DOI issue:
No. 228 (March 1912)
DOI article:Studio-talk
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.21156#0162
Studio-Talk
studio in the quaint old street called Pre-aux-
Moulins are well known to brother artists. Among
his friends is Alfred Gilbert, the sculptor, whose
portrait he has painted. This was exhibited in the
Salon of 1909 and is considered a splendid likeness.
Mr. Paulus always chooses an absolutely natural
attitude for his sitters, preferring the dress to be
simple and characteristic. His portrait of Alfred
Gilbert’s mother is just as she appeared in everyday
life, strong and clever, with a grand personality.
Prominent in the studio is a full-length portrait of
Mrs. Paulus, which when exhibited at the Paris
Salon attracted a good deal of attention and
praise. The artist, in speaking of the joy that he
experienced in painting pictures, declared that his
wife was always his best critic.
Mr. Paulus has never chosen the hackneyed
sensational subjects likely to appeal to the public.
What he has ever sought has been to realise certain
ideals, and it is this quality which causes those who
know his work to agree that he is a painter of ex-
ceptional ability. He has an unusual gift of the
power of penetration into the deepest meaning and
poetical side of his subjects, so that the homeliest
theme is invested with a dignity and grace under
his hand and realism is never allowed to master
refinement of treatment. Allied to delightful com-
position and draughtsmanship his colour shows a
rare and keen perception of real tone values, and his
work has elicited special commendation on account
of its breadth and freedom. Particularly impressive
are his market subjects, with the play of sunshine
and shadow on moving figures, while his studies
of dimly lighted interiors, with the figures, relieved
by glints of sunlight, within them, are full of
atmosphere.
In the treatment of light Mr. Paulus has shown
exceptional skill; whether it is the light piercing
and illuminating suggested distances in the market
at Bruges, where the coppersmiths tread the tree-
lined paths, or shedding its mellow radiance
through the coloured blinds where lace-makers are
busily engaged in the low-roofed interiors; or
again, in the reflected rays of the silver moon upon
the form of Beethoven, playing in solitude—the
effect is always wrought by the sure touch of the
man who has developed to perfection the gift with
which nature has endowed him.
“WORK AND GOSSIP : A SCENE IN LISBON
BY FRANCIS PETRUS PAULUS
142
studio in the quaint old street called Pre-aux-
Moulins are well known to brother artists. Among
his friends is Alfred Gilbert, the sculptor, whose
portrait he has painted. This was exhibited in the
Salon of 1909 and is considered a splendid likeness.
Mr. Paulus always chooses an absolutely natural
attitude for his sitters, preferring the dress to be
simple and characteristic. His portrait of Alfred
Gilbert’s mother is just as she appeared in everyday
life, strong and clever, with a grand personality.
Prominent in the studio is a full-length portrait of
Mrs. Paulus, which when exhibited at the Paris
Salon attracted a good deal of attention and
praise. The artist, in speaking of the joy that he
experienced in painting pictures, declared that his
wife was always his best critic.
Mr. Paulus has never chosen the hackneyed
sensational subjects likely to appeal to the public.
What he has ever sought has been to realise certain
ideals, and it is this quality which causes those who
know his work to agree that he is a painter of ex-
ceptional ability. He has an unusual gift of the
power of penetration into the deepest meaning and
poetical side of his subjects, so that the homeliest
theme is invested with a dignity and grace under
his hand and realism is never allowed to master
refinement of treatment. Allied to delightful com-
position and draughtsmanship his colour shows a
rare and keen perception of real tone values, and his
work has elicited special commendation on account
of its breadth and freedom. Particularly impressive
are his market subjects, with the play of sunshine
and shadow on moving figures, while his studies
of dimly lighted interiors, with the figures, relieved
by glints of sunlight, within them, are full of
atmosphere.
In the treatment of light Mr. Paulus has shown
exceptional skill; whether it is the light piercing
and illuminating suggested distances in the market
at Bruges, where the coppersmiths tread the tree-
lined paths, or shedding its mellow radiance
through the coloured blinds where lace-makers are
busily engaged in the low-roofed interiors; or
again, in the reflected rays of the silver moon upon
the form of Beethoven, playing in solitude—the
effect is always wrought by the sure touch of the
man who has developed to perfection the gift with
which nature has endowed him.
“WORK AND GOSSIP : A SCENE IN LISBON
BY FRANCIS PETRUS PAULUS
142