DOI issue:
No. 87 (June, 1900)
DOI article:Baldry, Alfred Lys: The art of 1900
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.19785#0028
The Art of 1900
against the other, and each one keen on working originality of a whole host of able men. We
out his own destiny in the way that seems to him have, it is true, our leaders who stand out above
to be best, then is the time for real rejoicing the rest by virtue of their commanding ability,
among the people who have been waiting for a but the lesser lights do not merely follow in the
sign ; and not till then can they safely congratulate wake of these great ones j they have their own
themselves on the complete satisfaction of their ideas and their own definite aspirations that each
hopes. in his own fashion is striving his utmost to realise.
However, as things are now, even the most Consequently there is a vast amount of healthy
timid observer of signs and portents can feel con- variety in their methods, and a great deal of fresh-
vinced that it is summer time with our native ness and spontaneity distinguish their activity,
school. Art in this country depends for its vitality All aspects of art are presented, not in a per-
to-day not upon the inspired energy of one or two functory manner and in accordance with certain
famous workers, but upon the strength and recognised rules, but sincerely and logically with a
pleasant intention to se-
cure the right kind of in-
dependence. Here and
there this independence
maybe a little exaggerated,
and, in its vehemence
of protest against dull con-
ventions, it may be open
to the charge of eccen-
tricity • yet the protest is
without affectation, and
its quaintness of form
expresses nothing worse
than a craving for origi-
nality that has for the
moment got beyond con-
trol. Honesty, indeed, is
a virtue that no one can
deny to the British school,
a virtue that graces the
rank and file not less than
the most distinguished
leaders. It gives a charm
to the humblest efforts,
and adds a further value
to the achievements of
the master-craftsmen, and
it links together all phases
of our national art into a
completeness that is full
of dignity and significant
meaning.
This year the demon-
stration made by the
artists of this country is
extremely encouraging.
Not only is it interesting
in actual accomplish-
ment, but it is also
notable for the evi-
study for "charity" by frank brangwyn dence it gives of steady
14
against the other, and each one keen on working originality of a whole host of able men. We
out his own destiny in the way that seems to him have, it is true, our leaders who stand out above
to be best, then is the time for real rejoicing the rest by virtue of their commanding ability,
among the people who have been waiting for a but the lesser lights do not merely follow in the
sign ; and not till then can they safely congratulate wake of these great ones j they have their own
themselves on the complete satisfaction of their ideas and their own definite aspirations that each
hopes. in his own fashion is striving his utmost to realise.
However, as things are now, even the most Consequently there is a vast amount of healthy
timid observer of signs and portents can feel con- variety in their methods, and a great deal of fresh-
vinced that it is summer time with our native ness and spontaneity distinguish their activity,
school. Art in this country depends for its vitality All aspects of art are presented, not in a per-
to-day not upon the inspired energy of one or two functory manner and in accordance with certain
famous workers, but upon the strength and recognised rules, but sincerely and logically with a
pleasant intention to se-
cure the right kind of in-
dependence. Here and
there this independence
maybe a little exaggerated,
and, in its vehemence
of protest against dull con-
ventions, it may be open
to the charge of eccen-
tricity • yet the protest is
without affectation, and
its quaintness of form
expresses nothing worse
than a craving for origi-
nality that has for the
moment got beyond con-
trol. Honesty, indeed, is
a virtue that no one can
deny to the British school,
a virtue that graces the
rank and file not less than
the most distinguished
leaders. It gives a charm
to the humblest efforts,
and adds a further value
to the achievements of
the master-craftsmen, and
it links together all phases
of our national art into a
completeness that is full
of dignity and significant
meaning.
This year the demon-
stration made by the
artists of this country is
extremely encouraging.
Not only is it interesting
in actual accomplish-
ment, but it is also
notable for the evi-
study for "charity" by frank brangwyn dence it gives of steady
14