[3]An apotheosis celebrates and exalts a subject in ideal forms of expression.
[3]An apotheosis celebrates and exalts a subject in ideal forms of expression.
THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE EASTERN GATEWAY OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENTBy Taber Sears, in the New York City Hall
THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THE EASTERN GATEWAY OF THE AMERICAN CONTINENT
By Taber Sears, in the New York City Hall
John W. Alexander, better known as a portrait painter, also chose similar themes with which to decorate the Carnegie Institute of Art in Pittsburgh, a successful piece of work. Robert van V. Sewell, for the home of George Gould, at Lakewood, did a fine frieze representing “The Canterbury Tales.” And a later man is Barry Faulkner, whose panel for the home of Mrs. Harriman, “Famous Women,” is a happy arrangement of the many celebrated feminists. The work of Albert Herter is specially noteworthy. Hugo Ballin has executed large decorative work, and Howard G. Cushing has made strikingly original panels. Other men are Taber Sears, with altar pieces, Joseph Lauber, Charles M. Shean, Douglas Volk, and William B. Van Ingen. Walter Shirlaw occupied himself at times with decorations, and Abbott H. Thayer has likewise executed a few notable mural paintings.
CHARITY, by Abbott ThayerIn the Boston Museum
CHARITY, by Abbott Thayer
In the Boston Museum
A mural painting is a decoration intended for the adornment of a wall or ceiling. As a rule, it is painted in more or less simple, flat tones, so as to carry some distance, and under the old methods, known as fresco painting, it was a process of painting in water colors on wet plaster, the portion of the wall on which the artist was to paint being prepared over night, so as to be in proper state to receive the color. The painter had to work from a scaffold. He was also hampered by awkward positions and, frequently, bad lighting facilities. This method was in general use from the early days of Giotto (1266-1337), to those of Raphael (1483-1520). Some of the Italians use it even now.
So mural painting differs materially from a picture painted on an easel. The easel picture has more detail, is placed in a frame when finished, and is destined to make a decorative spot on the walls. The modern mural painter now executes his design directly upon canvas in his studio, and when it is completed it is applied to the wall space by a composition of glue and white lead. When this is thoroughly dry it becomes practically a part of the construction, though it is possible at any time to remove it, by peeling it off, should it be necessary. As a rule, the painter of a great mural work makes first a small sketch. This is subsequently enlarged by himself, or his assistants, by the process of “squaring up,” and so it is brought to the correct size. These enlargements are known as “cartoons,” which are traced on the canvas or the plaster, and when thus drawn in are ready for the painter’s brush.
Almost the first efforts of primitive man in picture making were decorations of the walls of his rude house, and later his temples and public buildings. There are examples from the civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome wherein the work was carried to the greatest perfection. We have splendid specimens of brilliant coloring from the great temples in the land of the Pharaohs, on their tombs and palaces, that have remained fresh and well nigh perfect all these centuries, while throughout Italy, in palaces and churches the work of the Renaissance artists challenges the greatest admiration.
Upon the walls of the buried city of Pompeii still are frescoes that seem painted yesterday, so fresh is the color. The work of Michelangelo and of Raphael in the Vatican at Rome is perhaps the greatest of any known decorative efforts. Throughout France and Germany the work has been greatly fostered by commissions from the state for public buildings of all sorts, for splendid mansions and palaces of royalty. In France, particularly, great attention is given to mural work. The work of the French painter Puvis de Chavannes today is a return, to a certain extent, to the ideals and methods of expression, to the simplicity of theme and treatment of the early masters. He remains by general consent the greatest of all modern decorators, and we are fortunate in America in having admirable specimens of his work in the Boston Public Library. Our modern men, in their mural work, use as a rule oil paints mixed with wax, in order to secure a flat effect and to do away with any reflection on the surface.
