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XI.—LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART.
SOCIETY OF ARTS
The sixth annual exhibition of the Society of Arts
was opened on Monday evening, the 26th instant, at
the Institute, North-terrace. His Excellency the
Governor, Lady Daly, and the Misses Daly attended
the exhibition on Saturday last, and expressed them-
selves pleased with their visit. Our opinion is that
taken as a whole, the present exhibition is greatly
superior to anything of the kind we have hitherto
had, whether the excellence of the pictures, the native
talent shown, or the superior works of art exhibited
be considered. We are glad that those who own
really good paintings have not hesitated to lend
them to the Society; and as we know that there
are many works of art in the colony that have never
been allowed to appear on these occasions, we trust
that the owners will be disposed at a future oppor-
tunity to exhibit them.
Among the first works in the catalogue are a pencil
drawing (1) by Miss Addison, and another (6) by
Miss Hunt. Both these yonng ladies are, we under-
stand, pupils of the Sooth Australian School of
Design, and their works reflect great credit on their
talents and study. Mr. Schramm's " Whist Party"
(15) is very colonial in design and happy in execu-
tion. This gentleman's pictures possess the merit of
representing South Australian scenery better than
any others we have seen, and, in addition, the treat
ment of the foliage and figures is particularly his own.
Several of Mr. Minchin's sketches appear this
year, and show a very marked improvement on his
former efforts. "Horrocks's Pass" (9) and "Tela
Hill" (4) are perhaps his best pictures. It is a pity
that while this gentleman can exhibit works really of
artistic merit he should place beside them such rude
attempts as "Hospital and Park Lands" (16). Mr.
W. D. Scott contributed several chalk drawings, and
amongst them one of peculiar merit, "Charming
May" (38), deserves especial mention, both from its
fanciful design and its spirited execution. Master
Labatt, seven years and a-half old, exhibits a pencil
sketch (44), to which a prize was awarded, which
promises well for the little boy's future career. Two
excellent drawings—one architectural (35) and one
mechanical (37) —are the work of Mr. W. D. W.
Bishop (a pupil of the Messrs. Hamilton), and richly
deserve the prizes awarded to them. Mr. Shaw's
" Eagles' Nest" (54) is an ambitious attempt, inas-
much as the scenery in the part of the hills he has
taken for a subject is extremely difficult; but the
painting is much better than any of this artist's
former productions. Amongst the pictures contri-
buted by Mr. Skipper is one of which the design
is exceedingly good; it is called " The Desert
Grave" (24), and represents a bushman on horse-
back who has just discovered in a desolate place
portion of the skeleton of a human being. There is
a melancholy and, we fear, a truth about the subject
that gives it great interest. Several unmistakeable
portraits of well known gentlemen appear on the
walls. They are the work of Mr. Irvine, whose
talents are well known in Adelaide. The last of the
pictures by colonial artists that we notice at present
are two watercolor sketches by an old favorite, S. T.
Gill, " The Lapwing" (139), and " The Lapwing in
Danger" (141) ; and a picture of "The Berkshire"
(142), by CoL Light.
We turn now to the paintings by British and
foreign artists. The first that strikes as as a painting
of great merit is by C. Towns, "Moonlight" (103).
Next follow three landscapes exhibited by Mr.
Rutland (113,115, and 116), all good; then a paint
ing by Woolnoth, " Auchingavin Glen " (119), is
well worthy of the most careful attention. Three
other pictures by the same artist are exhibited by
Mr. Culley (127, 134, 137). They are executed in
the new style of water-colors, and the effect is very
peculiar. Exceptions may be taken to the
manner in which the light is introduced
into No. 119, but this is but trifling, as
the general effect of the picture is admirable.
Dolby's picture of " The Rialto" (101) might please
if the subject were not so hackneyed. "Goring
Church" (107) is abominable. A chrono-lithograph
(130) is an excellent copy of a clever picture. The
paintings (contributed by Mr. D.A.C.G. Ross), by
Chinese artists, are very curious. The first series
(65, 66, 68, 69), copies of female portraits, are softly
colored; but that of Mr. W. A. Ross (67) stands
out rather hard in the outline. On the other hand,
the peculiarly Chinese pictures (150 to 163) show
minute exactness in detail, but want softness in exe-
cution. A landscape by Antonio, "Waterloo" (171),
is very curious as an old work of art. " The Girl at
the Pump" (265) is an exceedingly clever work of
art, and well worth inspection.
