YALE UNIVERSITY

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W. W. CORCORAN.

A THSBHTE

TO

W. W. CORCORAN,

OF

WASHINGTON CITY.

PHILADELPHIA :
PORTEE & COATES,
NOi 823 Chestnut Stbeet.
1874.

'i'-jMiX.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in ihe year 1874., by
M. E. P. BOULIGNY,
/« the Offlce of ihe Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

CVi^

:fc5

King & Baird, Pkinters,
Noa. COT anti 609 Sansom Strcrt,
PniLADELPHIA.

In dedicating this little booh to ^n. (^oticoiian, I add but a
simple i^loweii to the altjeady nich anb fttagtiant gatjland, that
gtiatitude has woven in Jiemcmbtiance of his nuraetious deeds
of charity, his nobis citizenship, and his good name.

M. E. P. BOULIGNY.

¦ft'ASHISGTON ClTV,
January 19th, 1874,

6>^^^J3 1 (p

Chapter I.

F th5 history of American statesmen is
a pleasing study, and will interest the
minds of thousands of people throughout
,^„,^o the breadth of our land, we may not be
^o)^ wrong in believing that a biography of
the noblest philanthropist of our ISTationai Capital,
will also find its way to the sincere appreciation of
very many hearts. If the deeds of great men who
have electrified Senates and ruled the nation, are
emblazoned in characters of gold, so should con
tinued acts of philanthropy forever dwell in letters
of living fire. Heroes acting in behalf of the common
good of our country, gain the proudest plaudits of
earth, but the humanitarian, sowing the' seed of
charity, gathers in even a richer harvest, because
his generosity is in imitation of the blessed example
of God, Who showereth unstintedly His gifts upon
mankind. In this age, when, oftentimes, principle,
reputation, and honor are sacrificed on the altar of
Mammon, it is commonly agreed that the goods of
this world become a primary consideration, and that
to guard them jealously is an imperative duty. When
this selfish rule is departed from, and a man looks
in upon his treasury of wealth, saying, " This I

6 A TRIBUTE TO
resign for the good of my fellow creatures," he has
but walked out of the broad beaten path of avarice
and penuriousness, to seek the narrow way that
leadeth to righteousness ; and such a man, whilst
sadly contemplating the weeds and wretched tares
that perplex his neighbor, can j-et gladly feel that
instead of thorns and thistles there have sprung
up for himself, violets of love and gratitude.
The subject of our sketch, William Wilson Cor
coran, was born ou the 27th of December, 1798,' in
Georgetown, D. C. His father, Thomas Corcoran, a
native of Ireland, moving to this cbuntry in early
youth, first resided in Baltimore, and afterwards set
tled in Georgetown. By his worthiness and integrity
he won the respect and admiration of the community,
and held important offices of trust up to the time of
his death. For thirty-nine years Wm. Wilson Cor
coran continued to reside in his native town, giving
his attention, the larger portion of that time, to mer
cantile aftairs. From' 1828 to 1836 he had the manage
ment of the real estate of the Bank of the United
States, in Washington City, and the Bank of Columbia,
in Georgetown, and afterwards was engaged in the
Exchange business in Penn avenue, up to 1839, when
he removed to the building of the old Bank of the
Metropolis, F street. Mr. George W. Riggs having
become his partner, they purchased, in 1844, the old
Bank of the United States, and on the 4th of July of
that year (propitious day for a bright destiny), they
established themselves, soon making it a bulwark of
strength and goodly reputation, aud crowning their
names with emolument and honor.
In the midst of the grave and momentous trials
brought about by the Mexican Avar, this firm took up
the heavy loans made by the government, and with

JV. W. CORCORAN. 1
discretion and ability passed through the storm, the
anchorage of the national credit beina; fast and sure
under their wise guidance. This was a bold and
hazardous undertaking, but what better proof of en
ergy, zeal and generous patriotism? It was but the
beginning of that high principle in Mr. Corcoran of
doing good and proftering help where necessity and
emergency were involved.
In 1835 Mr. Corcoran married Louise Morris, the
daughter of Commodore Morris. She was a most
estimable woman, possessed of beauty and accomplish
ments, but this happy union was soon broken by
death, the fragile flower fading away at the expiration
of five years. She left a son, who died shortly after
her decease, and a daughter Louise, whose eu(J>logy,
now that she has also passed to the eternal world, is
best told in the beautiful memories that cluster around
her name. The life of this only child, reared in the
lap of afluence, was like a placid dream, and she drew
so much of her inspiration from the lovely things of
earth, that the fairest beauty mirrored in her counte
nance, and in her latter days especially, gave "a saintly
meaning to her face."
In 1859 she was married to Hon. Geo. Eustis, a rep
resentative in Congress from the State of Louisiana.
They resided several years in Paris, whither Mr. Cor
coran, with loving solicitude, frequently repaired, to
share in the sweet social amenities for which her home
was noted. Three interesting children added to her
many joys and blessings, yet athwart the glad sunshine
came the dark cloud of sickness and threatening disso
lution, and in December, 1867, at Cannes, she ex
changed the fleeting delights and riches of earth for
the priceless inheritance of heaven. It was truly a
sorrowful day for the fond father when so dear a link

8 A TRIBUTE TO
was severed and so bright a jewel taken away to add
to the radiance' above, but he who had surrendered
many worldly possessions in acts of Christian charity,
laid this best and fondest treasure, with becoming sub
mission, at the feet of Him who shapeth the lily and
coloreth the violet, and plucketh them from earth to
shed fragrance in the fair garden of His keeping.
.' But to return to the career of Mr. Corcoran, we have
but to say that he retired from active life in 1854. The
citizens of Washington, the representatives of foreign
governments, and strangers from all parts of our
country will remember with pleasure his princely hos
pitality, for many years in a home which was of itself
a model of elegance and refinement.
Through all the vain attractions and temptations
of the gay Capital, he passed unscathed, preserving
his moral dignity and a regard for a consistent and
honorable life. An open profession of religious faith
was made by him a few years since, in the Church of
the Ascension of this city, Rev. Wm. Pinckney, D. D.,
pastor, the rite of baptism being previously adminis
tered. There was always a warm aflection between
Mr. Corcoran and his pastor, and in the library of his
residence, among the family portraits, hangs a likeness
of this Avorthy and eloquent man, noAV the beloved
assistant bishop of Maryland. It may safely be said,
however, that no special sect of religion nor bigotry of
faith could still or silence that instinctive sentiment of
Mr. Corcoran, to give wherever there was need, and
thus, every denomination has doubtless felt the good
ness of his catholic spirit.
If he has aided the impoverished women of the
South, he has also befriended the needy widows of
other sections; if he gave five thousand dollars to
the starving Irish, when famine stalked throu"-hout

JF. m CORCORAN. 9
their land, he also extended a helping, if not welcom
ing hand to the band of Hungarian exiles, seeking
refuge on our friendly shores. Moreover, he has helped
to build up the waste places and homes where war left
its desolating trail, giving timely charities, or profl'er-
ing loans which he meant should never be liquidated.
Many persons, once in the hey-day of fortune, finding
themselves about to be suddenly engulfed in the dark
waters of despair, have seen a beacon light, and an ark
of safety and retreat set afloat, wherein they have
entered and found peace. Thus have families been
kept united, that else would have widely scattered —
rescued in mercy from the driving and pitiless storms
of life.
Those who have been always poor, meet raore in
quiet patience their hard and weary lot ; but when the
roses of life turn to the piercing thorns, there are but
few spirits in this world to whom the sudden change
does not bring an insupportable woe. These two con
ditions have, then, interested the sympathy of our bene
factor. If he has lifted in part the burden of the
" always poor," making their pathway less rugged, he
has saved from the darker fate of sudden and heavy
misfortune, the delicate and tenderly reared Avoman,
and the noble, high minded man. Forgetting not the
loving entreaty of the Saviour of mankind, he has also
sufl'ered little children to come unto him, aflbrding
them such happy relief, that when in maturer years
they shall rest their heaviest burdens in the bosom of
Infinite Love, they will still preserve a tender and pre
cious memory of the " good man."
Mr. Corcoran has also taken a very great pride in the
advancement of science and literature. In opening or
paving the way to that inexhaustible mine of learning,
whose riches are more enduring and valuable than

10 A TRIBUTE TO
gold or precious stones, he has said to the student, " I
lay before you the inestimable treasure of books, whose
pages, well studied and appreciated, will yield more
true glory than any worldlj'- fame to which you may
aspire." The Washington and Lee University testifies
to this special interest ; for there, within its classic walls,
the youth of our land owe a debt of gratitude to the
donor of that choice library of five thousand volumes,
from whose invaluable fund they might make the com
ing years lustrous witb the light of knowledge. When
the blight of war fell upon that time-honored institu
tion of Virginia, the William and Mary College, that
same generous hand, so prompt aud willing, bestowed
the first sum of money towards raising her from her
ashes. Donations have also been made to the Univer
sity of Virginia, and the Virginia Military Institute.
The Columbian College of Washington, also gives testi
mony to a most liberal endoAvment of landed property.
A fine building or hall, inclusive of the site, is one of
the gifts, and is used as the medical department of that
institution. Its dedication called forth a most eloquent
address on the part of the trustees and faculty. Hospi
tals and asylums have also come in for a goodly share
of benefaction ; and that true and sacred asylum for
" the weary and heavy laden," the Church of God,
writes the name of Corcoran upon her tablets. It
would be impossible to recall in any order the numer
ous dispensations or favors benefiting both rich and
poor. A gloria and thanksgiving of sweet music mio-ht
be rendered, all conditions of men uniting in the chorus.
But the sweetest of all would be the grateful songs .of
the orphans of this city, Avho might hold up a roll of
fifty thousand dollars or more, saying, " Thus has he
relieved our orphanage, and the Lord shall remember
him." This same grateful refrain is also chanted else-

JV. J J'. CORCORAN. 11
where by other orphans, Avhom distance has not made
him lose sight of or forget. Are not all these bright,
sunshiny deeds, like a mirror, revealing to us a picture
of goodness and benevolence ? And does not the life
that has been so long fed and sustained by a happy
conscience, remind us of the brilliancy and light of
the diamond, that rarest gem of earth, or the purity
and beauty of the dew drop, whose immaculateness
is of heaven? Turning from the perishing things of
the world, he also reflected that there cometh to all
men that great and important change — the slumber of
the grave— and so from his meditations sprung this
thought : " I will choose a spot to be made sacred to
the dead. Its beauty Avill lessen the regret of a fare
well to life, and for those Avho shall rest under its
sod, may there be unlocked the glories of the Avorld
unknown ! " Oak Hill Cemetery was then established
and endoAved. Every year some new beauty is added
through the never failing interest of the donor. Situ
ated on the picturesque heights of Georgetown, it
overlooks a beautiful region of country, and aftbrds a
charming vicAV of the city and the Potomac. Not
withstanding the sad associations, it is ahvays poetic
and beautiful, whether under the fall of winter's suoav,
or wearing the mantle of spring's brightest green, or
when summer's sunshine wakes the flowers and tins-es
the moss with emerald loveliness. It was meet that
this generous spirit should cast aside the thought of
earth and its vanities, and, remote from the city's
sullying breath, select this loveliest spot of nature,
embalmed with fragrance, shadoAved o'er with luxuri
ant foliage, within sound of the singing rill and
leaping cascade. And it may be well in God's wis
dom that those dearest in his affections should first
be laid to rest within the temple's shrine, that he

12 A TRIBUTE TO
might wander there to glorify Him " Who giveth and
taketh away,'" and Who promiseth in their name, that
he shall meet them again. This " come wito me "
throAvs a shadoAA' upon earth, whilst it brightens the
portals of the sky ! How tender and sad a feeling is
kindled in our breasts as we stand amid the peaceful
shades of Oak Hill, where so many that in life were
noble and good, fair and beautiful, are '' sleeping their
last sleep 1 " There seems to flit before our gaze an
angelic band, our mental eye straining to catch the last
glimpse of the white robes, ere they vanish forever into
the heavenly sphere. We see the SAveet and gentle
maiden, the loveliest flower of the household, going to
prepare the way for the loved ones left behind — " the
nursling from its mother's arms," a rose-bud to beautify
the garden of our Lord — the matron, whose deeds of
love on earth are her passport to the mansions of bliss
— the young bride exchanging her wreath of orange
blossoms for the coronal of heaven — the brave soldier,
whose warfare being ended, puts on the armor of right
eousness — the learned scholar, giving up the " lettered
page" for the heavenly scroll, and countless others
with brows bathed in glorious light, and Avhose wings
bear them on to endless joys ! With all this beauteous
vision, there floats on the ear the soft, Ioav music that
Avas chanted over the remains of our loved ones, as the
autumn leaves were being drifted doAvn the A'ale, and
the sun Avas setting in solemn beauty. " Rest, spirit,
rest!" was mournfully echoed, but the thought of
immortality has robbed it of its dirge-like cadence.
Blest poAver of memory ! Ye hath left an enduring
legacy among the floAvery Avalks of Oak Hill, in the
costly memorials of granite and marble; in the myrtle
and blue-eyed periwinkle, creeping over many a grave,
as if in humble love; in ihe faithful ivy entvvinino-

IV. W. CORCORAN. 13
the " broken shaft ; " and the rare exotics of other
lands, wooed into lending their beauty to this consecra
ted soil ! Here are to be found rare specimens of South
American and Asiatic plants, Australian ferns, &c.,
but noblest of all the Avealth of verdure, are the native
forest oaks that stretch their sheltering branches like
the strong arm of Divine Love over frail, perishing
humanity. To draw any graphic picture of the variety
and beauty of art in this cemetery, would occupy too
much space ; but wheu the visitor leaves the Corcoran
Temple of pure white marble and Doric architecture,
he must seek a contrast in the Van Ness Mausoleum
of sombre hue and Grecian architecture. Here also in
this lovely spot has Mr. Corcoran reserved a lot for the
ladies of the " Louise Home " — an institution to which
we shall presently allude. What more touching con
sideration was ever shown — the twilight of age soothed
and sustained, and the darkness of death lighted by
this last kind and thoughtful provision !

