Studio: international art (81.1921)

MR. ROBERT BURNS'S PICTURES
OF MOROCCO. BY E. A. TAYLOR.

TO bear the name of one whose fame
has spread throughout the world,
and especially one whose life work is
beloved from childhood to old age in
every Scottish household, may become
burdensome by its many humorous
associations despite the . impetus it may
give the namesake to maintain the idealistic
honour attached to it. Had, however,
Robert Burns, the poet, clung to his
father's baptismal name of Burness, Robert
Burns, the artist, would not have so
personally enjoyed the many quaint in-
cidents which continually arise due to his
similarity of name. Without departing
from Scotland, one will find there few
poets, or lovers of poetry, who have not
a remarkable appreciation for Robert
Burns, the poet, and so, too, one will
find there few artists and lovers of painting
who have not a sincere appreciation for
Robert Burns, the artist, a a e>

A man of distinct individuality as well
as thoughtful ability, he has for a number
of years been acclaimed with the notable
amongst the outstanding Scottish painters,
and there are probably few artists who
have touched so many strings in their
art gamut. A native of Edinburgh,
various Scottish art schools were tried
by him, but it was in Paris, with its Jardin
des Plantes and the life class in the
Academie Delecluse, that he found most
satisfaction akin to his early artistic out-
look. On returning to Edinburgh he
devoted much of his time to designing
stained glass, iron and silversmith's work.
Twenty years ago, while still a young
man, he made his mark with a series of
figure subjects on legendary and historical
themes of great beauty and power. In
mural decoration and book illustration,
too, his fine decorative sense found an
outlet from time to time, and many of
those early illustrations are prominent
to-day amongst the most vigorous in that
branch of art. a a a a

LXXXI. No. 336.—March 1931

' a portuguese archway, mazagan "
water-colour by robert burns

87