International studio (56.1915)

Canadian Artists and the IVar


“spring song”

work, and if desirous of possessing it raise the
bid accordingly. At the conclusion of the series
of exhibitions the offer of the highest bidder, “ if
deemed at all reasonable by the Committee,” was
accepted. As a matter of fact by this plan every
picture was sold, and it is probable that the
aggregate amount realised represented a larger
amount than would have been obtained had each
work been disposed of at the valuation put on it by
its author.
Among the principal works shown mention should
be made in particular of Late Afternoon, a sincerely
painted landscape in quiet tones by the President
of the Academy, Mr. Wm. Brymner; Herring
Fishing, Bay of Fundy, by John Hammond; The
Woodman's Home, by Homer Watson, President of
the Canadian Art Club; Early Morning Sun, by
Clarence A. Gagnon : Glories of the Great Divide,
by F. M. Bell-Smith ; In the North Country, an
exceptionally fine example of the work of A. J.

a series of exhibitions in all the larger cities of
the Dominion with the intention of devoting the
proceeds to the Patriotic Fund.
This programme was effectively carried out.
When the collection was finally assembled it com-
prised eighty pictures and two pieces of sculpture.
To it practically every Canadian artist of standing
contributed, and in most instances the examples of
work were of high quality, and represented the
respective donors at their best. A sensible re-
striction was made by which no picture could be
accepted that exceeded certain, and for the special
purpose intended, appropriate dimensions. This
had a twofold result: it provided that no work
should receive undue prominence merely because
of its size ; and it was an important factor towards
ensuring the saleability of each picture. A har-
monious uniformity in another respect was also
secured by the framing of the pictures alike. The
frames were made of a simple, narrow moulding of
tasteful design, finished in
dull gold. The general
effect was admirable, and
one may perhaps be per¬
mitted to suggest that it
would be no disadvantage
if this practice were to be¬
come largely universal in
connection with public ex¬
hibitions of pictures. The
expense of the framing, by
the way, as well as that of
transport, packing and ex¬
hibiting the pictures, was
borne by the Royal
Canadian Academy.
The method adopted for
the sale of the works
donated was both unique
and ingenious, and even
this, too, might be con¬
sidered worthy of imitation
on ordinary occasions. In¬
stead of the artist placing
a value on his work, the
public was given the oppor¬
tunity to do so. At each
city where the pictures
were exhibited bids were
received. Each bid was
bulletined, and so one
could always ascertain
the amount of the best
offer on any particular
262

BY FLORENCE CARLYLE, A.R.C.A.