Chapter II.

i^NE of the noblest tributes ever paid to
woman was the thought that actuated
Mr. Corcoran to erect the " Louise
Botne." His heart, ever filled with the
memories of his precious dead, throbbed
in sympathy Avith the bereaved ones of their sex, whose
impoverishment and sorrow he bade them forget in the
genuine welcome of a friend and almoner. The ladies
admitted to this dwelling are educated and accomp
lished, having basked in the bright sunshine <of com
fortable means until the dark day came, and the cloud
of misfortune burst ruthlessly upon them.
It entered into the religion of Mr. Corcoran to re
member the widow as Avell as the orphan, and a digres
sion in the mention of the latter is admissible, iu that
the name of Louise Eustis must ever be cherished by
many bereaved children. She was like her father in
" good deeds ; " so say those faithful women wearing
the garb of Sisters of Charity and noble ladies of other
denominations. At the St. Vincent's Asylum of this
city hangs her portrait, and it invokes the tribute of
a tear as the little faces gaze up at its sAA^eetness and
beauty. The orphans of the Protestant Asylum remember a
sad procession wending its Avay to Oak Hill, and how

IF. IF. CORCORAN. 15
their trembling fingers strewed flowers of love upon
her coffin. At this beautiful home, named for herself
and mother, there are two representative portraits by
Guillaume which will hold the spectator spell-bound
by their serene loveliness and innocence. The daugh
ter is the reflex of the mother, whose mild blue eyes
beam with the light of goodness and amiability, and
in the portrait of Mrs. Eustis the typical appeal of the
flower Pe'nsez d, moi (that she holds in her hand), surely
meets with a prompt and affectionate response from
every heart.
The ladies established at this retreat have opportuni
ties of entertainment and diversion, now and then
tendered by the host, besides other friends and sources,
proving that there is in our midst a never failing
liberality that leans to the bereaved. Just here might
be mentioned Mrs. Benjamin Ogle Tayloe, whose kind
deeds are well known, and whose house has always
sustained the reputation of lavish hospitality. This
lady has recently presented two chairs to the institu
tion, the very attractive work of the Shakers at Leba
non. A well selected library is also furnished for the
inmates, and there are some interesting pictures to
adorn the walls, the thoughtful host believing not only
in the recreation of the mind, but in the exercise and
gratification of the eye. Each lady resident has re
ceived a handsome Bible as a gift from Mr. Corcoran,
and this is a proof that not only has their material
comfort been considered, but also their spiritual wel
fare. The edifice itself is one of the most beautiful in
Washington. The interior is charming in all of its
details, being bright and cheerful, besides showing
an air of substantiality. There are five stories, the
central portion of the building forming a wide open

16 A TRIBUTE TO
space, with encircling galleries to each tier, upon which
the bed rooms open. Every convenience has been pro
vided, bath rooms, elevators, &c. The supporters are
bronzed iron columns, and the Avoodwork is of black
walnut. The rooms are all models of neatness, and
display in the little ornaments here and there, the re
fined taste of gentlewomen. The regulations are very
precise, and can compare favorably with any govern
ment institution, where " order is the first law." The
matron, Miss Lucy Hunter, is admirably chosen for
her responsible position. Her sweet, expressive face,
like the Evangeline of LongfelloAV, is certainly an ac
quisition to the Home, Avhilst her charm of manner is
ever present, winning praise from friends and strangers.
The dining saloon is on the ground floor, and all of its
appointments .correspond with the elegance above.
We happened once to see a meal spread out, where
was abundance and a choice serving.
Besides the reception rooms and ante-chambers, there
are fine grounds outside, the green-sward inviting to
a promenade for the aged inmates who do not care
to seek exercise in the public thoroughfares. Alto
gether a spirit of comfort and ease pervades the place,
and to those who are so happily installed, we do not
doubt that the evening of their life will be lit up with
an almost hallowed remembrance of the " good deed"
by which they were shielded and provided for; and
like Judith, who faithful " to the end, walked with
the angels in her widow's weeds," they will patiently
await the summons to that " Home," not made with
hands, " eternal in the heavens." The gratitude of
these ladies is frequently shown by some delicate little
attention to Mr. Corcoran, viz. : the gift of a beautiful
fiower, a note of exquisite pathos, &c., which to his
appreciative and sensitive nature, are worth more than

JF. JV. CORCORAN. 17
gold or rubies ; for his life is made rich " Avith that
content the world takes not away." During a severe
illness of Mr. Corcoran, some gentle hand that had
nurtured at the " Home" a lily, pure and spotless as
the snow, and therefore the more emblematic of his
goodness, sent the fiower to him, trusting that its
poetic language might convey the many kindly wishes
for his restoration to health. How appropriate such
gifts to him who hath caused so many flowers to
spring up in their pathAv^ay !
We are permitted to quote the following beautiful
letter from the pen of the distinguished Bishop of
Alabama. 'New York, September 15, 1878.
W. W. Corcoran,
Mt Dear Friend : — I went up to Washington a few
days ago, for the express purpose of seeing the " Louise
Home." I saw a great many public buildings of the
city, and many of the works of Art with which the
Metropolis abounds ; but I saw nothing upon which
the stamp of immortality was set save the " Louiso
Home." God bless you 1 — and He will bless you — for
this labor of love. And when I looked upon the beau
tiful face of her whose memory must have inspired
you, and whose name is given to " The Home," I
could not wonder that it was woman whom you Avished
to bless with your beneficence. When I gazed upon
that beautiful face — and I can never forget it — I could
well understand that the heart in whieh such a woman
was enshrined, could never find place for another love.
How beautiful are they who are prepared for an early
Heaven !
But one thing T missed — Will you pardon me for
the seeming presumption ? — " the oratory " — the conse-

18 A TRIBUTE TO
crated " House of Prayer." You would not give a
denominational character to the Home. That is not
necessary. No one is compelled to attend it. Each
one is left free to individual choice. But AA^hat excep
tion can be justly taken to a real chapel of the church,
when all are privileged, but none are required to go to
worship ? This seemed the only thing lacking, and so
beautiful and true a thing should lack nothing.
I feel that, if you agree not with me, you will pardon
me for the suggestion. I start in a few days for Mobile.
I carry Avith me no reminiscence so sweet as that of
your " Louise Home." Heaven itself must be SAveeter
to you for being the founder of the " Louise Home."
Most truly,
RICHARD H. WILMER.

The control of the " Louise Home " is vested in a
board of nine directresses, appointed by Mr. Corcoran,
and the folloAving well knoAvn names are a sufficient
guarantee of their faithful stewardship — Mrs. Benjamin
Ogle Tayloe, President ; Mrs. James M. Carlisle, Mrs.
George W. Riggs (since deceased), Mrs. Richard H.
Coolidge, Miss Sarah Coleman, Mrs. Richard T. Mer
rick, Mrs. John Marbury, Sen. ; Mrs. Beverly Kennon,
and Mrs. S. P. Hill. The Trustees are Messrs. Car
lisle, Riggs, Hall and Hyde. Doctors Busey and
Drinkard, have very generously offered their gratui
tous services to the institution.
Mr. Corcoran has been the recipient of hundreds of
written testimonials of gratitude for the good he has
done in various Avays, and not only has Avoman sent
the Avarmest expressions of affection, but there have
been acknowledgments from some of the greatest and
wisest of men— men who in our national councils stood

?r. /F. CORCORAN. 19
first in the array of talent and Avorth. .Also the lamen
ted George Peabody, his personal friend and admirer,
admitted that in Mr. Corcoran he had found a strong
competitor in acts of benevolence. Our country has
every right to be proud of tAvo such benefactors, em
bodying the noblest sentiments and virtues, and Avho
scattered Avhilst living the fruits of their labors^Avait-
ing not for the " convenient season," nor for the time
when earth, vanishing from the mortal gaze, makes the
riches of a lifetime as dross or chaff', useless and value
less, at least to the possessor. Colton says: — " Posthu
mous charities are the very essence of selfishness, when
bequeathed by those who, when alive, would part with
nothing." The true charity is that Avhich waiting not
to be weighed, falls like the dew in famishing places,
and is not inflated with pride and vanity. There was
no truer and fonder tribute paid to Peabody 's bier,
than AA'hen England's poor wept with bitterness. It
was far above the honors paid by sovereigns and the
nobility, and the requiem of the Atlantic AA-aves, as the
convoy bore him sadly back to his native soil !
There is one little sentence of vast meaning con
tained in the Book of Common Prayer, Avhich strikes
upon millions of ears every Sabbath, and yet we ven
ture to assert is but little heeded — " Behold, Lord ! the
half of my goods I give to the poor." How easily
counted are the followers after this, because of the
rarity, and how much then does the world owe to the
men who have not overlooked it. Apart from the
philanthropy that vaunteth itself, craving worldly ap
plause, and independent of the costly edifices, the piled
up gold and bonds, are the small charities which have
no record, save in the hearts of humble recipients and
in the notice of God. The great ocean, as it sweeps
on in its proud defiant course, is so overwhelming a

20 A TRIBUTE TO
thought in the mind, that the tranquil rivulet, gliding
gently on with naught of force or impetus, becomes an
insignificant comparison ; and yet the influence of one
on the other cannot be entirely lost sight of. All the
grandeur of the former cannot take away the remem
brance of the sparkling stream that slaked our thirst
on a weaiy journey ; and so to the poverty-stricken,
who have been refreshed in the toiling strife of life,
the smallest gifts have been mercies not less dignified,
not less valued than the wealth that built the Vatican,
or the Escurial. This quiet, unostentatious charity has
also belonged to Mr. Corcoran, and after the mighty
and limitless sea of his generous impulse, gentle little
streams of kindness have floAved here and there to
relieve the necessities of the obscure and needy.
About a year ago, a paper of this city recorded the
folloAving : " Praying for her benefactor." " There are
several poor persons Avho have been in the habit of call
ing daily at the office of Mr. W. W. Corcoran, and re
ceiving from him small sums to relieve their necessi
ties. A few days since a feeble old woman entered the
office to receive her contribution, but upon learning
that Mr. Corcoran was dangerously ill, she shoAved
much feeling, and upon going out fell upon her knees
at the street corner by the bank, and prayed fervently
for the recovery of her benefactor."
So might we continue to enumerate benefactions,
one after another, the list assuming enormous length.
But there is one gift not to be named for its value, but
rather for the beautiful thought or idea connected Avith
Mr. Corcoran's love aud veneration of the " Father of
his Country." Whilst it is the duty and cherished
privilege of the Mount Vernon Association to keep in
repairs the home of Washington, and beautify the es
tate, still it occurred to Mr. Corcoran to make a most

JF. Jr. CORCORAN 21
expressive and emblematical adornment. The slopes
of the Potomac where Mount Vernon lies, are planted
Avith evergreens, purchased in Europe. Stone and
granite may tell the story of departed worth and ex
cellence, but their crumbling pieces will not convey so
eloquently the sad truth of what Death has robbed us,
as those AvaA'ing evergreens, singing a dirge Avith the
fitful breeze.

"^vt^

Chapter III.
3 sBMi^NH now we come to that great and impor-
e^y^is t^i^t subject, the Fine Arts, Avhich day by
"""^¦^i^ t'^^y ^''0 becoming more appreciated and find
^^(y)is« ^ rapid increase of patrons. It is true that
<= there are some who do not regard Art as
an essentiality, and who are even indififerent to it as an
ornament. Viewed favorably by the masses, in the
latter sense, does it not appeal to the mind and heart,
and aid in the general education ? A love of it was
handed doAvn to us from remote ages, Avhen painting,
hieroglyphics and signs were the beginning or the
alpha of the interesting work. Then it Avas the weak
infant struggling into being — now it is the giant, clothed
with poAver and strength !
We can even go back to the deluge and the years
close following, when sculpture was one of the arts,
although perverted in the form of idols and graven
images. Hundreds of years after, Phidias, the origi
nator of the ideal style, chiselled statues out of ivory
and gold, and still later the names of Praxitiles and
Scopas tell of perfection in the art. Note the groAving
affection that has brought these crudities to the perfect
image and the faultless painting, and let us give thanks
that the broAV of the sculptor has been decked Avith
brightest laurel, and that some of the proudest niches

JV. VJ^. CORCORAN. 23
in the world's Temple have been filled by soul-inspired
artists !
There are many arguments to be made in favor of
Art — that glorious handmaid to nature I Let us enter
some fine picture gallery and study the various subjects.
With Avhat do Ave find ourselves busied? Geography,
History, Mythology, &c., &e. We see the imitative
power of the artist in the truthful scenes of nature,
and -we descry a likeness to our fellow-creatures in the
shapely marble and plaster. Face to face Ave are
brought Avith men whose features, faithful in resem
blance, make us for the moment forget that they
themselves are crumbling into dust, or that their real
substance has vanished from earth. If it be a states
man or warrior, a poet or astrologist, some special
renown or exploit, romance or spiritualized intelligence
will speak eloquently from the canvas. We are sud
denly brought to an association with the great spirits
of the past; the human mind is made to travel over an
immensity of space, glorified by genius and worth,
and the bare contemplation through sympathy, awak
ens us to a moral and intellectual state. Do we wonder
at the hush ot silence that frequently pervades galleries
of art, not less in New York than in Europe, for are
there not impulses at work " playing an old tune upon
the heart," or otherwise pleasurably exercising the
thoughts ? We have seen a sad, lone woman engrossed
or held spell-bound by a picture representing " The
Dying Child." The scene is painful for the casual
observer, but what is it to her Aveeping eyes and aching
heart? The pale, little form is not the figure of her
own beloved child, but the sorroAvful reminder of a
bitter moment when the Angel of Death hovered over
her home.
Another scene may be recalled, that made the stout

24 A TRIBUTE TO
heart of the veteran grow tender. It was " The Last
Message," Avhere a Avounded soldier, anticipating death,
confides to a Sister of Charity his faroAvell to his family.
This representation brought tears, which the situation
itself, amid the every-day occurrences of Avar, may have
failed to excite. Such is the sympathetic influence of
Art. We have seen sad emotion called forth by the
portrayal of a " Bridal Scene" — the fair daughter of a
loving circle taking upon herself that holiest of vows !
Happiness Avas the chief element there, but strange as
the paradox may seem, it took the part of grief, for the
lookers on vicAved it through their own parting with
an only daughter, Avhom seas were to divide from their
loving caresses. If these then, are some of the sad
instances often met with, the cheerful aspect must not
be overlooked. We have seen the risibilities of a little
ehild excited, when upon leaving some dark, gloomy
canvas, he unexpectedly meets the grinning countenance
of a cat, or a monkey perched on high, intent on his
Avork of mischief. The silence adverted to is thus bro
ken, solemnity and poetry are disturbed, but the little
one is paying the highest tribute to art by his merry
ring of laughter, for so true is the picture that it finds
actual existetice in his eyes.
When we turn our steps from these delightful places,
we have learned a lesson more entertaininor than that of
books, having been brought into a closer contact, or
formed a stronger tie through the pleasures of sight and
memory. In the same ratio Avill the child become more
interested in the tempting fruit that he sees in painted
form, than the fabled grapes ^sop describes. The would-
be traveler, too, gazing upon pictures of the grand moun
tains, the tumultuous Avaves of ocean , and the fiery,
hissing crater, is far better repaid than by indulging in
the most vivid, high-wrought imagination, or the most

rr. JJ\ CORCORAN. 25
careful geographical study. Art has also a higher
mission than the mere elevation of the mind and the
refinement of taste. It tends to the worship of the
great Author of our being; and, as the Avorthy Cardinal
W^iseman said: '-It is the most graceful and natural
tribute of homage we can pay to Him for the beauties
which He has so lavishly scatterd over creation. Art,
then, is a reverend thing; one Avhich must be treated
with all nobleness of feeling, and Avith all the dignity
of aim." See what the Divine Hand has lavished
upon our broad earth, and what it has cast into the
AA-ay of the artist to portray ! The beautiful mountains,
towering lo the clouds; the peaceful valleys, lying as
if in gentle slumber at their base ; the magnificent for
ests, teeming with verdure; the noble rivers and the
grander ocean — and above all these things, man, after
His own glorious image ! With Avhat a wrapt interest
do we stand in the art museums of the old world,
before the faces of St. Peter, St. Paul, and others that
walked in holiness, in the company of Him Avho Avas
above all men the most saintlj- ! And besides these
sacred personages, the philosopher and sage, and noble
women Avorthy in good deeds to immortalize canvas.
In the bright army of His creatures there are names
that belong to the golden age of art 1 Who shall speak
the glories of Raphael and Angelo, Murillo and Titian,
Thorwaldsen and Canova ? If the genius of Europe
treats all these spheres of celebrity, our country, still
young, does bravely her part, and some fcAV have been
prepared to cope Avith the proudest and best of any age.
Such names as West, Powers, Greenough, Bierstadt,
Cole, Crawford, Durand, Healy, Rogers, Leutze, Church,
Trumbull and Allston, form a brilliant constellation, and
a grateful memory survives those Avho have departed
from the scene of their labors. Church's wonderfully