There is not a large collection of engravings or
photographs. Chief, howerer, of the former is a
splendid proof engraving of " The Relief of Luck-
now," engraved by O. G. Lewis, after T. J. Barker.
Considered in every way, this engraving is magnifi-
cent; and Mr. K. Price, whose property it is, may
Well congratulate himself on possessing this gem.
Among the photographs are two, colored, of Mr. and
Mrs. Swanzy (63 and 64), by Maul and Polyblank,
which are very good; Sir Allan and Lady Macnab,
excellent works by a Canadian artist; Sir Dominick
Daly, a capital likeness; and particularly "The
Death of Arthur" (75), "The Better Land" (76), and
"The White Cockade" (78), the last of which is
photographed from a painting by Millais. " The
Blind Mendicant" (79) is deserving of deep study.
In the middle of the room are placed a group of
vases, statuettes, and tazzas, almost all of excel-
lent quality and workmanship. Chief of them
are the prizes intended for distribution by the
Society of Arts, and amongst these a statuette of
"Lurilne" (221) most particularly pleased us. A
tazza of a lovely blue, having on it in relief
the figures of Mercury and Pandora (231), is
one of the most valuable prizes to be
awarded by the Society. Many other works
of art appear in this department, but we have
not space to notice them. Some excellent speci-
mens of worsted-work (53 and 66) are exhibited by
Mr. Bornman and Miss Bowman, and also an
antique piece of work, "The Virgin and Child" (263).
The Yankalilla flag, by Mrs. Molton, appears also in
the Exhibition, and is very capitally worked.
We now subjoin the prize awards of the Judges:—
Judges—Revs. F. W. Cox and D. J. Ibbetson,
Messrs. T. Wilson, John Brown, and Dr. Wyatt.
Society's Prizes.
L For the best oil painting ... . £10 10
This prize is awarded by the Judges to No. 17,
"Lake Hope," by Schramm. No. 24, the
" Desert Grave," is deemed well executed and
Nos. 8 and 14 good in effect of light and shade.
2. For the best water-color painting . . 5 5
Prize awarded to No. 9, "Horrocks' Pass,"
by R. E. Minchin
3. For the next best water-color painting: 3 3
Prize awarded to No. 4, "Tela Hill", by R. E. B. E.
Minchin.
4. For the best Original sculpture or modelling .. 3 3
No competition.
8. For the best six Photographic Pictures ... 3 3
No competition.
6. For the next best six photographic pictures 2 2
No. competition.
Competitors to be members of the Society, resi-
dent in South Australia; the works to be original,
executed since October, 1861; the productions of
the competitors and the subjects to be Australian.
CONTRIBUTED PRIZES.
7. For the best original landscape drawing, con-
tributed by Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B.... 5 5
Prise awarded to No. 10, "Near Horrock's
Pass," by R. E. Minchin,
8. For the best original figure painting contri-
buted by Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C. B. ... 5 5
Prise awarded to No. 11, "Morning," by
Schramm."
9. For the best picture or drawing of any de-
scription, subject being Australian, contri-
buted by Sir Charles Cooper ... 5 5
10. For the next best picture or drawing of any
description, subject being Australian, con-
tributed by Sir Charles Cooper . ... 4 4
First price awarded to No. 15, "A Whist
Party, by Schramm.
11. For the best mechanical drawing, contributed
by A. H Gouge, Esq. … 6 6
Prize awarded to No. 37, "Marine Steam
Engines," by W. D. WT. Bishop
12. For the best architectural drawing, contri-
buted by A. H. Gouge, Esq. … 4 4
Prize awarded to No. 35, "South Australian
Institute," by W. D. W Bishop.
Nos. 11 and 12 are restricted to competitors
not over 23 years of age.
13. For the best Design in detail of a Drinking
Fountain, contributed by W. Owen, Esq.... 5 5
No. 13 restricted to competitors born in the
colony.
No competition.