Complete Your Mentor LibrarySubscriptions always begin with the current issue. The following numbers of The Mentor Course, already issued, will be supplied at the rate of fifteen cents each. Send your list, and the numbers will be shipped at once, charges prepaid.Serial No.1. Beautiful Children in Art2. Makers of American Poetry3. Washington, the Capital4. Beautiful Women in Art5. Romantic Ireland6. Masters of Music7. Natural Wonders of America8. Pictures We Love to Live with9. The Conquest of the Peaks10. Scotland, the Land of Song and Scenery11. Cherubs in Art12. Statues with a Story13. Story of America in Pictures: The Discoverers14. London15. The Story of Panama16. American Birds of Beauty17. Dutch Masterpieces18. Paris, the Incomparable19. Flowers of Decoration20. Makers of American Humor21. American Sea Painters22. Story of America in Pictures: The Explorers23. Sporting Vacations24. Switzerland: The Land of Scenic Splendors25. American Novelists26. American Landscape Painters27. Venice, the Island City28. The Wife in Art29. Great American Inventors30. Furniture and its Makers31. Spain and Gibraltar32. Historic Spots of America33. Beautiful Buildings of the World34. Game Birds of America35. Story of America in Pictures: The Contest for North America36. Famous American Sculptors37. The Conquest of the Poles38. Napoleon39. The Mediterranean40. Angels in Art41. Famous Composers42. Egypt, the Land of Mystery43. Story of America in Pictures: The Revolution44. Famous English Poets45. Makers of American Art46. The Ruins of Rome47. Makers of Modern Opera48. Dürer and Holbein49. Vienna, the Queen City50. Ancient Athens51. The Barbizon Painters52. Abraham Lincoln: Volume 253. George Washington54. Mexico55. Famous American Women Painters56. The Conquest of the Air57. Court Painters of France58. Holland59. Our Feathered Friends60. Glacier National Park61. Michelangelo62. American Colonial Furniture63. American Wild Flowers64. Gothic Architecture65. The Story of the Rhine66. ShakespeareTHE MENTOR COURSE TO COMEThe next number of The Mentor, to appear on October 1, will contain six beautiful photogravures.CELEBRATED ANIMAL CHARACTERSSilver King, Ivan, Sultan, Czar, Gunder, The Bison HerdBy W. T. HORNADAY, Director New York Zoölogical ParkNUMBERS TO FOLLOWOct. 15. JAPANOne of Mr. Elmendorf’s interesting travel articles, full of information about a country that engages the interest of the whole world today. The pictures are varied and most attractive.By Dwight L. Elmendorf, Lecturer and Traveler.Nov. 2. THE STORY OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTIONProfessor Hart presents in a style that is both scholarly and popular the great drama of French history. There are many volumes treating of single phases, or chapters of the French Revolution, but Professor Hart’s article supplies a real need in picturing in large, simple outlines the great subject as a whole, so that any reader may get a complete impression. The illustrations picture the great personages and important events of the Revolution.By Albert Bushnell Hart, Professor of Government, Harvard University.Nov. 16. RUGS AND RUG MAKINGMr. Mumford is qualified as few are to write on this subject. He has traveled for years in pursuit of the study of rugs, and he is the author of a standard work on the subject. He writes, moreover, in an easy, entertaining, and informing way. The pictures, some of which are in full colors, contribute great value, interest, and beauty to the article.By J. K. Mumford, Author and Expert on Oriental Rugs.Dec. 1. ALASKAOne of the most important and interesting travel articles that The Mentor has offered. The writer, Mr. Belmore Browne, knows Alaska more thoroughly perhaps than any living writer and artist. He has been for years an explorer and hunter of big game in the far Northwest, and he is celebrated especially for having achieved the conquest of Mount McKinley together with Professor Herschel Parker.By Belmore Browne, Explorer, Author and Artist.
Subscriptions always begin with the current issue. The following numbers of The Mentor Course, already issued, will be supplied at the rate of fifteen cents each. Send your list, and the numbers will be shipped at once, charges prepaid.
Serial No.
THE MENTOR COURSE TO COME
The next number of The Mentor, to appear on October 1, will contain six beautiful photogravures.
CELEBRATED ANIMAL CHARACTERS
Silver King, Ivan, Sultan, Czar, Gunder, The Bison HerdBy W. T. HORNADAY, Director New York Zoölogical Park
NUMBERS TO FOLLOW
Oct. 15. JAPAN
One of Mr. Elmendorf’s interesting travel articles, full of information about a country that engages the interest of the whole world today. The pictures are varied and most attractive.By Dwight L. Elmendorf, Lecturer and Traveler.