26 A TRIBUTE TO
true delineation of Niagara Falls, with its fine coloring,
and all the force and beauty of the subject, Avon some
of the highest encomiums at the Paris Exposition of
1867; and this is but one of the many works that have
been received with favor, not only upon oar oavu shores,
where we are prone to lean kindly to our people, but
across the sea in classic lands, Avhere "high art" can
only be reached by climbing up to the altitude of the
stars. There is at the same time Avith all the excel-
lende referred to, a great deal of the " wild growth" of
talent among us ; some artists haA'ing a fondness rather
for accumulation, than a reputation gained by sIoav
and sure means. Prolific art making rapid strides
cannot be the offspring of ability, or even energy — it is
but a dedication to waste subjects, and not the moral,
social and religious truths that form the basis of all
true talent. Apropos Ave are reminded at this juncture
of a remark made by a foreign professor to an over
anxious student, intent on making himself an artist at
railroad speed. "Ven you can Avalk den you shall run,
my dear high-art student. If you will lofe high art,
you must learn to live wyout de rozbif and de portare.
Dere is only bread and yater for de student of high art.
But hear vat I &&y. It is all high art if dere is truth
and nature in it. I have seeii high art no bigger dan my
hand. 1 have seen no art at all in canvas bigger dan
dis room." Turn we to the famous Flemish painter,
Antoine Wiertz, Avho studied art from the soul, and
Avhose pecuniary gain Avas but a grain of sand com
pared with the golden fruits of his indomitable desire
to excel. His works are of surpassing grandeur, and
the Avord insignificance never entered his lofty mind.
He Avas always the earnest student, honest and pure,
and so far superior to thousands in his profession, that
at his death Belgium lost her brightest star. Wiertz's

;f. JV. CORCORAN. 27
last moments and thoughts were occupied entirely with
one thing — his art — showing that when on the confines
of eternity, the grand occupation of his life merged
into be:nitiful visions, typical of heaven and the angels.
" Oh ! what beautiful horizons ! Oh 1 Avhat lovely faces !
Quick, quick, my pallette! my brushes! what a picture
I shall make ! I will surpass Raphael 1" Let then the
motto for artists be, " Festina Lente," and like Wiertz
approach gently, but surely the empyrean heights of
fame. Precipitancy is like the empty bubble that
dances awhile in the sunbeam, but is lost by the
weight of a single drop of dew. A specialty in talent
or an adherence to a particular style, is too frequently
disregarded, hence the mediocrity of so many that take
up the brush.
Our American artist, George Catlin, who died in
Jersey Citj^, at the age of seventy-six, devoted his life
time Ave may say, to the study of Indian life and
character, in order to give to his country a faithful
portraiture of the red men of the forest. He literally
pitched his tent among them, and fearless and true to
his fond taste, his spirit never drooping through trials
and danger, accomplished the arabition of his life.
Steadily he worked to leave a monument to that race
less favored than ourselves, who, although rude and
uncivilized, love nature's haunts and abide in the faith
of the "Great Spirit." It is to be hoped that our
National Congress will purchase this series of paint
ings, and not permit any other country to outdo us in
appreciation of American fame. There is a Avord to
be said in favor of the encouragement of artists, and
especially the young student exhibiting talent. It is
the duty of society to foster and reward all such, and
not fo chill by indifference tbeir noble eff'orts. Let us
draw for ourselves a picture of the birth of talent

28 A TRIBUTE TO
amid glnom, and follow it up to the sunshine of suc
cess. Years agone some poor, lone child is drifted
upon the ocean of life Avithout help or raeans, but pos
sessed of an innate genius that shall one day resolve
itself into an almost consuming passion. He buffets
the wintry sea. The clouds grow dark above him; no
voice of friendship is heard in the storm, nor does the
Avorld offer any haven Avherein to rest his Aveary spirit.
His bodily pain finding no release nor cure, hungry^
rejected, and almost scorned, he would fain die; but
child of genius as he is, the fates decree that he must
ply his pathless course, lone as the sea-bird, and rest
less as the waves upon Avhich he is tossed. He is but
a speck, an atom on the great deep, and a shadoAV as
it Avere compared Avith the brightness of other lives.
After awhile the frowning sky changes, the clouds are
lifted, and the Star of Hope shines out. Through faith
he is promised a bright mission, and his feeble hand
grasps the artist's brush. Years of patient toil and en
durance bring new vigor to his life, and compensate
him Avith success. His mind is stocked Avith the beau
tifal creations Avith Avhich he Avill surprise the Avorld,
and gain its noblest panegyrics. The hour at last
comes when the broAv that was pierced by the thorns
of poverty Avears the Avreath of laurel, and the spirit
that Avas crushed through indifference, is buoyant Avith
worldly applause. And to Avhom shall go his thanks
or gratitude? First to the Divine Protector, Avho
saves the tempest-tossed child of faith, and to the feAv
noble ones Avho helped the impulse, and brought out
from the studio the Avorks of his meritorious labor.
The opening of the purse occasionally to the proo-res-
sive student, Avill stimulate his ambition and give a
holiday to his constant work. It is to be regretted
that there is uot more of this encourao-ement. That

JF. JV. CORCORAN. 29
woman especially, to Avhom riches and opportunity are
giA'en, does not think more ot the toiling struggling
artist. Her mansion is enriched by gorgeous furni
ture and silverAvare, her person decked with satins and
jewels, and yet sometimes there is not a single picture
nor print to adorn the walls. Even her nursery is
devoid of sorae pleasant souvenir of the " cunning
hand" that raixes the colors and weaves thera into
beautiful designs, and surely to the little children of
that house these things would prove an attraction, and
a most educational pastime. If the toy gives happi
ness, so may the picture, and there is one thing in
which the latter gains the advantage. It suffers not
the degradation of a kick, neither falls victim to de
structive little fingers, but keeps its place on the Avail,
and frequently a fretted, wearied child will fall asleep
with his eyes lingering on a pretty bunch of flowers, a
landscape view, or that more suggestive figure of " little
Samuel at prayer." These small beginnings areinvalu-
ble auxiliaries, and the expenditure of fifty cents only
ou a little print or chrorao will after awhile invite to
the appreciation and purchase of some fine AVork of art
that otherwise Avould vainly elicit a thought. This is
proved by au instance in Paris, Avhere an American
lady of fortune Avas passing by a little girl— a street
vender of small wares. The child thrust before her
eyes a picture, saying, " Achetez une jolie gravure, s'il
vous plait," but the lady unwilling to be interrupted,
continued on her way a few steps, shoAving a decided
air of annoyance. French persuasion and persistency
Avere not to be rebuffed, however, and a pair of sparkling
eyes followed up the richly attired dame, and a plead
ing voice reiterated, "Madame, s'il vous plait, seule-
meut UU moment ! Regardez cette gravure — un pauvre
Savoyard d'ltalie ! " Her quick little fingers held up

30 A TRIBUTE TO
again the picture — the figure of a sad-looking youth,
holding the violin, and in Avhose eyes Avas a depth of
feeling that might have sold the article tAvice over.
A sino-le glance bestOAved by the lady effected the
purchase. It Avas not the importunate girl, but rather
that Uttle soraething that so frequently in this Avorld
of ours touches a chord in the human heart. A few
days later Ave met this same lady, accompanied by a
female friend, in one of the magnificent stores on the
Rue de Rivoli. The surroundings Avere of a character
both elegant and attractive, there being a triple range
of statuettes, busts, mosaics, and beautiful paintings
on canvas and porcelain to charm the eye. Whilst
picture after picture was showed by the polite sales
man, the foUoAving conversation ensued between the
ladies :
" Are you in search of any particular thing?"
" No. I Avas rather beguiled into this place because
I happened to think of a little picture I bought a day
or tAvo ago on the street — the simplest thing of all my
purchases in the space of ten months."
The eager Frenchman, interpreting the meaning,
and trusting to the favorable opportunity, presented to
their notice an exquisite porcelain type, the subject
being a SavIss Lake Avith snoAV-capped mountains in
the distance, and afterAvards an oil painting of Ophelia —
so true to the poor distracted girl, that these Avords
involuntarily came to our minds :
" There is a A\niow grows ascaunt the brook.
That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream ;
Therewith fantastic garlands did she make
Of Crow-Flowers, Nettles, Daisies, and Long Purples."
" Yes !" continued the interested lady, addressing her
friend; "It is strange that I never had before an espe-

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 31
cial taste for pictures, but since I have raade a beginning
in an inferior lino, the crevices in ray trunks will doubt
less be filled up Avith other sraall gravures, bought
on the sideAvalks, and I shall find myself sending to
America, such a collection as will reduce my purse
several thousand francs."
It need only be stated that " Ophelia" was bought,
and two other paintings equally as valuable, and we
left, seeing the salesman's face agloAv, and our country-
Avoman converted into an admirer of art, frora one
simple little act of charity, called forth by a street
beggar, and mostly by the pitiful sympathy-invoking
features of the Savoyard boy. It must then be allowed
that art, hoAvever simple, performs its part iu the Avork
of educating or improving the mind, and that its
smallest features are uot the cheapest or most unim
portant. Magnetism from the tiniest atom, Avill bring
about those magnificent corruscations that blind the
eye and thrill the senses ; the humblest beginnings
have groAvn or developed into regal acts, and from the
blackness of ignorance has sprung the splendor of
knoAvledge. The acknowledged charm in these little
objects of art is the pathos that they convey. A strain
of fine delicate music Avill surprise and interest the
rude listener, his dormant ear is opened for the first
time, and a gentle appeal raade to his heart. It is not
the blast of power or grandeur that raost moves and
enthrals us, but rather the mild tone, the faint strain,
and to adopt a poetical thought, " the fair imagery of
the real essence." We are to reach after the grander
things by little steps and a patient, slow acquaintance,
remembering the principles by which the heights of
fame were gained. Then Ave shall have viewed the
origin of art, living in the studio, amidst the hopes,
fears, and labor of the artist, and understanding the

32 A TRIBUTE TO
force, eloquence and immensity of this thought — " An
atom raade the Avorld, a drop the ocean 1"
Hillkrd, whose travels in Ital}'- brought out some
very interesting sketches of art galleries, says, very
truthfully, " Many persons feel art ; some understand
it ; but few both feel and understand it." Which, then,
is the most compensative ? To feel is a pleasure raade
up of exuberance aud passion ; to understand is the
intellectual delight, bringing perhaps less fervor, but
more complete satisfaction ; and the two combined is
that happy blending of force and beauty, heart and
mind, whereby the natural spontaneity and the culti
vated grace are equalized. It is imputed to Raphael
that he felt too deeply the power of his last labor of
genius, " The Transfiguration." This wonderful picture
engrossing all his thoughts, increased his activity, and
over-excited his mind. Suddenly, he obeyed the Divine
summons, and left unfinished his AVork. But it was a
cherished souvenir of the immortal master, and his last
occupation, and therefore at his funeral was placed near
his remains, standing out in glowing beauty over the
marble-like face and folded hands. Like some bright
star that scintillates and shoots out splendor in the
darkness of night, so did the "Transfiguration" steal
frora the sadness of Raphael's death by its sublimity,
and the thought that as long as the Avorld exists Avould
his glorious fame keep brightening. _
It is recorded that Sophocles died of joy Avhen his
last tragedy was crowned with success. And Raphael
too, may have so far imbued his spirit in sympathy
with the celestial, that it seemed a fittina: time to
float aAvay in the very atraosphere that breathed of
the Saviour, and Avas made glorious by His presence.
Art, then, hath made votaries the most devoted, and
brought its worship up to the dizziest heights of

JF. JV. CORCORAN. 33
transcendentalism. Oft the subject or the theme in
spires to such a great degree that the outside Avorld
is forgotten, the very being or existence becomes en
tranced, and the hand that traces deftly and Avon-
drously, seems almost an unconscious instrument sent
from heaven itself to accomplish soraething grand and
noble. It is not all fiction when we hear or read of
some worshiping spirit gazing at a beautiful model,
and as each moment of inspiration, if not adoration,
goes on, a dangerous delight takes possession of the
mind. There may be some hidden infiuence, some asso
ciation or link that has either made life beautiful or
sad ; but the heart is moved, and its tension so exquis
itely strained, that to die is but a little thing Aveighed
against the happiness or delirium of the moment.
At the famous Louvre in Paris, they tell of a young
girl Avho daj' b}' day wended her way to one of the
galleries, Avhere Avas exhibited a most splendid statue,
and after an idolatrous Avorship, which seemed to sap
and Aveaken with every visit the very springs of life,
her soul yielding its all to this fair counterfeit, she
finally closed her eyes in death, content to bear off" as a
last remembrance this beloved image to the invisible
land. The marble looked rigidly doAvn on the uncon
scious form that was assuming a hue as peerless as its
own. Like the flowers she bore to wreathe its base, will
sweet pansies of thought garland her name, and pay
votiA'e tribute to the life that faded aAvay under an
influence whieh the AA'orld raay not dare to question.
A poet in one of his most gifted strains, depicts the
history of an artist, who, upon executing the por
trait of the woman he had faithfully loved during
her brief, sorroAvful life, said to the spectre death, in
words that rendered not only his art immortal, but
the subject: —

34 A TRIBUTE.
"Take me ! if I outlived the patriarchs,
I could but paint those features o'er and o'er.
Lo ! that is done!"
And thus was finished in a moment of ecstasy, a life
croAvned resplendently by the twin powers of genius and
sentiment. The artist's labor of love had reached its
goal on earth, and the heaven lay beyond ! The cold
and unappreciative world may call these instances ex
aggerated, and violently inimical to art, since by the
spirit succumbing wholl}' to that indefinable power of
blissful emotion, the purpose and work of life are sud
denly wrecked. But as the noblest ships are stranded
in a single moment, going down in the waters with
only a stified cry, so have the children and worshipers
of genius sunk under the Aveight of emotion Avith more
of a welcome to death than a sigh of regret.

