Studio: international art (31.1904)

Modern Painting in Sweden

the strength of works done
long ago, now likely
enough almost forgotten,
and by virtue of their
advanced age, in many
cases the power of vote;
that is, the power of grant-
ing money towards the
support, the encourage-
ment and the cultiva-
tion of art, and they
have further the no less
far - reaching power of
bestowing honours and
distinctions. Now, as these
gentlemen cannot, or will
not, understand the de-
mands of modern art,

"A ROCKY COAST " BY KARL NORDSTROM as they ^ ^

ledge the true value of
present-day progress, as

and when that has passed he should not think they cannot perceive the signs of to-day in regard
that time since then has proceeded without progress, to the future prospects of art, they must, as a matter
or that that progress has been made without a of sheer necessity, reward the followers of them-
transforming influence upon the art of the present selves and of their Own time,
time. That this has been the case and, to a lamentable

Now, it may be quite true that the obstinate extent, still is the case in most countries is quite
opinion of such gentlemen ought not to make much certain. Artists reflecting the art of times long gone
difference to the steady
course of artistic progress,
and I will readily admit
that it does not; but it is,
nevertheless, just as cer-
tain that the practical
exercise of that opinion
is a most provoking ob-
stacle to progress, an
obstacle that very often
must be got rid of and,
alas, just as often rolls
back again. A con-
siderable number of the
artists referred to, have,
as long as states and
communities continue to
grant funds towards the
support of artistic institu-
tions, or as long as such
institutions have funds of
their own, very formid-
able means of backing their
opinion with the actual
power of their position.
They have, generally on
98

EY B. LIND