous exhibition of prints by
our leading American printmakers
with the object of sales as well as
display. This follows a custom in
augurated 10 years ago in connec-
ton with small works in sculpture
by American sculptors, the intake
from which has amounted to over
$1,000, all to the profit of the ex-
hibitorS, the Gallery charging no
commission. Also wider knowledge
and appreciation of art in this field
have resulted.
1t should be understood, however
that no special effort to sell has
been exerted. The sculpture, and
now the prints, are merely labeled
and priced, with notices posted di-
recting would-be purchasers to the
Gallery Offices. In most instances
these prices have been much lower
than the average visitor surmised,
low enough in fact to come well
within the potentialities of the real
ly modest purse. Furthermore this
sales method gives the purchaser
the opportunity of, in a measure,
consummating his purchase himself
modern self service" along new
lines.
For years the National Museum
has employed similar service in
connection with the monthly eX-
nibitions held under the direction
of the Division of Graphic Arts in
the Smithsonian Building, ano
with surprising success. Here 1t Is
permissible to leave purchase price
check or cash, buyers name anc
address, with a uniformed guard al
the door, the purchased print being
forwarded, without additional fee
10 the purchaser at the conclusion
of the exhibition.
Obviously there are numerous
transient exhibitions held at the
Corcoran Gallery and elsewhere
from which prints and small sculp-
ture may be purchased, but these dc
not provide a continuous market-s
place where the best work at flxeo
prices can be found.
Thirty Prints Sho,On
The inaugural exhibition of prints
In the Corcoran Gallery OF Art COM
prises approximately 80 prints by II
printmakers from various parts oil
the country, invited through the CO.
operation and advice of John Taylor
Arms, president of the Society OF
American EtcherS, internationally
known as etcher and author.
The choice is well made covering
not only those of special distinc-
ton but of diverse talent and style
Mr.. Arms, himself, is represented by
etchings of "Cavendish Common,
a view of Stockholm, likewise dis
PLAYING remarkable technlca
achievement, church tower-"As.
Observation-Disclosures to the realiza-
ton of beauty in stone on the par1
of the Old World builders of the
past, and "Destroyers in Wet Ba,
sin"-one of a series of naval themes
produced for and by order of the
Navy Department.
Ernest David Roth, who is col
league of John Arms and also Of
great distinction, shows two etch-
ings made abroad-"Ovieto" and
Bridge at Charities" both done be.
fore 1880, and third dated 1885,
done in New York picturing witt
faithfulness the metropolitan city!
high buildings and busy streets
Technically between these three
there is little choice, but the reviewer
must confess that for the most par
we have not as yet in our own coun.
try as much to offer etchers seeking
themes in the way of architecture
matter as have our European ane
British Allies. Towering building!
may be imposing but they have beer
seldom wrought with love as were
the structures of the great eathedra
builders.
Essentially merican
Kerr Eby, who is certainly in tn,
front rank of American etchers, wht
gave us some of the best art thai
came out of World War I, is delight.
fully represented by three etching.
of American coastal scenes-"Hurri
canes End" Shark Rock" ane
Lobster Bait" all sensitively rem
dered, full or motion, picturesque