^-' ^i '^^

Chapter IV.
It AVING given a summary of the uses and
IIfJ advantages of art, its stern requirements,
-3 as Avell as its gentle and poetical influ
ences, AA'e are glad to turn to that munifi
cent patron, Mr. Corcoran, who recognizing
fully what Ave have feebly attempted to handle, has pre
sented to our nation an enduring monument to genius,
a building dedicated to art, and a superb collection of
paintings, statuary, &c. This noble edifice is the high
est proof of the grandeur of art influencing the human
mind as Avell as the affections, and it points not less at
the generosity of the donor than his cultured taste and
enthusiastic appreciation. Not only are the citizens of
Washington grateful, but Our whole country will honor
this patron as the years glide on, adding to the list of
admiring thousands. It is not alone in the contempla
tion of rare Avorks that pleasure is granted, but a love
of the beautiful is fostered, and the sentiments of nature
are elevated and spiritualized. Such association subdues
and reforms our coarse materialism. The realm of
nature needs some direct pleasing influence to give it
tone and character, truth and virtue, and the atmos
phere of art is therefore as important to it as sunlight
to earth. Our intellect and fancy must both be fed, for
it is not allotted for us to live merely for creature com-

36 A TRIBUTE TO
forts and indulgences. There will come to this intellec
tual shrine uncounted numbers of men, women and
children, in the breasts of sorae of whom but little of
the real Promethean fire or enthusiasm will sparkle;
still, even a step toward the object in view is a point
gained, and soon the cultivated taste may follow. We
know that the ugly, uninteresting root, begrimed with
dust, shoots up into the lovely flower, and may not
rugged minds also put forth beauty of instruction ? To
those fully alive to the attractions of art, the Corcoran
gallery will be a treasure house, where they must linger
long, keenly sensitive to the amount of talent garnered
within those stately Avails. They Avill feel around them
the breath of genius, which their slightest whispers shall
fear to disturb ; they will see the canvas graced by a
peasant's bright eyes, adding to it the surmise of some
grave, perhaps wrinkled face — this last the artist's — and
praise and sympathy will go out together from their
generous hearts. In a word, their own delicate taste
and refinement will find a sister spirit in congeniality,
and the meeting will partake of a rhapsody, so full and
complete will it be. The Avorks are Avell chosen, and the
colors of some from that classic land across ihe sea, fair
Italy, are like the tints of her wondrous skies, Avhere
the roses' crimson dye and the violets' tender blue are
blended in sympathy with the purple of the grape and
the sunlight's gold. Here is life pictured so true and
beauteous that we dream many an hour away in pleas
ant reveries, and steep our souls in an intoxication of
delight, quaffing delicious draughts from that rare and
intellectual fount, the communion of spirit with art, and
the oblivion of self! If our meed of praise goes out
abundantly to foreign lands, aa^c are not Avithout our
loyal homage to the artists of our own country. If we

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 37
have bestowed the floAveiy chaplet beyond these beloved
shores, Ave have still reserved a dainty blossom, Avith
the magic savor of "honor to Avhom honor is due."
This magniflcent institution has a frontage of one hun
dred and four feet on Pennsylvania avenue, and one
hundred and tAventy-four on Seventeenth street, and is
of the Renaissance style of architecture. Many of us
have watched with interest the laying of its stones until
it was reared into a fitting structure, to raeet proudly
the bright rays of the raidday sun, and the raelloAved
hues of the twilight heaven. For a tirae it subserved
other purposes than those for which it was destined, but
that Avas at a crisis in our country's history when inex
orable war demanded not only public buildings, but the
sanctuary of God.
When those dark days were past, Mr. Corcoran in
augurated his splendid gift by a grand ball, given on
the anniversary of Washington's birth, its proceeds
being devoted to the Washington monument fund.
The cost of the entertainment Avas in accordance Avith
his most liberal and munificent ideas. The time was
propitious, the event occurring two years since, during
those brilliant days of the carnival, which have left a
pleasant memory in the minds of thousands. There
had just been celebrated the progress of vast iraprove-
ments at the National Capital. Our broad and beauti
ful Pennsylvania avenue had been repaved, and on this
grand thoroughfare, vieing Avith the Champs Elys^es,
were splendid equipages, gaily caparisoned animals k
la Tournaraent, wheelbarrow and goat racing, and
'what not, to add to the hilarity of a carnival scene?
Nothing was left undone through the generous enter
prise of the citizens to raake it a complete success, in
which they were not disappointed. In conjunction

38 ' A TRIBUTE TO
with these efforts of the people, was " the ball " at the
Corcoran Art Galleiy, which par excellence bore off the
palm of the evening, although the raasquerading spirit
had its share of glory at the National Theatre, the
civic at Masonic Hall, and the tournament at Marini's
Academy. Besides these brilliant assemblages, all
Washington Avas a blaze of light and beauty with fire
works, transparencies, calcium lights, torches, illumi
nations, etc., Avhilst from the proudest edifice of all —
the Capitol — streamed the all powerful electric light;
worthy, indeed, to lend to the scene its radiant eftect.
It becomes us now to allude especially to the Corcoran
fete, Avhich opened as it were by fairy touch the grand
gallery, and gathered together the fairest of women,
aud bravest of men. They met beneath its roof, a
delighted company to pay homage to the host, who
stood to receive them with gracious, modest dignity —
the peer of nobles, and a true specimen of American
chivalry and grace. The event will long be remem
bered, and the Avails that now glow Avith the artist's
colors, were unadorned save where the draped banners
and national flags thrcAv their folds against the Avhite
background, unless we except Avith pride the portraits
of three men whose names live fondly in American
history — Washington, Jackson and Clay. At the head
of the magnificent stair Avay, covered Avith crimson vel
vet tapestry, and fianked Avith exotics, Avas also a por
trait of Washington, with the words, " Pater Patriae ;"
a title so well deserved, that the Old and the New
World rejoice at its mention. In the octagon room,
the guests Avere all attracted to the superb painting of
Mr. Corcoran by Elliott, that very eminent and Avorthy
artist. Delightful rausic floated through the saloons,
and sweet flowers — the camelia and violet predominat-

JV. JF. CORCORAN. 39
ing — added a tender charm; the faint notes of canary
birds mingled Avith the clarionet, and the happiness
that reigned was like unto their trillings. But noAv
a diff'erent scene presents itself. The bright-eyed belle
is no longer flushed with the excitement of the dance ;
the grave men of letters and the statesman are not
wondering at the intricacies of Strauss' fascinating
waltzes ; the military hero Avho has returned to his
tactics, enters these halls Avith raore soleran tread, for
he and they stand before some of the grandest produc
tions of genius that tell of the earnest purpose of life,
the hours of toil, pleasure and pain. Tbe goddess
that ruled that gay and festive scene sits uoav in digni
fied repose, for where the baton waved, is spread out
the glory that attaches to art.
Mr. Corcoran has selected as a board of trustees for
the gallery sorae of our most valued citizens, and
we recognize in the folloAving names, gentlemen of
culture and refinement, and in every way worthy of
the calling, to wit: Jas. M. Carlisle (President), who
has Avorn the legal mantle Avith honor and brilliant
success ; J. C. Hall (Vice President), the distinguished
physician, Avhose name is a household Avord Avith the
people of Washington ; George W. Riggs (Treasurer),
the former partner of Mr. Corcoran, the popular banker
and possessor of a princely fortune ; Anthony Hyde
(Secretary), the intimate friend and confidential agent
of Mr. Corcoran, and noted for his high-toned character
and genial manners ; Henry D. Cooke, former Gover
nor of the District ; Charles M. Mathews, an elegant
and polished gentleman ; Prof. Joseph Henry, the distin
guished scientist ; Jas. C. McGuire, a patron 'of the fine
arts, and a wealthy and respected citizen ; and Mr. Wra.
T. Walters, of Baltimore, to Avhose superior taste and

40 A TRIBUTE TO
judgment in matters of art the gallery bears evidence.
The recent choice selections he Avas deputized to make
in Europe, cannot fail to delight the most fastidious
connoislurs. Mr. Wm. MacLeod has been appointed
curator, and Dr. Barbarin, assistant, both gentlemen
being admirably fitted for their responsible positions.
In May, 1870, Congress passed an act of incorporation,
and also authorized a liquidation of the indebtedness
of the government, for the use of the ground and
edifice during the war. The exterior of the building
is of fine brick, ornamented with Belleville freestone.
There are various designs appertaining to the arts,
niches waiting to be appropriately filled, fluted pil
asters and columns, the monogram of the donor, and
not least the simple yet significant AA-ords — ^'¦Dedicated
to Art." A Mansard roof surmounts the building,
adding to the general stateliness. The interior is most
admirably planned and refiects great credit upon the
New York architect, Jas. ReuAvick. The ground floor
contains the furnaces and siorage rooms, and the other
two stories are devoted to the exhibition of sculpture
and paintings. Facing the grand entrance is a superb
staircase of freestone, ten feet wide, with an iron balus
trade leading up to the raain gallery, and on each side
of the stairs are handsome passages, Avith marble
tilings. At the right of the entrance are the apart
ments of the janitor, and facing these is a large room,
richly carpeted and furnished, for the use of the trus
tees, back of Avhich extends the library. The sculp
ture gallery on this floor, at the rear of the building,
measures in length 96 feet 4 inches, by 25 feet Avide,
and is lighted by ten Avindows. Two rooms connect
with this gallery, and Avill be used for a school of de
sign. All the columns about the building are white.

JV. JJ\ CORCORAN. 41
with Grecian caps, and the wainscoting, doors, &c., of
black walnut. The grand picture gallery above is also
at the rear of the edifice, and is 45 feet Avide by 96
feet 4 inches long. The skylight produces a beautiful
effect upon the paintings, and can be regulated as to
quantity, and at night 285 gas jets suddenly flash into
brilliancy by means of electricity. The cornices and
ceilings of the galleries are ornamented with panels
and mouldings, to represent American foliage. The
octagon room, with skylight, is appropriated to the
Greek Slave, by Powers. The Avails are covered Avith
a rich crimson to enhance the purity of the marble, and
afford a decided contrast. The other rooms on this
floor are of fine proportions, and connect with each
other so as to forra an unbroken passage. The books
or registers of the gallery, are very coraplete in their
several uses, and will furnish the names of visitors, of
artists, and their works on exhibition, and of paint
ings belonging to the gallery, the contributors, &c.
The croAvning specimen of sculpture is the Greek
Slave, and now its value seems to increase tenfold, in
that the hand that fashioned it is as cold and pulseless
as the marble. The beauty of the folloAving stanzas
by Robert S. Chilton, will doubtless lend a new inter
est to the faultless stone, and invest it Avith life that
else Avere not thought of in its mute repose :

"A flash of sabres and of scimitars,
Shouts, groans, then silence ; and the crescent waves
Victorious o'er the tield where in their graves
The vanquished dead will moulder. But such wars
Have woes that stab the Grecian mother's heart
Deeper than death. In far Byzantium's mart
She sees her captive child, naked, forlorn,
Gazed at by pitiless eyes — a thing of scorn.

42 A TRIBUTE TO
With face averted and with shackled hands,
Clothed only with her chastity, she stands.
Her heart is full of tears, as any rose
Bending beneath a shower ; but pride and scorn,
Aud that iiue feeling of endurance born,
Have strung the delicate fibres of her frame
Till not a tear can fall ! Methinks such woes
As thine, pale sufferer, might rend in twain
A heart of sterner stuff, and yet the flame
Of thy pure spirit, like the sacred light
On Hestia's hearth, burns steadily and bright,
Unswayed by sorrow's gusts, unquenched by sorrOAv's I'ain.
Thou can'st confront, dumb marble as thon art,
And silence those whose lying lips declare
That virtue springs from circumstance, not God ;
The snow that falls where never foot hath trod.
On bleakest mountain heights, is not more pure
Than thy white soul, though thou stauds't naked there.
Gazed at by those whose lustful passions start
With every heart throb ! Long may'st thou endure
To vanquish with thy calm, immaculate brow,
The unholy thoughts of men, as thou dost now ! "
The direct history of this statue by Powers (or the
circumstances attending the modeling), has been given
to the " New York World," by a correspondent abroad.
It points to one of our countrymen about thirty j-ears
ago, whose domestic sorroAVS and poverty in a "strange
land," Avere relieved by the faithful love of a daughter,
powerless to help him otherwise than by consenting to
become the model for the " Slave." Beauty of form
and features fade into insignificance compared with a
filial love that even surpassing that of the Roman
daughter who nourished her starving father in prison,
Jelt no sacrifice nor dut}' too great or painful. Why is
it that such an incident brings more potently than ever
to our minds the truth of the allegory, " no cross — no
crown !" for certainly to this faithful child, grief and

JV. fF CORCORAN. 43
poverty brought the burden of a cross that raany
would have sunk under, rather than to have risen from.
But faith was the stepping stone, and duty the goal,
and through her brave struggle for relief, the sorroAV of
earth made the promise of heaven the brighter. Mrs.
Caroline Lee Hentz has beautifully defined "no cross —
no crown!" when she says: "It is the slogan of life,"
the victor-anthem of death ; the chorus of " eternity ;"
and truly to those who have borne the one, and shall
claim the " coronal that endurance AvearS," the Avords
are singularly adapted. In the Greek Slave there is
real poetry of pose, and sweetness of facial expression.
In the beautiful and graceful arras there is great
syrametry, and in the no less perfect hand, there lies a
Avorld of expression. Altogether the extreme purity
and chastity would impress one with the ideal style
more than the natural. Flaxman makes a distinction
betAveen the two, in this wise : The natural is defined
thus — " a representation of the human form, according
to the distinction of sex and age, in action or repose,
expressing the affections of the soul," and the ideal has
this addition — " selected from such perfect examples as
may excite in our minds a conception of the preter
natural." Calmness, gentleness and modesty all speak
in this statue, where sorrow, fear and despair might each
contend. It is the exemplar too of those heroic quali
ties of which our sex are capable under distressing cir
cumstances — the same courage and resignation with
Avhich martyrs met the flame or tortures the keenest
and most cruel ; in a. word, it is spirit prevailing over
flesh, and subservient to the decrees of fate. In this
sarae octagon room are also fine raarble busts of Shaks-
peare, the veiled nun (copy), II Penseroso, by Rinehart,
and Bacchante, by Gait. A fine collection of Barye
bronzes, numbering 60 pieces, recently purchased in

44 A TRIBUTE.
Europe, has been arranged in the library, besides a
Majolica vase of large proportions, elevated ou a pedes
tal ; also several exquisite vases frora Sevres, and still
another of a rare tint of green frora Berlin. Sorae
other rare works of art consist of plates, dishes, vases,
cups, &c., and are the reproduction of articles dis
covered at Hildesheim, Saxony, on the site of a former
Roman camp. The Avorkraanship on raetal is worth a
close study, and the revival of such pleasing designs
in these days, would certainlj' find admirers and pur
chasers. There are two marble busts of Commodore
Morris and Vice President Breckinridge, to add to the
attractions, and near the grand stairway in the hall
Ave find a colossal bust of Napoleon, by Canova, and
one of Humboldt, by Rauch, of Berlin.

