Studio: international art (11.1897)

Decorative Art at the Champ de Mars

amateur dabblers, should devote its attention to
remedying a state of things which, if it continue,
must work the utmost harm to that fine and noble
cause—the creation of a national style.

The display of the little group referred to in
The Studio of March last, in connection with a
display in a gallery in the Rue Caumartin, is full
of interest. MM. Charles Plumet, Felix Aubert,
and Jean Dampt assert themselves here with in-
creased authority. There is a newcomer in the
person of M. Tony Selmersheim, which, when we
add MM. Alexandre Charpentier and Henry Nocq,
who are exhibiting apart from the others, brings up
the membership of the little association to six—a
half-dozen of artists allied by bonds of frankest
comradeship and genuine community of ideas.

M. Felix Aubert has designed the mural hang-
ings, the curtains, the carpet and the chair-cover-

child's chair by jean dampt

. 4o

detail of child's chair by jean dampt

ings for a boudoir the furniture of which has
been executed by M. Plumet. The hangings, in
green moire, are ornamented with silk and gold
embroidery—floral sprays of eglantine forming a
decoration of great delicacy and most happy com-
bination. The effect is at once rich and subdued.
One realises that M. Aubert must have given long
thought and serious study to this applique work,
for his designs are conceived and realised with
logical perfection. His Peacock Frieze, his
cushions, and his Wave bordering are of an
ornamental simplicity testifying to the most patient
labour, and revealing abundance of originality.
The Peacock carpet is less successful. It seems
somewhat heavy and over-elaborated.

In this setting M. Plumet has placed a Dressing-
table, a Chair, a glass Whatnot, and a Threefold
Screen in orange-wood draped with printed silk,