14. For the best Design of a Society's Medal for
the Society of Arts—one side to be fully
sculptured, the reverse to be partially plain,
to allow room lor an inscription, contributed
by Hon. Henry Ayers, M.L.C. ... ... 5 5
Prize awarded to No. 51, being three Designs,
by R. E. Minchin, of which the Judges consider
the obverse of No. 2 with the reverse of No. 3
would be the most effective.
16. For the best original Pencil Sketch of a well
known South Australian Scene, contri-
buted by Dr. Gosse … … 3 3
Prize awarded to No. 23. The Judges; regret
that there has not been more competition for this
prize.
16. For the best drawing of a horse, contributed
by Dr. Bayer 3 3
No prize awarded.
17. For the greatest progress made by any pupil
of the South Australian School of Design,
contributed by Canon Russell 3 3
Prize awarded to Miss A. Hunt.
18. For the best drawing from the round, exe-
cuted by a pupil of the South Australian
School of Design, contributed by Dr.
Phillips 3 3
Prize awarded to No. 1, " A Head," by Miss
Addison. No. 6 is, however, a very deserving
production,
19. For the best original drawing, contributed by
Dr. Mayo 3 3
20. For the next best original drawing, contri-
buted by Dr. Mayo ... . 2 2
Nos. 19 and 20 are to be competed for by
young ladies.
The first prise to No. 1, ? A Head," by Miss
Addison; and the second to No. 6, "A Carved
Frieze," by Miss A. Hunt.
21. For the most meritorious drawing, executed
by a pupil of the South Australian School
of Design, contributed by J. Macgeorge,
Esq. 3 3
Prize awarded to No. 2, "Le Pardon," copy,
by Miss A. Hunt.
22. For the next most meritorions drawing,
executed by a pupil of the South Austra-
lian School of Design, contributed by Jas.
T. Turnbull, Esq. ... ... 2 2
Prize awarded to No. 25, "Drawing from the
Round," by Miss Addison.
23. For the best Indian ink or sepia drawing,
contributed by J. B.Gurner, Esq…. 3 3
Prise awarded to No. 3, "Stony Creek," by
Minchin.
21. A prize for the best drawing by a young per-
son under 12, contributed by the Society... 2 2
Prize awarded to No. 44, " A Pencil Drawing,"
by J. T. Labatt, 7½ years of age.
Should any of the works submitted not be deemed
sufficiently meritorious, the above prizes may be with-
held or altered.
At 7 o'clock on Monday evening the doors were
opened, and the public exhibition fairly began.
DRAWING FOB THE ART UNION PRIZES.
The drawing for the Art Union prizes of the
Society of Arts took place at the Institute on Friday,
evening, at 8 o'clock. The Lord Bishop occupied
the chair, and there were about 20 members of the
Society present. The ballot was commenced punc-
tually at the hour named, and the following result
shows the names of prizes and prizeholders. The
numbers refer to the catalogue numbers :—
75. Photograph, "Death of Arthur," value £1 11s 6d.,
R. B. Smith
76 Photograph, "The Better Land," value £1 11s. 6d.,
R. A.Tarlton.
78. Photograph, "The White Cockade," value £1 11s. 6d.,
Miss Young.
211 Parian, "The Pilgrim's Bottle," value £2 2s., W.
Bakewell.
214. Etruscan Vase, value £1 3s. Dr. Gosse.
219 Farian and Glass Flower Vase, value £1 11s 6d., J.
P. Boscaut.
229. Parian "Bowling Boy," value £3 3s., James
Hardman.
22i. Parian "Lurline," value £5 5s, J. Western.
222 and 223. Parian Vases. "Dancing girls with triangle
and tympanum," £7 7s., Wm. Pearce.
224. Tazza, Ribbon and Flower Border, value £3 3s., Lady
Daly.
224A. Tazza. Cameos from the Florentine collection and
rich raised gold decoration, value £6 6s., W. Everard.
225. Parian Statuette "Hermione." valne £5 5s., J. E.
Gurner.
226. Parian. Verulam "Venus and Cupid," raised gold
borders and decorations, value £3 3s., W. H. Charnock.
227. Parian Verulam Cameos and rich gold decorations,
value £3 3s, George Hamilton.
218. Vase and Cover with. handles, subjects from designs
from Flaxman and Grecian decorations, value £6 6s., E. C.