THE CORCORAN ART GALLERA'

Chapter V,

X'^|»HE main gallery of paintings we now desire

''m^i

to make a separate theme. On entering
the door, the full length figure of Mr.
e#j|6lif3 Corcoran — the grand painting by Elliott,
-w^^mn^.^ — g^g^ greets the eye. It seems to extend
a cordial welcome to all, and representing the donor of
the art treasure around, is, therefore, par excellence,
entitled No. 1. Nos. 2 and 3, are " 7'he Departure and
Betum," by Thomas Cole, and are raost interesting in
their poetical inspiration. Although linked by a
mutual tie, or their characteristics being similar, they
are entirely distinct in the elements of joy and sadness,
sunshine and gloom. In the first picture we are to go
back to the feudal times, and clothe our imagination
with heroism and romance, as we glance at noble cava
liers, richly clad, mounted on splendid horses, and their
passions all aglow, bent on some military exploit. We
see these spirited knights bearing spears and shields,
having just bade farewell to a castle, whose stout walls
are the pledge of safety and shelter, to mingle with an
uncertain venture, or the warfare that leadeth to vic
tory. Of defeat or death they do not dream ; for all
nature is smiling, the vernal winds piping in concert
with the bugle's martial music. The bright, early
morn gives glorious promise — the green-sward be-

46 A TRIBUTE TO
gemmed with sparkling dew, meets most kindly the
tread of the gay steeds prancing to be off", and even the
scarf that is worn about the manly form of the leader,
must have been decked with a floAvery " God speed "
from wife or maiden. We will not follow them
through the weary months, when the storm of battle
swept o'er many a gallant form, and laid them low
like the leaves of the forest ; but let us direct our
attention to the other delineation, " The Return" and
in pensive thought contrast it with the gladness that
is past. Autumn has saddened the scene, and the sun
is going to her rest, as if Avilling to hide her face
from the remnant of that hopeful band, whose steps
once buoyant are now measured in weariness and
grief. They folloAv their leader, borne upon a litter,
whose death wound Avill soon tell a mournful story
amidst the requiem of the sighing winds, and the
prayers of the monks of yonder abbey. The riderless
steed is one of the saddest looking mourners. The
artist in choosing subjects that appeal so strongly to
the sympathies has given evidence of his elevated taste,
and any poetical license that he may have used, is
agreeably accepted. His death occurred in 1848, and
our country has deeply felt the loss of a genius that
had reached the proudest pinnacle of fame. No. 4.
Hunters and Game, by Stanley. Successful Nimrods
have they been, as the floor of their dAvelling is literally
covered over ; the noblest thing secured being a large
stag, which raust have died hard in the chase, and is
now a disputed prize. No. 5. A small Landscape, by
Thomas Doughty, in which is a streamlet of water in
the foreground, Avith ducks swimming on the surface,
also a river in the distance, with sailing vessels. It
finds its best description in the one little word gem.
The works of this artist have always been celebrated

JF JV. CORCORAN. 47
for their true feeling for nature. The Boston Athen-
feum has one of his landscapes, and several are to be
seen at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. Nos.
6 and 7, are Portraits of General Warre?i and Mrs.
Warren, by J. Singleton Copley and C, W. Peale.
The first claims onr warm interest, as the memory of
the man is identified with the days of the Revolu
tion, and his heroic death at Bunker's Hill. Mrs.
Warren is a dignified lady, dressed in the attractive
costume of " ye olden time." No. 8. A Battle Scene,
on copper, by Breughel. In the distance lies a peace
ful country, but the foreground is filled with a hetero
geneous mass of beings and cavalry amid great confu
sion and strife, and yet all the miniature details are
wonderfully distinct. No. 9. A ^Yinter Scene, by Regis
Gignoux, 1850, is a true delineation of the severity of
the ice-king and the cold, cold snow, at the same time
shoAvs how rigor can be tempered by the rollicking
spirit of youth. Skimming over the frozen AA^ater are
several skaters enjoying the jovial exercise, but one
boy has unluckily lost his equilibrium. The driver of
a rude little sledge has trusted to the thickness of the
ice, and stopped to look on at the sport. He seems
very comfortable in his warm Avrappings, as also his
horse in a close fitting blue blanket. The Avheel of the
old mill has stopped its revolutions, and from its ice
bound sides are pendant icicles. The trees look bare
and skeleton-like, with only a fine powdering of snow.
No. 10. A Lal-e Scene, by the same artist, portrays a
pleasant and inviting spot, the trees overshadoAving
the water, and affording agreeable shelter for the
groups that sit beneath them — be they sentimental
lovers, or happy children resting from their play. No.
11. Mount Washington, by J. F. Kensett, 1851, is pain
ted Avith that rare finish for which this artist was emi-

48 A TRIBUTE TO
nently distinguished. Numberless trees on the plain
are comprised within the sraall limits of the picture,
and in the remote back ground rise the toAvering peaks,
AA'hite Avith the " virgin snow, " untrodden in that
lonelj' and lofty isolation. This is the original sketeh
for the large picture engraved at the expense of the
American Art Union, some j^ears since. No. 12. The
Adoration of the Shepherds, by Raphael Mengs, Avas
brought to the United States by Joseph Bonaparte.
It is one of the largest pictures in the gallery, and is
considered a chef d'ceuvre. The infant Christ Avrapped
in SAvaddling clothes, is supported on his humble bed
of straAV by the Virgin, whose uplifted eyes are filled
with an expression of blest content. Her drapery of
blue forms the most important coloring in the paint
ing. A beautiful silvery light envelops these two
figures, and the dawn is breaking in the East Avith a
iieAv glory that shall wake the world to the conscious
ness that the " Prince of Peace " is born. The shep
herds are gathered near, wearing a blended look of
rhapsody and aAve, and several strive to manifest their
joy through that expressive medium — the hands raised
aloft, or half clasped. One adorer has dropped his
crook, and fallen upon his knees at the feet of the
Virgin, Avith head bent low, whilst the angels iu an
ecstasj' scarcely less demonstrative are hovering Avithin
the humble abode — beautiful messengers sent from God
with blessings for the " new-born kmg." The artist
was born in Bohemia, and died at Rome in 1779. His
Avorks Avon for him Avarm admirers in various cities of
the old world. At the early age of seventeen, he Avas
appointed court painter, by the King of Poland. Some
of his best pieces are preserved in Spain, Italy and
England. He was also a writer upon art subjects, and
described notable pictures with great ability. Nos.

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 49
13 and 14. A View of Venice, and a Seaport, by Cana-
letti. In the first, our thoughts are pleasantly drawn
to that interesting city — "the Bride of the Sea," with
its eighty inlets, numberless canals, beautiful palaces,
its fairy-like gondolas "gliding over streets as in a
dream," to say nothing 'of its gorgeously tinted skies,
and the many memories, historical and poetical, to add
to the potent charm. The second view gives to our
American &ye, all the attributes of some foreign shore —
the high cliffs and castellated buildings, the curiously
ornamented vessels, and many oared barges. No. 15.
IPlowers, by Gustave Couder — one of the valuable selec
tions made by Mr. Walters, of Baltimore. There is a
magnificently carved table of large dimensions, which,
from its elaborate design and workmanship, we suppose
to be the property of some palatial residence abroad.
Heavy green drapery, with corded fringe, falls grace
fully upon the left side, partially covering the table,
upon which rests a fallen vase of exquisite roses. Their
bloom is not scattered, except by a single leaf or bud,
which could not withstand the sudden rude shock of the
fall, brought about by nothing less than a big cat. Hav
ing mounted in precipitate haste in search of sweets, or
what AA^as not her business, she has unawares turned
over the vase. " What have I dono ? " says the cat, in
an attitude of amazement and fear— the elevated high
back assuming a slinking air, the letting doAvn of the
tail, and the gradual descent of the paw (oue of Avhich
raust have done the inglorious work), the drawing back
of the ears, a dilation of the eyes, and the Avide open
mouth showing four long teeth, as a guard to a cavern
ous entrance — so dark seems the way. Puss cannot
swallow the flowers, which she would like to do no
doubt, to wipe out the traces of the accident ; and we,
who are lookers On at her half sad, half roguish plight,
4

50 A TRIBUTE TO
must imagine a second scene, where some fair owner or
stern host of the mansion, walks in to discover the
damage done. In the roses, lies the great merit of the
picture, and such perfect roses as would almost shame
natural ones. Nearest the mouth of the vase is a deli
cate tea-rose in very full bloom, wearing the appear
ance of falling apart, and diffusing its last breath of
sweetness. Half way over its frail leaves, bends a
superb queenly rival in a av eaith of bloom, white and
faint pink, tending to a deeper tint as it reaches the
heart of the flower ; and just above on a noble curving
stem is the bud unfolding the rarest beauty. In ab
ject fallen state is a twin-sister, pleading seemingly to
be lifted up because of its loveliness. The colors are
mingled with a gracious charm, the cloth of gold with
the bright pink, the salmon Avith the crimson, whilst
miniature buds and green leaves constitute not a little
of the charming feast. Couder's talent in this line
cannot be excelled, and it is not too much to style him
a god among the roses, to Avhom they might pay their
sweetest tribute. This artist belongs to France, and if
he gives so rauch satisfaction inthe delineation of flow
ers of that bright land, we would also like him to send
us some bunches of grapes ; if not fresh from the vine,
frora his own skilful hand. No. 16. A Swiss Scene, by
Seefisch, 1850, pretty and bright with its picturesque
cottage, blue Avater and sunlight. No. 17. A Wood
Scene in France, by Mr. Bouquet, having all the beauty
of those leafy green bowers, where the spirit of valor
and gallantry is sometimes met. Lo ! here advances a
mounted cavalier ! The bugle is sounded, and what is
to be done Avorthy of chivalric France ? No. 18. The
Sea Coast, by Charles Lanman, a Washington artist
and author. This is a small but meritorious picture.
The fragments of a Avreck blown ashore, tell of the

JJ^. JJ'. CORCORAN. 51
treachery of the sea ; and what is more sad to the hu
man eye than such a spectacle, waking up meraories of
danger and disasters? No. 19. AS^rw^r, by Japy, 1873,
selected by Mr. W. T. Walters. Greetings to the
artist for his faithful delineation ! The bright garniture
of green that pervades the landscape " tells like a
tongue," the joy of the earth, when waking from her
frozen spell, she arrays herself Avith beauty. The sky
is clear with patches of blue and creamy fleck, smiling
in concert with the brightness below. Such radiant
scenes make music in the heart, recalling the glad
daj's of youth, Avhen the stream proved a mirror for
the rosy cheek and laughing eye, Avhen nimble feet em
bedded the bright green moss, or careless fingers pulled
at the wayside flowers. Youth makes a glad part of
this picture, as near the brook stands a little child gaz
ing into its mother's face, whilst its wee hand grasps a
fugitive wild blossom. The adult figure is seated, giv
ing the inference of content and ease. If these are the
principal individual features, we may not overlook the
animal life in a group of cows that are evidently re
veling in high clover, and sniffing in the aroma of
spring, not less gratefully than their keeper or the
dairy maid. The shadows on the stream from the
overhanging trees, and the shooting spires of grass
that dot here and there the water, are Avonderfully true
to nature. The heavy laden boughs of apple blossoms
give rich promise, and even the hard old rocks and
stones, and some grim battlements at the extreme right,
seem to lose half of their sternness in the delicate sur
roundings that come and go at the Avill of the Author
of the Seasons, His vernal gift to earth being full of
loving kindness, and far raore beautiful and entranc
ing thau the fairest bride decked out in marriage gar
ments. No. 20. A Western Landscape, by Brewerton,

52 A TRIBUTE TO
presents to view mostly a wild uncultivated ridge of
land, with a little streamlet meandering near the fore
ground. The Rocky Mountains stretch aAvay in the
distance. A long line of wagons is advancing slowly,
showing how the tide of emigration is westward
bound. No. 21. She-pherd and Sheep, by Robbe, who
shows his thorough acquaintance in the art of sketch
ing animals. No. 22. Italian Ox Cart, by A Roviard.
This picture was painted at Rome, in 1860. It repre
sents a huge lumbering wagon or cart, draAvn by oxen,
the driver being seated on high in a fine position to
survey the beauties of nature. The road over which
they are sloAvly raaking their way is in the mountains,
and the surrounding elevated peaks are touched with
a hue as deep as indigo. The poor lone occupant is in
the act of lighting his pipe for company. He wears a
Tyrolean hat, and his strong limbs are slashed up to
the knees with black bands, after the fashion of his
country. Raised to such an altitude, his thoughts, we
imagine, must be stamped with loftiness, or he feels the
truth of the words, " Who so brave as the moun
taineer?" The huge beasts have been doing houest
service, yet Avith all their labor and the oft told look
of sadness or weariness iu their eyes, they are evi
dently enjoying more freedom than the tAvo white
chickens in the cart which are tied together, and are
ignominiously suspended, heads downAA^ard. No. 23.
A Vieio on the Amazon, by Church, 1854. How truly
Avelcomed is this name araong the noblest artists
Avhose works grace the galleiy ! And this production
bears the most critical examination, so delicate and
fine is every stroke of the brush. The placid Avater
reflects the shrubbery and houses, also the canoe lyino-
in close proximity to the tropical verdure, and the tall
graceful palms. The distant mountain peaks, and the

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 53
gradual sloping of the range toAvards the shore, are
drawn with marvellous accuracy, Avhilst the dim purple
tone has all the truth of nature. The merit of the
painting brought an equivalent price— among the most
costly in the gallery. It is also especially admired and
appreciated by Mr. Corcoran. No. 24. General Wash
ington's Headquarters on the Hudson, by Cropsey. This
little picture enlists our patriotic valuation of that great
struggle in American history, Avhen the noble spirit of
Washington Avas striving for our rights. The little lone
house in the valley, so very humble beside the towering
hills, rises to the importance of some magnificent castle
or palace, because associated Avith hira Avho held judi
cious counsels there, the impulses of his truly heroic
heart vieing with the grandeur of nature. No. 25. A
Lake near Lennox, Mass., by Oddie. A beautiful tranquil
scene that would make the roughest and most uncouth
nature learn something gentle from association there
with ; the clear, still Avater, the green hills, the fiat with
broAA'sing cattle, the sky with floating, fleecy cloudlet^
and the SAveet quiet that reigns. No. 26. A Landscape,
by Robbe. A line of trees takes up considerable space ;
several little children are Availing on the movements of
some coAVS which, ere they are driven horae, choose to
sprinkle their hoofs Avith the water of the pool. No.
27. Sea-piece, by Joseph Vernet. This is certainly a
gera, and will be duly appreciated by those who have
witnessed frora the shore the sublimity of a gathering
storra. A promontory Avhere rests a castle, is beaten by
the lashing surf, that throAVS high its spray and s^ts the
fishermen to the work of collecting their nets. The
sailing vessels thus far, are riding triumphantly on the
waves, but the storm cloud is threatening, the sea gulls
are on the wing, the Avind is tossing and twisting the
branches of the trees, and Avho cau tell Avhere the Avorst

54 A TRIBUTE TO
fury of the gale shall be spent? No. 28. The Death
of Ceesar, by Gerome. Selected by Mr. W. T. Wal
ters, and to whom a large vote of thanks is due for
having chosen a subject so grandly historical. At the
base of Pompey's statue lies the body of the murdered
Cassar. The senate chamber on the fatal ides of March
is deserted, the conspirators having 6<%t fled frora the
cruel Avork of their jealousy and passions. The silent
halls, the cold stones, the motionless statues, even seem
invested Avith the air of the dreadful deed committed,
as all around is a solemnity that Avould still the pulses
and paralyze the senses. Through the mind rushes a
host of emotions at the sight of the bleeding corpse, the
great raan A^aliant in battle, kingly in intellect, vigorous
in body: the invincible Roman cut down in a moment
in the zenith of his glory, the keenest blow being that
such sovereignty was ended by treachery under the guise
of friendship. What is victory, fame or pOAver now ?
What are temples, altars, and fickle honors worth, in
that everything once bright with loyalty and homage
is tarnished Avith falsity the most impious ? All the
grandeur and pride of the assembled senate, and all the
bravery that is conceded to the Roman character, sud
denly pales and deteriorates in the thought of Caesar's
assassins being men of dignity, high office and estate.
Gerome is the great artist of this grand and difficult
subject, and his successful handling of the same would
entitle him always to select heroes and princes. He
has drawn the figure painfully true to the death strug
gle, as the body wears the hue of violence, and appears
as if the giving up of life were not an easy thing, even
under the torture of three and twenty Avounds. The
toga euAvraps the body, and it seems, indeed, Avorn as a
mantle of dignity, the whiteness of Avhich is stained
ouly by the " ruddy drops" that Shakspeare describes

