DOI Heft:
Nr. 244 (June, 1917)
DOI Artikel:B. Nelson, W. H. de: Aesthetic hysteria
DOI Seite / Zitierlink:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43464#0319
Aesthetic Hysteria
TENNIS PLAYER
BY A. ROOSEVELT
nate. We are not of the class that favours drap-
ery for the legs of the piano stool, but phallic
symbolism under the guise of portraiture should
not be permitted in any public exhibition hall,
jury or no jury. It might be urged that similar
exhibits may be seen at any time at the Cluny
Museum and elsewhere in Europe. Be that so,
America likes and demands clean art. It is a
long way from New York to Pompeii.
Another freak picture was chiefly remarkable
for a large cake of Vinolia Soap carefully nailed
to the centre of attraction. The public took little
interest in the composition but felt an immense
sympathy with the soap, which to their minds,
seemed woefully out of place. And it was out of
place, repeatedly. Rumour obtains that the
artist was kept quite busy substituting new cakes
for those examples removed. Another picture,
first cousin to this, represented just a bathroom
towel and nothing more, but for some reason was
not shown. Possibly it was too soiled.
A noticeable feature of the exhibition was the
fact that all the best pictures—and there were
many good ones—were by men and women whose
work is known in the different galleries and peri-
odically shown. No hidden talent was discovered.
Not a name has been revealed amongst all the
outsiders who demanded admittance, which goes
to prove that no great injustice has been meted
out to deserving artists unable to get a hearing.
Let us by all means have independent shows, but
let them be artistic. A large notice to exhibitors
in display type, framed and hanging near the
entrance contained the following remark: “If
you have a kick read this,” etc. A small matter
perhaps, but very significant to the thoughtful
observer; an art exhibition, to be impressive,
must be artistic in its minutest surroundings.
It was announced that Dr. Christian Brinton
would write this article but unjortunately that emi-
nent art writer found himself unable to devote any
time to it owing to unforeseen circumstances. The
editor of The International Studio, rather
than ignore the affair, has therefore filled the gap
to the best of his ability at somewhat short notice.
AN ENGLISH BOY
BY A. ZEITLIN
CXXV
TENNIS PLAYER
BY A. ROOSEVELT
nate. We are not of the class that favours drap-
ery for the legs of the piano stool, but phallic
symbolism under the guise of portraiture should
not be permitted in any public exhibition hall,
jury or no jury. It might be urged that similar
exhibits may be seen at any time at the Cluny
Museum and elsewhere in Europe. Be that so,
America likes and demands clean art. It is a
long way from New York to Pompeii.
Another freak picture was chiefly remarkable
for a large cake of Vinolia Soap carefully nailed
to the centre of attraction. The public took little
interest in the composition but felt an immense
sympathy with the soap, which to their minds,
seemed woefully out of place. And it was out of
place, repeatedly. Rumour obtains that the
artist was kept quite busy substituting new cakes
for those examples removed. Another picture,
first cousin to this, represented just a bathroom
towel and nothing more, but for some reason was
not shown. Possibly it was too soiled.
A noticeable feature of the exhibition was the
fact that all the best pictures—and there were
many good ones—were by men and women whose
work is known in the different galleries and peri-
odically shown. No hidden talent was discovered.
Not a name has been revealed amongst all the
outsiders who demanded admittance, which goes
to prove that no great injustice has been meted
out to deserving artists unable to get a hearing.
Let us by all means have independent shows, but
let them be artistic. A large notice to exhibitors
in display type, framed and hanging near the
entrance contained the following remark: “If
you have a kick read this,” etc. A small matter
perhaps, but very significant to the thoughtful
observer; an art exhibition, to be impressive,
must be artistic in its minutest surroundings.
It was announced that Dr. Christian Brinton
would write this article but unjortunately that emi-
nent art writer found himself unable to devote any
time to it owing to unforeseen circumstances. The
editor of The International Studio, rather
than ignore the affair, has therefore filled the gap
to the best of his ability at somewhat short notice.
AN ENGLISH BOY
BY A. ZEITLIN
CXXV