Homersham,
229. Parian Group of Three Graces supporting pierced
covered vase, value £5 5s., J. Hill
230 Parian group of terriers, valued £4 4s., S. Morcom.
231. Tazza. Limoge enamelled. "Mercury Conveying Pan
dora from Heaven to Earth," after Flaxman (special prize),
value £10 10s., Lord Bishop of Adelaide.
232 and 233. Two Parian vases, Cupid, and raised gold
decorations, valne £6 6s., K. F. Macgeorge.
234. Parian statuette, "Beatrice," valne £6 6s.,, Mrs.
Macgeorge.
235. Parian statuette, "Maidenhood," value £6 6s., M.
Goode.
235A. Three photographs of Views In Canada, value
£1 10s., Colonel Blyth.
235B. Three photographs of Niagara, value £1 10s., Bev.
F. W.Cox.
260. Framed engraving, "The Birthday," valne £1
11s. 6d., N. V. Squarey.
266. Framed engraving, "Life at the Seaside," value
£3 3s., Mr. Thomas.
268. Framed engraving, "Death of Ananias," value £2, 2s.
R. D. Hanson.
269. Framed engraving, "Preaching at Athens," value
£2 2s., H. Gawler.
270. Framed engraving, "Feeding Sheep," value £2 2s.,
N. Blyth.
271. Framed engraving, "The Beautiful Gate of the
Temple," value £2 2s., Mr. Crozier.
372. Framed engraving. "The Miraculous Draught of
Fishes," value £2 2s., D. Gall.
273. Framed Engraving, "Paul at Lystra," value £2 2s.,
H.Stoddart.
274. Framed Engraving, "Elysses struck blind," value
£2 2s., C. B. Labatt.
275. Framed Engraving, "Raising the Maypole," value
£2 2s., Miss A. M. Stonehouse.
276. Framed Engraving, "Venice" value £2 2s., E. W.
Hitchin.
280 Framed Engraving. " Italy," value £3 3s, Sir D.
Daly.
After the drawing was concluded, tbe Lord Bishop ex-
pressed his pleasure at presiding on the occasion, and said
that he should be sorry to hear that the Society was de-
clining. At present he was glad to hear from the Secretary
that this was not the case. He had been an observer of the
progress of Art during the last 30 years, and he had seen
during that time continued indications of improvement and
refinement in taste. If In this colony we had not artists
equal to those at home, we might look forward to them in
time. Experience had shown that nature was elevated and
not made effeminate by high art. He hoped this would be
the effect on the youth of this colony, and he trusted that all
would endeavor to render the Society of Arts successful
and prosperous.
The proceedings then concluded.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE PRIZES.
The annual exhibition of this Society was brought to
a close on Monday evening, the 23rd instant, by a
conversazione which took place at the Institute, in the
room occupied by the Society for the exhibition. The
pictures still hung on the walls, and the Art Union
prizes and other interesting objects adorned tbe centre
table. There was a large attendance, including many
ladies, and members of the Society, amongst whom were
the Lord Bishop and Miss A. Short, the Rev. J. and
Mrs. Gardner, the Rev. Mr. and the Misses Stonehouse,
Mr. and Mrs. C. Todd, Mr. and Miss Kidner, Mr. and
Mrs. Labatt, Dr. and Miss Mayo. Dr. and Mrs. Phillips,
R. D. Ross, Esq., D.A.C.G., George Hamilton, Esq.,
C.I.P., and L. J. Pelham, Esq., Judge's Associate.
Chapman's Band was in attendance, and performed
several pieces of music during the evening,
Sir D. Daly, attended by his aide-de-camp.
Captain Brinkley, entered the room at about a quarter
past 8 o'clock, the band playing the national Anthem.
His Excellency made some introductory remarks,
and called on the Rev. John Gardner to deliver his pro-
mised lecture.