JV. JJ''. CORCORAN. 55
raost touchingly in the tender words of Brutus to his
loving Avife Portia. At a little distance from the body
is the scroll or schedule of the preconceived assassina
tion, given into the hands of Csesar ere he entered the
capitol by Artemidorus, Avho would have saved him
from his Avretched fate. But uo time being vouchsafed
to Caesar, it remained unread, and lay upon the tessel-
ated pavement, an accusation of disgrace upou his
countrymen. The chair of state is represented thrown
down in the fray, hurled low upon the steps near the
feet of its dead occupant. The lonely, awe-inspiring
presence of raurder is Avell calculated to call up all the
vivid and powerful description of that senate scene by
the immortal bard, but these AA'ords lie with greatest
Aveight upon the memory : " Stoop, Romans, stoop,
and let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood up to the
elbows, and besmear our swords. Then Avalk Ave forth,
even to the market place ; and waving our red Aveapons
o'er our heads, let's all cry, peace, freedom, and liberty !"
No. 29. The Amazon and her Children, by Leutze, 1854,
commands particular attention, partly frora associa
ting; our thoughts Avith those ancient tiraes Avhen, if
Ave are to believe in tradition, the prowess of female
warriors was widely felt and commemorated, and
because of the celebrity of the artist. The classic sub.
ject is faithfully treated — the Amazon Avith less of
feminine charm than Ave would ask, reclining upon the
ground, every feature being stamped Avith the un
daunted spirit of the race, whilst her love of martial
exercises (it is plainly evident) she would instil into her
offspring yet of tender years. They crouch affrighted,
unwilling to accept the teachings so threatening and
daring ; but to beat a retreat frora that ferocious look
and heroic mien, will be less easy than to handle the
bow and arrow, or to wield the battle axe. No. 30. A

56 A TRIBUTE TO
^y inter Scene, by Emile Breton, 1 872. Selected by W. T.
Walters. " A thatched Cottage," cold and dreary as it
looks, with its covering of snow, can still suggest a
thought of "Home," and although inthehumblest mean
ing of the word, doubtless to those who enjoy its shelter
" there is no place like it." So says the man standing a
fcAv paces off", Avho will shortly leave the cheerless scene
outside, and the occupants of the Avagon who are near
ing home at the close of day. The moon has risen
above the outskirts of the horizon like a fiery globe,
as if in disdain of the pure mantle overspreading the
ground, the locked up stream, and the bare trees. The
gray sky looks as cold as the scene, but for the Avarm-
glowing orb that must gradually mount high up in the
vault of heaven, and assume its wonted lustre. The
artist has thoroughly understood effect in employing
the tAvo extremes, the purity of snow and the "jewel
of night," clear-cut in ruby-tinted beauty. No. 31.
A View in Holland. 'Tis a moon-lit night in an old
Dutch toAvn ; the boats are coming up to the quay ;
the lamps are lighted, throAving out a cheerful gloAA'^
from the many Avindows with which the houses of
Holland abound. No. 32. Shakspeare and his Friends,
by Faed, 1851. This is truly a royal picture in size
and merit. There sits the mighty bard Avith book iu
hand, at a table overspread with immaculate Avhiteness,
and dignified with several large volumes, an inkstand
and hour-glass — fitting accompaniments for those great
minds assembled, viz. : Silvester, Camden, Seldon, Earl
of Dorset, Beaumont, Fletcher, Bacon, Ben Jonson,
Daniel Donne, Sir Walter Raleigh, Earl of Southamp
ton. Sir Robert Cotton, and Dekker. Most of these
men are grouped around the table as if in the discus
sion of a grave matter, requiring deep study and thought.
The dress of these courtiers is recognized as belonging

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 57
to the Elizabethan age — the high-fluted ruffs at the
throat, the stock-i-net, gay velvet coats, &c. The
saloon is very rich in all of its appointments, such as
carvings and drapery. On a stand at a little distance
off' are a silver pitcher, a wine bottle and glasses, by
the side of which have been laid a sword, a mantle
of ultramarine blue, and a hat Avith a white feather.
The artist has been very successful in the likenesses.
Intellect is stamped upon every face ; but chief of all
is the great Shakspeare, whose high, full forehead is
wonderfully indicative of the brains that have con
ceived and built up a Avorld of knoAvledge. Upwards
of 14,000 engravings have been raade of this original
picture, and solil in England and the United States,
for which Mr. Corcoran raost generously gave the copy
right. No. 33. Castle Gondolfo, Lake Albano, Ital-y, by
Cranch. A fine large picture, shoAving a harmonious
union of color, and a high order of talent. Nos. 34
and 35. Happy and Unha'ppy Families, by Fde. Brack-
aleere, 1852. This artist has admirably dealt with the
sunshine and shadoAV of life. In the former Ave are
imbued with the idea that a Dutch horae can be made
very jolly. In the poorer ranks the spirit of content
to our eye is alwa3's very striking. The children are
having a high festival over a wooden doll-baby, stiff'
and ungainly in itself, but with two long strings tied
"under its arms, and managed by the dexterous hand
of a little child, Ave must imagine it a graceful figure
under the inspiration of grandpapa's fiddle. His frow
stands by his side aud claps her approbation, feeble old
Avoman that she looks ! A middle-aged visitor also
seems Avell pleased, and holds his pipe in his hand,Avait-
ing to indulge after the frolic is ended. The mother
of the little children is about to step forward with
some " good cheer," to refresh the " inner raan." Nat-

58 A TRIBUTE TO
urally enough we might ask, "Where is the sour-
krout?" The Unhappy Family takes aAA^ay our smiles
and cheerful feeling. A lantern's light, hung from the
rafters of a poor dwelling, is the only ray that beams
athwart the gloom of ill-fortune. There is an air of
despondency in the wearied wife who sits beside her
baby iu its cradle; the little one, all unconscious of
trouble, sleeps soundly, as also the tired, bare-footed
boy resting against his mother's knee. But the person
upon Avhose linearaents broods the sorrow of poverty
or distress, is the father who, entering the room, has to
meet the tender caresses of his other children. His
burden seems heavier than ever, his parent heart sym
pathizing in the woes of all his family. No. 36. A
Swiss Landscape with Mill, by C. Tribel, 1849. The
eye is never wearied Avith scenes frora nature, should
we meet them at every other step. No. 37. A Vase of
Flowers, by Jeannin, 1873. One of the most charming
selections of W. T.' Walters. The artist has combined
art and nature Avith the most pleasing skill. Almost
the entire -surface of the picture displays a faultless
shade of cerulean blue, figured in a pearly Avhite, to
represent a rich brocade satin drapery, that conceals,
magically as it Avere, frora vicAv, a little stand or table.
A rich, Avhite silk scarf or drapery also falls gracefully,
and in folds so careless that none but a true artist
could depict thera. This scarf would be fit apparel
for a queen ; it has for a border a fine net of lace Avork,
with a design of leaves and floAvers, all snowy white;
and the heavy Avhite fringe, a quarter of a yard in
length, has so much of the soft, flossy appearance of
silk, that it seems impossible for it to be a counterfeit.
These regal draperies, in conjunction Avith a superb
gilded bronze A'ase, with the design of two cupids in the
act of an embrace, form what one Avould style art, Avhilst

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 59
the contents of the vase, numbering a hundred or more
delicate blossoms, all of one kind, yet varying in the
hues of lilac, pink, groseille, and white, comprise the
natural portion of the picture. The A^ase has more than
brimful measure, as the flowers running over hide the
heads of the saucy little "gods of love," — a charming
place to nestle, say they, where the wild blossoms revel
in beauty. Some single colored sprays have fallen on
the white drapery, serving to make its purity the
more observed, and one green leaf has found a resting
place at the foot of a miniature article of vertu — a
little gilded figure, set a few inches distant from the
vase. The colors in this picture are truly beautiful,
and in a poAverful light, anything less than a young
and strong eye might be pained by their brilliancy.
No. 38. The Coquette. Artist unknown. There is some
witchery in this picture, and if the personal attrac
tions of the young lady win us over to admiration, Ave
must still admit that some of the fascination is lost in
the thought of the delusive spell that binds the lover.
A soft, white, little hand steals aside to deliver a billet-
doux to a negress hard by, who understands for whom
it is meant. The ebony face wears a broad grin at the
treachery of fair woman, and Ave ourselves are won
dering at the credulity of man. No. 39. '•'¦The Flagella
tion of Christ" by Van Dyck. Turn Ave noAV to this
solemn and painful subject, which will not only call
forth profound emotion and sorrow for the indignities
and suifferings heaped upon the Saviour of mankind,
but being the Avork of one of the most celebrated
masters of the Old World, Avill raake us add to
that tenderest of all sympathies a silent tribute to
the hand that has long since mingled Avith the dust.
No. 40. Life size Figures at the Wdl, by Veiy, 1873,
selected by W. T. Walters. '¦'¦ Le puits qui parle" is

60 A TRIBUTE TO
the pleasant little title that greets the eye, and gives a
coquettish interpretation to the charming picture. At
the side of an old stone well Avhose sides are rent, and
upon Avhich a tiny vine creeps upward from the base,
stands a beautiful peasant girl. She is leaning against
a high wall, that allows only a portion of her pretty
uncovered head to rise above its gray altitude. How
bcAvitching her costume, Avith its variety of color, her
snoAvy chemisette blouse giving a softness to the attire,
and adding uot a little beauty to the bright Avinsorae
face! There is a look of sweet surprise and innocence
in her eyes as she rests her arm upon the bucket, and
listens to a mysterious voice, be it the music of the rill,
a fairy whispering ont the depths of the Avell, or a
little bird, hid. len from view, singing a delicious love-
song. She is entirely unconscious of any one's presence
or approach, nor does she stir, herself, for see Iioav firmly
her bare feet press the ground! But we, Avhilst gaz
ing ather " blissful ignorance," observe just beyond the
wall the peering face of a gay young cavalier, Avhohas
stolen softly nigh Avith tread as velvety as his grand
dress coat. He leans in dangerous proximity to the
beauteous maid. She is captured beyond doubt in one
sense, for his arm affords a sort of frame to her glossy
hair so neatly braided, and his lips are also A^ery near,
making the music that has brought her to such a pleas
ant thraldom. To our eye this is very engaging, and
the result should bring about mutual joy, and yet we
have a feeling of mistrust aud pity. The favorable
termination is quite as far off' as the castle, which, em
bowered in trees in the distance, tells of hio-li born
hopes and destiny, and has nought to do with the
pretty maid, except to lend a voice for the moment to
Avhisper sweet things beside the well. No. 41. Rebecca,
by Rossiter. An exceedingly attractive picture of the

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 61
damsel whom the Bible states was very " fair to look
upon." The artist has done justice to the subject, as
the maiden possesses great beaut3\ Her complexion
and large lustrous eyes have the true oriental charm ;
her garments that easy flowing grace peculiar to the
women of old. The gladness of her heart is revealed
through those Avondrous eyes that have seen " the
golden ear ring " aud the " bracelets of ten shekels
weight ;" and her amiability is exemplified in the Avords,
"Drink, and 1 Avill give thy camels drink also." No.
42. A Small Bouquet, by Couder, 1872, selected by
Mr. W. T. Walters. The floAvers are carelessly put
together in an ordinary glass tumbler, half tilled with
water, and set upou a mediura sized volume, bound in
calf- skin. The book looks as if it had been hastily laid
down, and the bunch of flowers, so perfect in their
naturalness (consisting of fine delicate Avhite bloom ;
the Avail flower and a crimson blossom), suggests the
idea that some fair lady has just gathered them from
the garden, and left them iu the select and eloquent
company of literature. What author Avould not feel
happy in being thus associated with beauty and per
fume ? No. 43. Child Beading (a copy), by J. G. Meyer.
A happy specimen of youthful intelligence. What a
charming little store of information is being gathered
in, eloquently told in a pair of eyes brimful of merri
ment ! Pray tell us the secret of this " battery of bliss,"
Avhose light shot off' is drawing us into sympathy, tbe
raost contagious? No. 44. Milton at Home, by Lentze.
Oliver Cromwell and his family are paying a friendly
visit to the poet, and listening to his pjerformance on
the organ. Seventeen figures are erabraced in the group,
and upon every countenance is deepl}' impressed a sense
of the power of music wheu pathetically rendered. The
look is earnest and enwrapt, as if there were no other

62 A TRIBUTE TO
moment than the present, or that all else but the SAveet
strains Avere banished from the thoughts. At the in
strument, seated Ioav, is the inspired poet and musi
cian, with his face averted from the keys, as if drink
ing in with the spiritual waves of melody the same
entrancement that his guests enjoy. Behind hira,
forming the Iavo central figures of the group, are
seated Cromwell and his Avife, Avhilst the grandchil
dren near by Avith pensive air, are no less engro.ssed
than the great Protector of England. The youngest
girl has cast away her basket of flowers, and lying
against the knee of an elder sister, throws her arms
upAvards as it in intense delight. CroniAvell has
planted his cane upon the floor, and clasping it with
both hands, sits rigidly back in his chair, ready to ex-
clain), "How sublime!" and his goodly Avife folds her
hands upon her lap, a true model of motherly dignity.
The attitudes of the other figures are equally good,
some leaning against the Avainscoted Avails, and others
sitting with eyes glancing upAvards, as if in sympathy
Avith the heaven-ascending sound, or lowered, as
though in prayerful gratitude. The fair haired damsel
by the side of Cromwell has gathered together her
hands, and elevated one shoulder so as to leave us no
doubt that the thrill had passed even into her finger
tips. Another female figure seated beside the organ
supports betAA-ecn her knees a little boy, Avho has
stretched out his arms, appearing more like some
grave statesman than a buoyant youth. On a high
shelf are scA'cral books, a bust of Cato, a globe and
a clay pipe. An old fashioned tall clock would carry
us back to the time of our great, great grandfathers.
Let us leave the music by which Milton makes all
happy, and sing our oavu key-note of praise to Ijcutze.
No. 45. Fanny Ellsler as Sylphide, by Begas, Presi-

JJ'. JV. CORCORAN. 63
dent of the Berlin Academy. There is a great deal of
poetical license in this painting, in that the figure is
poised aboA'e a Avealth of floAvers, Avith Cupid presiding.
To employ the most enthusiastic utterance as agreeing
with her extraordinary skill as a danseuse, we might
quote —
"When she stood up for dancing, lier steps were so complete.
The music nearly killed itself to listen to her feet."
The artist has robed her in gossamer, and shaped her
Avith unexceptionable grace. Her light footfall is among
the sweetest roses and lilies, and the young god of
loA'^e with all his cunning art has won the smile that
thousands pleaded for in the days that haA^e fled. No.
46. Scene in the Catskill, by Paul Weber, 1858. A
beautiful little picture, combining mountain and valley.
A soft haze overspreads the peaks, but the light that
falls upon the trees near the lowland brings out their
vivid green, affording a decided contrast Avith the gray
and brown of the rocks and stones. The moss on the
rock Avears a half red, half chrorao tint. A tinj' strug
gling streamlet is visible, such as is often seen in nature
Avhere embedded heaps of stone break up at varied dis
tances the regular water course. No. 47. A Waterfall,
by Robbe, after Achenback. As truly meritorious as
are all of his productions. No. 48. 2he Lost Dogs, by
Von Thoren, 1873. Selected by Mr. W. T. Walters.
This picture is so truthful that we might imagine our
selves glancing at the actual scene, lonely and bleak,
the ground covered with snoAv. Nought is seen nor
heard save these dogs and their piteous howls of dis
tress. Description hath always failed to give an ade
quate idea of the dismal and sorrowful situation of the
" lost," whether of human kind or the brute. Probably
in the pathetic tale of the "Babes in the Wood," our