One of Mr. Elmendorf’s interesting travel articles, full of information about a country that engages the interest of the whole world today. The pictures are varied and most attractive.
By Dwight L. Elmendorf, Lecturer and Traveler.
Nov. 2. THE STORY OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
Professor Hart presents in a style that is both scholarly and popular the great drama of French history. There are many volumes treating of single phases, or chapters of the French Revolution, but Professor Hart’s article supplies a real need in picturing in large, simple outlines the great subject as a whole, so that any reader may get a complete impression. The illustrations picture the great personages and important events of the Revolution.By Albert Bushnell Hart, Professor of Government, Harvard University.
Professor Hart presents in a style that is both scholarly and popular the great drama of French history. There are many volumes treating of single phases, or chapters of the French Revolution, but Professor Hart’s article supplies a real need in picturing in large, simple outlines the great subject as a whole, so that any reader may get a complete impression. The illustrations picture the great personages and important events of the Revolution.
By Albert Bushnell Hart, Professor of Government, Harvard University.
Nov. 16. RUGS AND RUG MAKING
Mr. Mumford is qualified as few are to write on this subject. He has traveled for years in pursuit of the study of rugs, and he is the author of a standard work on the subject. He writes, moreover, in an easy, entertaining, and informing way. The pictures, some of which are in full colors, contribute great value, interest, and beauty to the article.By J. K. Mumford, Author and Expert on Oriental Rugs.
Mr. Mumford is qualified as few are to write on this subject. He has traveled for years in pursuit of the study of rugs, and he is the author of a standard work on the subject. He writes, moreover, in an easy, entertaining, and informing way. The pictures, some of which are in full colors, contribute great value, interest, and beauty to the article.
By J. K. Mumford, Author and Expert on Oriental Rugs.
Dec. 1. ALASKA
One of the most important and interesting travel articles that The Mentor has offered. The writer, Mr. Belmore Browne, knows Alaska more thoroughly perhaps than any living writer and artist. He has been for years an explorer and hunter of big game in the far Northwest, and he is celebrated especially for having achieved the conquest of Mount McKinley together with Professor Herschel Parker.By Belmore Browne, Explorer, Author and Artist.
One of the most important and interesting travel articles that The Mentor has offered. The writer, Mr. Belmore Browne, knows Alaska more thoroughly perhaps than any living writer and artist. He has been for years an explorer and hunter of big game in the far Northwest, and he is celebrated especially for having achieved the conquest of Mount McKinley together with Professor Herschel Parker.
By Belmore Browne, Explorer, Author and Artist.
This service covers the needs of those who want to gain knowledge by an easy and agreeable method.
Send for our booklet descriptive of The Mentor Club Service. It presents many varied Mentor courses specially planned for the use of reading clubs.
The Mentor Association will supply to its members supplementary reading courses dealing with any or all of the subjects in The Mentor Courses. These courses of reading are prepared under the direction of the Advisory Board of The Mentor—all of them prominent educators.
The Mentor Association will also secure books for members, supplying them postpaid at publishers’ prices.
The Mentor Inquiry Department gives to its members a full and intelligent service in answering inquiries concerning books, reading, and all matters of general information having a bearing on The Mentor Courses.
MANY READERS HAVE COME TO KNOW THE VALUE OF THE MENTOR SERVICE. IN THE FULLEST SENSE IT SUPPLEMENTS AND ROUNDS OUT THE PLAN OF THE MENTOR. ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE INVITED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS SERVICE
THE MENTOR BINDER
Every page of The Mentor, cover included, contains matter that readers want to keep. The Mentor Association is now supplying to its members a binder which holds twelve or thirteen Mentors and has proved satisfactory in every way. This binder has been arranged so as to hold The Mentor complete and it has tapes to which the pictures are attached, so that they swing freely in their place and the pictures can be enjoyed as well as the text on the back.
The price of these binders is One Dollar each.
MAKE THE SPAREMOMENT COUNT
Back cover page: The Mentor Service