DOI issue:
Nr. 163 (September, 1910)
DOI article:Coburn, Frederick W.: Wood carving and architecture: work by I. Kirchmayer ond others$nElektronische Ressource
DOI Page / Citation link: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.19867#0332
Wood Carving and Architecture
in a preeminent degree, the tradition of Germanic wood carving. One feels,
however, that he has become more American than European and that his
power—genius, if you like—is universal rather than American. When he has
an artistic idea, as in the making of this Madonna, just give him a block of
oak, a chisel and a mallet—for even in carving elaborate designs he avoids
the more delicate tools of the craft—and he will forthwith project his thought
upon the wood with due regard for the principles of focus, balance and contrast.
If it happens that an architect imposes the idea the carver will still be extra-
ordinarily faithful to it.
An architectural column designed by C. Howard Walker, the carving by
A. J. R. Longuemare and the cabinet work by F. W. Kulkmann, likewise
exemplifies the tendency to cooperative effort in
this craft.
Anything for the design of which Mr. Walker
is responsible is likely to be vigorous and unmis-
takable in intention. Mr. Longuemare's clever
work in undercutting the decorative eagles used
on the column is quite in character.
An instructive example of some of the possibili-
ties of wood carving for purposes of household
decoration is afforded in several wooden candle-
sticks designed and executed by Miss Martha Page,
of Winchester, Mass. These, appropriately col-
ored and gilded, stand for one of the many decorative
uses to which skill in carving and knowledge of
artistic effect can be put. A pair of candlesticks
may also be made as contributory to an architectural
scheme.
Miss Page is associated at Winchester with
Miss Estelle Nast, whose carved wood screens,
bearing decorative landscape studies, have fre-
quently attracted attention. F. W. C.
It is in the larger cities of the South American
republics, says the Hon. John Barrett, in an article
on "Art in Latin America," in the August issue of
Art and Progress, that we see the sway of artistic
influence, even far beyond what is found in most of
the cities of the United States. No one can visit the
City of Mexico to-day without being greatly im-
pressed with the effort being exerted to make it one
of the beautiful cities of the world. Considering its
population and its location it is doing more in this
direction than any city in North America, with pos-
sibly the exception of Washington, and it is doubtful
if there appears in Mexico City, with its large In-
dian population, half as many crudities in architec-
ture as are to be seen in our national capital. Cer-
tainly its avenues and streets are not being rendered
strikingly unattractive by the rapid erection of sky-
scrapers and all kinds of business structures, such
as are now being constructed along Washington's
mother by i. Kirch- streets, without any municipal control in the matter cabinet work by f. kulkmann
and child mayer of taste and harmony with surroundings. carving by a. j.k. longuemare
carved wooden column
design by c howard walker
lxv
in a preeminent degree, the tradition of Germanic wood carving. One feels,
however, that he has become more American than European and that his
power—genius, if you like—is universal rather than American. When he has
an artistic idea, as in the making of this Madonna, just give him a block of
oak, a chisel and a mallet—for even in carving elaborate designs he avoids
the more delicate tools of the craft—and he will forthwith project his thought
upon the wood with due regard for the principles of focus, balance and contrast.
If it happens that an architect imposes the idea the carver will still be extra-
ordinarily faithful to it.
An architectural column designed by C. Howard Walker, the carving by
A. J. R. Longuemare and the cabinet work by F. W. Kulkmann, likewise
exemplifies the tendency to cooperative effort in
this craft.
Anything for the design of which Mr. Walker
is responsible is likely to be vigorous and unmis-
takable in intention. Mr. Longuemare's clever
work in undercutting the decorative eagles used
on the column is quite in character.
An instructive example of some of the possibili-
ties of wood carving for purposes of household
decoration is afforded in several wooden candle-
sticks designed and executed by Miss Martha Page,
of Winchester, Mass. These, appropriately col-
ored and gilded, stand for one of the many decorative
uses to which skill in carving and knowledge of
artistic effect can be put. A pair of candlesticks
may also be made as contributory to an architectural
scheme.
Miss Page is associated at Winchester with
Miss Estelle Nast, whose carved wood screens,
bearing decorative landscape studies, have fre-
quently attracted attention. F. W. C.
It is in the larger cities of the South American
republics, says the Hon. John Barrett, in an article
on "Art in Latin America," in the August issue of
Art and Progress, that we see the sway of artistic
influence, even far beyond what is found in most of
the cities of the United States. No one can visit the
City of Mexico to-day without being greatly im-
pressed with the effort being exerted to make it one
of the beautiful cities of the world. Considering its
population and its location it is doing more in this
direction than any city in North America, with pos-
sibly the exception of Washington, and it is doubtful
if there appears in Mexico City, with its large In-
dian population, half as many crudities in architec-
ture as are to be seen in our national capital. Cer-
tainly its avenues and streets are not being rendered
strikingly unattractive by the rapid erection of sky-
scrapers and all kinds of business structures, such
as are now being constructed along Washington's
mother by i. Kirch- streets, without any municipal control in the matter cabinet work by f. kulkmann
and child mayer of taste and harmony with surroundings. carving by a. j.k. longuemare
carved wooden column
design by c howard walker
lxv