64 A TRIBUTE TO
eyes have moistened, and we have felt some of the woe
that Avrung their little hearts and brought them to an
untimely end. But how vastly different is the real sor
row itself, borne amid darkness and solitude, the aban
donment of hope and the murmurings of despair ! In
this representation the distress of that unfortunate stato
is dolorously marked. One of the dogs lifts his head
towards the sk}' as though invoking the pity of Him
who noteth even the fall of the sparroAV, and the other
leans Avearied, sore and feeble against his companion,
Avith no more wild cry across the suoav. No. 49. Norma,
by Louis Lang. It is before such subjects as this that
the heart is stirred to compassion. In this woman's
breast the emotions of anger and revenge are contend
ing, as o'er her troubled mind comes the meraory of her
faithless spouse, Pollio. Strange, indeed, that her inno
cent children are to be raade the victims of her AVOunded
pride ; that with eyes aflame Avith the spirit of murder,
her breast heaving Avith the cruel purpose, her arm
nerved with the treacherous dagger, and her feet
lighted through the darkest of crime, she goes thus to
relieve her stricken heart. And listen to her Avords a
moment after when she gains their couch: "Now,
Avhile they slumber ; so the hand that strikes them they
AA'ill not see. Courage! now! Ah! my 'limbs refuse
their office — my brain is dizzy — and horror shakes my
very soul. Murder my children — slay my oavu SAveet
darlings — they who have been all my delight, all my
consolation amidst the deep remorse and anguish that
assail me ; and shall I shed their blood? How are they
guilty ? They are his children ! That condemns them !
Yes! I will tear their image from out my bosom, and
be the\r "grief never to equal' his ! Now then ! [About
to strike.] Ah ! no— they are my children ! Ho !
there, Clotilda !" And a mother's loA^e spares them, after

JJ\ JV. CORCORAN. 65
which her oavu impending doom is hastened — the
burning pyre with Pollio to share her painful death.
No. 50. The Village Doctor, by Venneman, 1850.
A choice little piece admirably well executed. The
nervous patient who is being manipulated for sorae ill
of the flesh, near the region of the e3-e, is an object
rather of merriment than condolence in the regard of
the joll}' lookers on. It verj' forcibly illustrates the
truth of the saj'ing, " We are not physically hurt
ourseh'es, Avhen laughing at the expense of others."
No. 51. Virgin and Child, hy MarWlo. The tone of this
picture is decidedly mellow, whether from age or after
the subdued style of the artist, it matters not, but
there is a character and a dignity given to the subject,
Avhich impresses and grOAVS upon the spectator more
than Avould be produced by the brilliant tints so gen
erally employed. The face of the Madonna, Avith
dark eyes and hair, is of a melancholy type, but its
SAveetness cannot be denied. Floating as it were in
circuambient air are the angels, and although raore
thau half enveloped in cloud, they impart that cherubic
influence Avhich the old masters rarely lose sight of in
Avorks of this description. No. 52. The Portrait of
JS'apoleon Bonaparte, 1815. This is very valuable,
having been painted from life. How much interest
clings to the name of the great hero Avho held nations
iu his grasp, and upon whose banner victory was Avrit
in never failing characters ! No. 53. Sunset, by Emile
Breton, 1869. Selected by Mr. W. T. Walters. We
behold a landscape Avhercupon no adverse criticism
could rest. Here is nature in her dark green livery,
deepened almost into gloom by the strong contrast of
the lurid sky, and the brilliant orb of day sinking
aAvay in crimson splendor. Involuntarily to our minds
come these beautiful lines — 5

66 A TRIBUTE TO
" Something gave the dying sunset
An intenser -glow,
And enriched the cup of rapture
Filled to overflow ! "
Or again another stanza —
" Our west horizon circular,
From time the sun be set,
Is all with rubies, as it were,
Or roses red o'erfret."
No. 54. Dutch School, by De Block. Oh ! ye who
have taught the "young idea hoAV to shoot," pray
sympathize with the taskmaker who sits forward in
his high armchair, holding a book whose teachings are
being slowly hammered into a half dozen or more
rock-like craniuras. The master is a inan of years,
and one might study arithmetic, or at least a sum of
addition from the accumulated wrinkles in his face.
One little culprit has been called to take his place, but
his recitation is doubtless as weak as his knees, or he
may be in the act of contrition " boAved down with
weight of woe." Another has just passed ingloriously
from the same ordeal, for his book is opened to learn
his lesson over again. Two boys lean up against the
desk, one of whom is grinning because he is in the
rear, and his time has not yet come. Several more are
on their hiees clustered around the teacher's chair,
which we suppose is a " stool of repentance " for their
ignorance. But in the distance, and not overlooked
by any means, is a poor little felloAv, his bag of books,
strapped to his side. His slow dragging footsteps giA^e
evidence of the hard road he has to travel, whilst he
wipes his eyes, and is just about to boo hoo, wishing he
had never been born. Frora all appearances these boys
Avill never raake sages, or they show us that applica-

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 67
tion to study is like a sharp stinging briar in the path
way of youth. Nos. 55 and 56. Cabinet Interiors, by
Demarne. These are diminutive pictures, but are
very highly valued. Their finish is simply exquisite.
In one there are ten figures, several of Avhom are en
joying some social sport — " making merry " after the
French style. In the other they have settled down to
a parlance, in Avhich even the dogs seem to take part.
No. 57. Count Eberhard _of Wirtembiirg, weeping over
the Dead Body of his Son, by Ary Scheff'er. Selected by
Mr. W. T. Walters. This is really a chef d'ceuvre, em
bodying all the expressive mournfulness of its title —
an emotional scene, appealing most strongly to the
heart, for Avhilst it has the cold and rigid gloom of
death, it as well portrays the extreme anguish of the
living. We behold the strong man bent with sorrow
¦ — not that stony obdurate grief, but the tender love of
the parent heart welling out in tears that gush like
fountains, and cannot, Avill not be held back. Mark
the strange contrast between this spontaneous betrayal
of emotion (not less restrained than if a Aveak, feeble
woman) and the powerful martial bearing of the raan,
clad in arraor, Avho under other circumstances Avould
be as stern and unyielding as the iron of the cannon !
See also, the humility Avith Avhich the hands are .folded
(across the heaving breast) that had boldly Avielded the
sword and braved the issues of Avar ! The pitiless shot
had mowed down many, the banners were streaked
Avith the blood of the slain, but now a death wound has
cut deep into the neck of his beloved son — a youth
delicate and fair, and a " shining mark." Thus death
befallen this dear treasure has dashed pride, glory and
victory aside. The grievous thought of the great
crirason tide flowing from the breasts of unnumbered
slain is forgotten in the few trickling drops frora the

68 A TRIBUTE TO
Avounded child, showing how strong can be the ties of
love, and how cruel the decrees of fate. Sad, indeed,
that remorse adds a sting to the sorroAv of the Count !
It is told that his son Ulrich had previously lost a
battle and been wounded, and Avhen he met his dis-
tingnished sire at the dinner table, the wrath of the
parent was so great on hearing of the disaster
that befell their arms, that he seized upon a knife aud
cut the table cloth between them. This act so ignoble
and harsh to a braA'c young spirit was so keenly felt,
that the youth, anxious to retrieve his wounded pride
and honor, rushed into the next battle, gaining victory,
but losing his own life. The coloring of this picture is
truly wonderful in its ardent depth, richness and sub
stantiality. Scheff'er has won imperishable renown ;
nearly all of his great Avorks partaking of sadness and
sorrow. No. 58. Emigration, by A. Fisher. Here is
the solemn spectacle of an Indian band driven forth
from their hunting grounds in obedience to the de
mands of civilization — a true portraiture of the Avords,
" The old order changeth, yielding place to new." The
day is darkening o'er the beautiful valley Avhere they
have stopped in their march to look back on Avhat is
lost to them, and as they catch a gleam of the distant
camp fires, where the Avhite men gather, content in
their new possessions, Ave can almost hear (in imagina
tion) the sad echoes of their farewell answering from
the hills, or read upon their troubled faces the un
happy destiny — " Wanderers forever ! Avhere shall our
wigAvams remain unmolested?" The landscape adds
to the sadness by being tinged Avith autumnal hues.
No. 59. Twilight, by Japy, 1873. Selected by Mr. W.
T. Walters. A river is visible in the distance, OA'er
which the pale crescent risen high sheds her faint light.
The firmaraent Avears mingled tints of purple and blue.

fF JV. CORCORAN. 69
and the Avestern sky dips its rbsj' trail towards the
earth, lighting up a little inland pool of Avater, from
which a white horse has turned away. The foremost
engrossing feature of the landscape is a group of trees,
groAving in such shape as to form a pleasant bower of
green, and not far off' is a feeble curl of smoke from
some burning brushwood, Avherefrom several figures
are seen retreating. If in the picture of Spring by the
same artist there is all the emphatic impulse and
energy of a bright sunshiny day, this Twilight scene
possesses not less the opposite in the stillness and snm-
breness that accompanies the decline of day; for is it
not the hour when nature grows dreamy and hushed,
when the birds seek their nests, and the only sound is
that of the insect's hum, and the croak of the frogs?
It is the hour besides that renders home SAveet and
Avelcome to the tired laborer, for then God throAvs the
veil of darkness over the beauty of the Avorld, that
raan raay slumber and view in visions the greater light
of His mercy and love. No. 60. A Landscape, by
George Inness. This gives a view of some hills and
verdure, a brook and a roadwaj' — the man on horse
back (folloAved by a boy), riding along leisurely. No.
61. A small Flemish Picture, by Laboria, 1619. Interest
ing on account of its ancient appearance, and the un
common subject, viz. : a young Avarrior wearing all the
martial accoutrements, and urged by Time to leave his
lady-love and hasten on to Avar. Old father Time dis
plays a large extent of Aving as well as a' huge scythe;
and his hour glass Avith its falling sands gives mournful
sign of the flight of precious moraents. No. 62. The
Pets,hy E. Johnson, 1856. Surely Avill this picture elicit
praise, not only from juA'eniles, but adults who have not
quite forgotten the days Avhen some household treasure
in the form of a dog or kitten, lay claim to aft'ectionate

70 A TRIBUTE TO
regard. A young maiden sits in quiet contemplation
other several pets — a parrot, cat, gold fish, and Guinea
keats. Her hands are folded, and she occupies an arm
chair, that looks as though it had been made for some
gouty old gentleman. All of Barnum's museum has
not as much value in the eyes of this little girl as her
miniature possessions. No. 63. Dog and Parrots, by
F. Lachenwitez, 1847. The birds have left the im
prisonment of Avires, and seera to be in a sort of chatty
ire with the dog, Avho has laid down facing the open
door of the cage, looking very much like an august
owner or dictator. Their talking and barking there
fore leave us no voice to settle the dispute, and we pass
on to No. 64. Return from 31arket, by W. Brown.
This English artist has represented a country inn Avith
an old fashioned door, over whose slanting canopy is
hung as an advertising sign, a picture of the mighty
bard, entitled "The Shakspeare Inn." There are three
arrivals on horseback, one of the men (doubtless the
proprietor) bringing with him a heaping basket of sup
plies Avhich he hands over to a Avoman of the house.
The love of newspaper intelligence is shown by the
eager individual who has siezed upon a "daily," and is
devouring the contents. Let us note his dress and
attitude! — a Ioav dumped hat, light coat, shrunken
bottle-green breeches, and feet turned out at an alarm
ing degree ; (in short, his legs describe a parenthesis,)
and his face puckered as if under the influence of per
simmons. We Avonder if he ever had a SAveetheart, or
if he will not be brought up in a divorce suit should
he marry? There are two dogs, oue a specimen of
fierce energy, and the other looking lazy enough to
have been asleep a hundred years. The horses are
spirited enough to have us stroke their manes and say
a kind Avord to them. No. 65. Great Falls of the

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 71
Potomac, from ihe Virginia Side, by Wm. MacLeod,
1873. This sketch possesses a local interest, inde
pendent of the praise Avhich raust accrue to the artis(t
for his fidelity and skill. It is Avelcome to the many
persons familiar Avith that Avild, romantic scenery, and
to us particularly, Avho have vieAved it on a bright
summer's day, AA'hen the sparkling Avater dashed over
the rocks, forming numerous eddies and a trailing line
of foam. At a time too, Avhen nature all around Avore
the beautiful imprint of June, and merry voices kept
up the pic-nic glee, it proves a most grateful remem
brance of happy hours. It is not an exaggeration to
state that Mr. MacLeod approximates the style of
Church in the truly natural tint of the Avater, the easy
flow, &c. No. 66. Moonlight in Italy, by Tuvernier,
1849. There is a pleasant shadoAV of green throAvn
over the scene, dipped Avith the mild radiance of the
moon, and. somehow in the mysterious light so peculiar
to the clime, we are taught to think of peace, love,
and other kindly emotions. There is poetry also in
the conception. Under the umbrageous trees is a
fountain, whose w^aters glimmer Avith the silver sheen,
and offer besides grateful refreshment. A peasant
Avoraan approaches with a jug on her head, and
several persons have dismounted from their horses.
No. 67. Gen. Andrew Jackson, by Sully. An admir
able work of art, and a faithful likeness. It is both
graceful and noble of the great hero of New Orleans.
He stands within sight of the lurid fire and smoke of
battle, and the troops marching on, yet near his tent
and a mounted cannon. He wears his long military
cloak, and is in the act of Avriting doAvn some important
order, using iu his haste his chapeau as a support for
the paper. One gauntlet has dropped at his feet. His
countenance stamped Avith a thoughtful expression and

72 A TRIBUTE TO
inspired with hope, is a tell-tale of the glory and fate
of our nation. No. 68. Portrait of Lasleyrie. A
pleasant, intelligent old face, and the original like
ness of this distinguished French economist and
author ; the first Avho formed a general museum of
specimens of natural history and art to contain every
article useful to man, either in its natural state, or
its artificial preparation. Author of Avorks on the
merino sheep, cotton, &c. Painted in wax, at Paris,
by Rembrandt Peale, for the Philadelphia Museum.
No. 69. Portrait of Thomas Sidly — painted by himself.
Successful Avith others, he has also proved a good
artist for his oavu physiognomy. No. 70. Iris (copy).
Charming Goddess of the RainboAv! What is so
beautiful or poetical as the arch of colors that sorae
tiraes suddenly fixes our gaze upon the heavens, and
upon which Ave look almost amid tears, the rain drops
lessening after the profuse shower? And what more
appropriate to grace the name and thought of a rain-
boAV than a lovely female form, Avith a spiritual glance
in the eye, and an air of beauty in the figure floating
upAvards to the sky. Iris is represented as rising
from the landscape beloAv, where is the outline of a
cave with a tiny streamlet. The faint curve of the
rainboAv is encircling her limbs, and tending in the
direction of her flight. The tinge of light iu the colors
is in accord Avith her floating tresses of gold, and the
etherial like drapery sporting Avith the breeze. The
beautifal arms of the figure are raised far aboA^e the
head, as if in the high attainment of bearing aloft the
golden flagon, and the pressure of one hand keeps afloat
a cloud-like veil SAveejiing gently backAvards, scorning
to hide a face so fair. That face is turned toward the
sun, its golden rays beaming in glad Avelcorae to her
approach. No. 71. The Drought in Egypt, by F. Por-