The Rev. J. Gardner then addressed the audience,
alluding to the advantages of Art Societies, their relief
to labour, and their power of affording amusement and
recreation. Tbe South Australian Institute possessed
the materials for amusement, recreation, and informa-
tion. He then described the advantages of the insti-
tute, its reading-room and library, and the use that
should be made of them. The taste for reading, and the
opportunities of gratifying it, were spoken of in terms
of admiration. The Institute Lectures were then alluded
to, and the classes formed for instruction in singing,
drawing, and painting. The tendencies of the taste for
the fine arts were described, particularly that branch of
them, the desire for cultivating which had drawn
them together that evening. The necessity of alloying
knowledge with virtue was insisted on, and the par-
ticular sources of rational information and amusement
afforded by tbe Society of Arts wen referred to. The
early history of painting was spoken of, and the plea-
sure it gave to the ancients. The painter's powers of
recalling past scenes were described in the lecturer's
usual eloquent'terms. He hailed the present event
in the Society's history as exhibiting a spirit of pro-
gress, and as tending to promote a spirit of purity.
The lecturer concluded by wishing all prosperity to the
Society.
The Lobd Bishop of Adelaide proposed a vote of
thanks to the Rev. J. Gardner for the very interesting
lecture he had delivered, and agreed with the rev.
gentleman in his remarks as to the difference between
the cultivation of knowledge and of virtue; and spoke
of the moral debasement of ancient Greece, and the
education of the present day. His Lordship wished that
lectures such as the rev. gentleman's could be delivered
every quarter to keep up the interest in art. He should
be glad to contribute one paper on art during the year.
{Cheers.)
This motion was seconded by Geo. Hamilton, Esq.,
and carried unanimously.
The Rev. J. Gardner returned thanks, and said that
he should always be glad to contribute a paper on sub-
jects kindred to those of that evening.
His Excellency then distributed the prizes as
follows:—
SOCIETY'S PRIZES.
For thebest oil painting, £10 10s., A. Schramm,
For the best water-color painting, £5 5s., R. E.
Minchin.
For the next best water-color painting, £3 3s., R. E.
Minchin.
CONTRIBUTED PRIZES.
For the best original landscape drawing, contributed
by Sir B. G. MacDonnell, C. B., £5 5s R. E. Minchin.
For the best original figure panning, contributed by
Sir R.G. MacDonnell, C.B. £5 5s., A. Schramm.
For the best picture or drawing of any description,
subject being Australian, contributed by Sir Charles
Cooper, £5 5s., A. Sehramm.
For the best mechanical drawing, contributed by
A. H. Gouge, Esq., £6 6s., W. D. W. Bishop.
For the beat architectural drawing, contributed by
A. H. Gouge, Esq., £4 4s., W. D. W. Bishop.
For the best design of a Society's Medal for the
Sooiety of Arts—one side to be fully sculptured, the
reverse to be partially plain, to allow room for an
inscription, contributed by Hon. Henry Ayers, M.L.C.,
£6 6s., R. E. Minchin
For the best original Pencil Sketch of a well-known
South Australian scene, contributed by Dr. Gosse, £3 35.,
No. 23, J. Culley.
For the greatest progress made by any pupil of the
South Australian School of Design, contributed by
Canon Russell, £3 3s., Miss A. Hunt.
For the best drawing from the round, executed by a
pupil of the South Australian School of Design, contri-
buted by Dr. Phillips, £3 3s., Miss Addison.
For the best original drawing, contributed by Dr.
Mayo, £3 3s., Miss Addison.
For the nest best original drawing, contributed by
Dr. Mayo, £2 2s., Miss A. Hunt.
For the most meritorious drawing, executed by a
pupil of the South Australian School of Design, contri-
buted by J. Macgeorge, Esq., £3 3s.. Miss A. Bunt.
For the next most meritorious drawing, executed by a
pupil of the South Australian School of Design, contri-
buted by James T. Turnbull, Esq., £2 2s., Miss
Addison.
For the best Indian ink or sepia drawing, contributed
by J. R. Gurner Esq., £3 3s., R. E. Minchin.
A prize for the best drawing by a young person
under 12, contributed by the Society, £2 2s., J. T.
Labatt, 7½ years of age.
The Rev. John Gardner proposed a vote of thanks
to His Excellency the Governor-in Chief for his kind
assistance to the Society, both by his presence and
advice at all times. (Cheers.)
The Lord Bishop seconded.
His Excellency responded to the vote of thanks,
and said that it had not been in his power to render
much assistance, but the Society had his best wishes.
It always had been and would be his pleasure to assist
by every means in his power the institution.
The Governor then vacated the chair, and after a short
time spent in agreeable conversation, the company
separated.
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