International studio (60.1916/1917)

The Cleveland Museum of Art


LOOKING ACROSS THE ROTUNDA INTO THE COURT OF TAPESTRIES AND ARMOUR

The inaugural exhibition is of much importance
and wide scope. In paintings, France, England,
Spain and Italy are well represented. The Eng-
lish section includes three Gainsboroughs, six Rae-
burns, including Mr. Edward Drummond Libbey’s
charmingly decorative Lady Janet Traill. Mr.
Libbey also contributed a fine Constable. There
are two Hoppners, three Lawrences, four by Sir
Joshua Reynolds, including the portrait of Lord
Sackville which has some of the strength and
character of the portrait of Lord Heathfield in
the National Gallery in London. France is repre-
sented by J. F. Millet, Claude Monet, N. V. Diaz,
Claude Lorraine, Puvis de Chavannes, Rousseau
and others. The Music Lesson, one of Manet’s
finest works, as well as fourteen beautiful examples
of Monticelli, are among the most important
contributions to the French section.
In the Dutch and Spanish schools are to be seen

works by Rembrandt, Frans
Hals, Goya, Muiillo and
Velasquez.
Early American painters,
as well as the more modern
men, are also well repre-
sented. Included in this
section are The Guide, a
fine canvas by Winslow
Homer, and several import-
ant Whistlers.
The museum has been
made possible by the mu-
nificence of two public-
spirited citizens, John Hunt-
ington and Horace Kelly. It
is built in Wade Park, an
ideal spot for this institu-
tion. The site is also the
gift of another generous
citizen. A perfect relation-
ship exists between the
building and its environ-
ment; nothing could be
more beautiful, more sug-
gestive, more inspiring, than
the glimpses of the museum
through the foliage of the
trees which are scattered a
little distance from the front
of the building in a valley-
like situation. In the vale
is a lake which enhances the
beauty of the composition. For some reasons it
might be better if the museum were closer to the
more busy part of the city, yet one would be
loath to separate it from its present setting.
No city contemplating the erection of an art
museum can afford to do so without first visiting
the new museum in Cleveland. It stands with
the Minneapolis and Toledo museums as exam-
ples of what an art museum should be. In every
department is evidence of expert direction. The
fine perception shown in every detail is a compli-
ment to the discrimination of the trustees who
have followed only the best advice. In both the
aesthetic and the mechanical and the adminis-
trative sides of the institution there is evidence
of the utmost consideration for every detail.
If the museum in its conduct continues as it has
begun, Cleveland will become one of the impor-
tant art cities in the United States.

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