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 73
taels, 1873. Selected by Mr. W. T. Walters. (" How he
had Avrought His signs in Egypt, and His wonders in
the field of Zoan : And had turned their rivers into
blood ; and their floods, that they could not drink." —
Psalm Ixxviii, v. 43, 44.) This sad group of sixteen
figures makes us at a single glance appreciate the
nature of the Avoe that Egypt felt Avhen her children Avere
perishing from the drought. The dreary surroundings
Avhere no green thing is seen save tAvo stunted withering
palms in the distance, and the one conspicuous feature —
the empty Avell, are noticed jointly Avith the poor sufferers
gathered around the dried-up fount — nature sympa
thizing Avith humanitA\ The massive stone cover to
the Avell has been thrust aside, and eager eyes have
looked strainedly into its depths for one crystal drop
of consolation. The tall figure of the priest Avith
patriarchal beard, and all the dignity of his holy calling,
looms up centrally, and resting his head upon one hand,
looks doAvn on the sorrow of the people, impotent to
relieve, and silent through despair. At his feet one
poor mother sits, and having just seen her child die,
raises her eyes imploringly to heaven. The struggle
past and suffering ended f'(^r the little one, it lies ex
tended across her knees, Avith one hand still clutching
at her bosom, and the other receiving the tender clasp
of the agonized parent. The eyes of the child shoAV
the heaviness of intense suff'ering, and the blueness of
death settling around the mouth, tells most painfully
how those baby lips must have famished for a single
drop, which neither nature nor maternal love could
yield. Another raother, clad in white garments, cling
ing closely to her form, has passed through the same
sorrow, and Avith the last strength of anguish has
gained a standing position, holding above her head the
little dead babe. In her face Ave read her surrender to

74 A TRIBUTE TO
the God Avho hath the right to claim, and yet we seem
to hear the Avail of the blackest sorrow that has ever
fallen upon her soul. By her side are three figures
resting against sorae stone masonry. One head is
nearly lost to vicAV, being bent in tribulation. The
next, a beautiful young girl, with perhaps more trust
and hope in her countenance, holds a water vessel,
set upright in the palm of her hand, and the other, a
youth in shadow, drops his head in a somnolent atti
tude. Filling up the circular space nearest the Avell
are tAvo women, both clasping their flagons. One
seems shut off" and alone in her gloom, so absorbed is
her look, and so deep are her thoughts. The con
traction of the broAV describes the pang at her heart.
The other, with SAveet, mild .submission, bends her head
on her hand, a large, pearly tear-drop escaping from
her eye. Then come the tAvo foremost figures on a
line Avith the Avell. A graceful female is one, envel
oped in beautiful drapery, leaving bare her arms and
feet. She sits on the ground, gazing steadily at the
stones of the Avell. The other Avoman in the death-
throes has sunk doAvn exhausted, her weight being
partially supported by a sfave, who has removed from
the dying figure some valuable ornaments, and is hold
ing them up as an off'ering to heaven, or an oblation
to bring unto them — Water ! Water ! Still another
dark figure crouches doAvn in prayer, and far off
in the elevated background are two more sorrowful
ones at an empty well, bearing jugs Avherewith to
be disappointed. This painting received the special
gold medal at the Crystal Palace Exhibiiiou, England.
No. 72. Portrait of Baron Von Humboldt, from the life,
by Madame Richards. The dark crimson background
brings out most clearly a face, which though marked
with the lines of age, has preserved its purity and soft-

JV. fF CORCORAN. 75
ness of complexion, and the mild blue eye is directed at
the spectator Avith all the earnestness with which he
undertook the mighty labors of his life. It is a remark
able countenance, yet gentle as a woman's, the broad
high forehead Avherenpon the light falls gloriously, and
the full SUOAV}' locks enhancing the gloAV upon the
cheeks, Avhilst the pleasant mobile expression of the
raouth suggests speech not less eloquent than the lan
guage of his e^'es. The high old fashioned stock, Avith
tho slightest approach to a standing collar, supports
in quiet majesty the head, and just below the throat
is suspended some important emblem of rank. On his
left side, a medallion, star-shaped, gleams out from his
simple black attire. Humboldt must have found a
warm admirer in Madame Richards, from the evident
care Avith Avhich the portrait is executed; and as the
work of a woman's hand, it deserves the highest com
mendation. No. 73. Portrait of Bernard St. Pierre
(author of Paul and Virginia), by R. Peale, 1818.
Donation from George W. Riggs, Esq. Who that has
read th© interesting history above mentioned, Avill
not dwell upon the benignant and intelligent features
of this distinguished writer with true admiration and
friendliness? No. 74. A Portrait of Hnry Clay, by II.
luman. A good likeness of our great and favorite
statesman, upon whom we must ever look Avith pride.
No. 75. Portrait of a Lady (unknown), by Sir Peter
Lely. Goodness more than beauty in this instance
might attract. No. 76. Portrait of President George
Washington, by Miss Stuart, daughter of Gilbert
Stuart, of Rhode Island. This is a copy of her
father's celebrated picture of Washington. He is
represented with all the benignity of moral worth,
and all the attributes of high station. The SAVord in
his left hand, speaks like an oracle of how .bravely

76 A TRIBUTE TO
he battled for onr independence. Tavo large volumes
resting against the table are entitled "Statutes of
Va.," and " Constitution of the U. S." No. 77. The
Huguenot's Daughter, by W. D. Washington, 1854.
We view the interior of a Catholic chapel, at the
altar of which two religious faiths are to be cemented
in the love that springs from true and faithful hearts.
The maiden is fair and lovely, and the cavalier at her
side brave and manly. The priests, delegated to their
sacred office, are about to seal the happy union, when
suddenly the solemnity of the scene is invaded by the
entrance of the bride's menacing parent and his fol-
loAA'crs. There is Avild fury in their glances, disap
pointment and despair on the faces of the betrothed,
and terror and agitation on the countenances of the
priests. The censer has been overthroAvn in the con
fusion. " The tapers that light and odor gave, are
changed to burning sighs," and heaven's blessing that
Avas nigh, is lost in a father's curse. No. 78. On
Catskill Creek, by W. B. Boggs. A Avork of fine
finish, and particularly in the foliage that lines the
banks of the swift current. No. 79. On the Coast of
Calabria (artist unknown). A small chapel on a slight
eminence overlooks the Avater, Avhich is as blue as the
azure of the &ky. The cliffs along the border are bathed
in the same hue, yet a single peep from the early moon
has invaded this exquisite color, and cast a delicate trail
of light on the niirrory surface of the sea. A stone
bridge loads to the chapel, in front of which, at a little
distance off, is a tall cross, Avliere the pilgrim might bend
his knee and say an "Ave Maria," ere entering the holy
lirecincts. The lamps are lighted at the entrance of the
shrine, and two of the monks or priests stand outside.
Peasant Avomen are lolling on the bridge, and sorae of
the men are still busy with their fishing poles. Curv-

JV. JJ'. C0RC0R4N: 77
ing ledges of rock that assimilate the opening to a
grotto, form a sort of bower to the pretty view, and the
stout sides are overrun Avith a delicate vine, making up
something of the poetry and beauty of foreign scenery.
No. 79. Moonrise in 3Iadeira, by Hildebrandt. This
title can convey to the reader no other idea than the
usual light that streams from the gentle orb of night,
but the rare tone of coloring iu this picture might have
been dipped from the tropics in its fiery splendor and
glowing beauty. Some fcAV strips of the island are jut
ting out into the Avater, Avhose CA'ery ripjile is lighted
up with burnished gold, Avhilst the horizon has a warmth
so intense as to make the Avings of the sea-gulls appear
blood-stained. On the shore a group of natives are sit
ting by some lighted brushwood, and the effect produced
by these few firebrands is quite brilliant. Several boats
lay at anchor. The artist enjoyed the intimate regard
of Baron Humboldt, through Avhose instrumentality the
picture was painted for Mr. Corcoran. No. 81. A
F'emale Figure from the Bath (oval) unknown. No. 82.
Child and Nurse, by Begas (copy). Here is beautiful
youth in a natural state, as the fair complexioned,
golden haired child has just undergone an ablution, and
is pleased to return the compliment of the nurse's ser
vices by sponging the face of " dear old black mamray,"
Avho, alas ! cannot be made white as suoav. In a vine-
clad recess near the boudoir are some baskets of flowers,
and a little fountain splashing Avater, as though in com
pany with baby's fingers in the miniature bath. No.
83. Duck Shooting, by W. Ranney, 1850. Several
sportsmen are surveying the successful result of their
expedition. A sagacious dog is holding a flne duck by
the wing, and looks as if he were wishing thera to ad-
rait that some praise is due to his exertions. The sky
Avears the autumnal dark, the gray and purple shades.

78 A TRIBUTE TO
No. 84. Ball Playing among the Sioux Indians, by Cap
tain Seth Eastman, U. S. A. In this game may not the
red man be more happy than when he flourishes his
tomahaAvk in quest of scalps ? If such amusements
could the more frequently fill up the hours of these
brothers of the forest, many a misguided thought of
passion and evil deed might be checked. No. 85. Farm
House, by George Morland. This rustic scene raust
be studied in all of its excellent points, as the work of
one of the most celebrated painters of the English
school. How hajipy looks the old countryraan Avho
returns horae Avell provisioned, but the brightest re
ward for him is the welcoming smile upon the faces of
his family. Who can dispute that a cottage some
times ranks above a palace in the content that reigns
undisturbed? No. 86.. Leisure a'nd Labor, by F. B.
Mayer, 1853. Here Ave see the interior of a black
smith shop. The OAvner is busy at his work shoeing
a fine looking horse, and leisurely leaning against the
doorway is a tall sapling-like felloAv, wearing a broad
brimmed hat, various colored clothing, and charac
teristically thrusting his hands in his pockets. His
graceful greyhound at his side is very erect, and looks
with as much wonder as his master at mechanical
industry. On the outside of the shop is a comical sign
Avith a cadaverous figure of old Time, making long
strides with his skeleton limbs, and these explanatory
Avords as a libel on orthography — jTOP thiefh. No.
87. Out-door Concert, by E. T. Eckhout. A lady iu
rich costume is sitting with her feet on a cushion, and
her poodle near by, Avhilst a courtly group of admirers
are rendering homage through the sweet infiuence of
music. No. 88. Mercy's Dream, by D. Huntington,
1850. Illustrative of a scene in Bunyan's Pilgrim
Progress. The landscape lies chiefly in shadoAv, except

JV. JV. CORCORAN. 79
where the distant hills are tipped with the sunset's
ruby and gold. By the margin of a stream re]3oses
in a half recumbent posture, a female figure, represent
ing Mercy. She has closed her eyes, and an almost
saintly peace enwraps her features. Her attitude so
gently drawn is in unison with her mild, benevolent
spirit, that is harmonizing all things, raaking earth
seem a part of heaven. One hand is laid upon her
breast, the other composedly rests upon the turf, as if
in support of the upper erect portion of the body. The
golden hair is half concealed by a SAveeping veil of
blue, and her garments are of white, gold and rose
color. An angel has descended holding a croAvn, sur
mounted with tiny crosses, one of Avhich is lit up with
the divine glory of the sky. The seraph points to the
heavenly realm, whose immaculate light is tinging
drapery and wings. With face bent towards Mercy,
he is about to bestow the glittering rcAvard. This
figure is perfect, and full of the sublimity Avhich the
subject demands. No. 89. The Letter, by H. Helmick,
1868. A beautiful picture, showing the interior of an
humble French home. The old people are listening to
the perusal of a letter frora Araerica, addressed to their
daughter. The contents we raay not know, but there
is soraething wonderfully interesting, the father having
stopped his smoking, and the raother her domesti
work. No. 90. The Blonde, Brunette and Medium,
by T. P. Rossiter. The types are faithfully executed,
and we will not say to Avhora shall go our chief praise.
No. 91. Autumn on the Hudson, by Thomas Doughty.
" Charming ! " will be the exclaraation Avhen this pic
ture is vicAved in its faultless beauty. It raakes us feel
more than ever that the noble Hudson has a high
claim upon our admiration — the rich autumnal tints
coloring the trees in contrast with those yet un-

c

80 A TRIBUTE TO
touched, and the sunshine falling here and there with
brightest glow. Such a scene seeras to have been laid
out for an enthusiastic and finished artist, and it need
ask no higher renown than to have won the admiring
eye of Doughty. No. 92. Beggar Girl, by Begasse.
How plaintive the air of this child ! Although not
having yet felt the pinching want that so often re
duces the frarae aud thins the visage of many of her
class, still, in her eyes one can read the sad knowledge
that Avith all the plenty of this Avorld, there are some
who can only feed upon the husks. She wears a tidy
garb, her pretty face and glossy dark hair being set
off' by a white handkerchief tied under the chin. Her
right hand is extended for charity, which may not be
sloAv or stinted Avhen beauty is the petitioner. No. 93.
Allegro and Penseroso, by J. G. Brown. These are
sraall figures but will certainly challenge the closest
examination in their remarkably fine drawing. Each
face represents admirably the emotion for which it is
named. On the 19th of January, the gallery was opened for
the first time, invitations having been extended to the
President, Governor of the District, Cabinet Officers,
the Senate and House of Representatives, the Judiciary
and Diplomatic Corps. The President arrived at 10
A. M., accompanied by Ex-Secretary Borie. There was
a constant stream of visitors during the day and even
ing, the ladies in rich toilettes enhancing the brilliancy
of the scene. Mr. Corcoran occupied a seat, and bore
remarkably Avell the fatigue of receiving unnumbered
congratulations. The wish was universal, that he
might long live to enjoy the beautiful shrine of Art.
Many of the visitors Avere interested in a valuable old
English Bible of six immense volumes, printed and
illustrated in 1800, and dedicated to His Royal Majesty,

JJ-: JV. CORCORAN.

81

George IIL, the Queen and Prince of Wales :

and

also some interesting Italian works, " descriptive of the
Vatican," &c. The library is daily receiving valuable
additions. In a few years with all the accumula
ting and varied treasure, this, the substantial foun
dation, will have grown into a monument, not to be
surpassed by any in the country.
And now we ^bid farewell to Mr. Corcoran and the
evidences of his uoble philanthropy. Having pictured
him mostly as an active and zealous man, amid his
charities and the outside haunts, we see him last under
his own roof, happy and blessed, daily receiving tokens
of the gratitude of the people, thus reaping a reward
that any might envy. The brightest picture, more to
be valued than all the wealth of the gallery, is this
beautiful mansion, the owner surrounded by three
lovely grandchildren (two boys, and a fair, golden-
haired little girl, named Louise), whose company and
tender warmth of aff'ection make up the overflowing
drop to the cup of happiness. Miss Eustis, the sister
of their deceased father, is also an ever watchful and
devoted guardian, her presence adding to the delights
of a home over which may the brightest sunshine ever
dwell, and the blessings of heaven ne'er be denied !

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