International studio (43.1911)

Copley Society Retrospective Exhibition


FRENCH FAN, LOUIS XV PERIOD

COPLEY SOCIETY RETROSPEC-
TIVE EXHIBITION OF THE
DECORATIVE ARTS
BY J. WILLIAM FOSDICK
The Copley Society, of Boston, has again
achieved an unqualified success in its Retrospec-
tive Exhibition of the Decorative Arts.
Having its origin in an association of art stu-
dents of the School of the Boston Museum of Fine
Arts, formed more than twenty-five years ago, and
later broadened into a society of national impor-
tance by Mr. Abbott and his associates, the Copley
Society today stands for all that is best in art.
Of the twenty-two or more exhibitions made by
this society during seventeen years, some six of
these stand forth with special significance as epoch-
making events in the history of art in the United
States.
When at infinite pains and cost the works of
Whistler were assembled in an incomparable exhi-
bition, Copley Hall became the Mecca of countless
pilgrimages from all quarters of the globe. Then
followed equally important exhibitions of the
works of Sargent, Monet, Sorolla and a remark-
able collection of Portraits of Fair Children. It is
owing to the kindly spirit and genuine interest in
art evidenced by the citizens of Boston and other
quarters that this Retrospective Exhibition be-
came possible.
Private collections in homes, studios and galler-

ies were drawn upon to the extent that with possi-
bly the exception of mural painting practically all
the applied arts are represented, the field covered
extending from the Middle Ages down to the year
1840.
Owing to the multiplicity of exhibits and the
limited time at its disposal the committee in
charge did not attempt to install the exhibits ac-


AMERICAN COURT CUPBOARD

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