Title

Mr. John Sand's fine art collection.

Author

Sydney Morning Herald.

Source

Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney) 18 April 1831 - ongoing

Details

9 May 1889, p.5, col.7.

Publication date

9 May 1889, p.5, col.7.

Type

News

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

MR. JOHN SAND’S FINE ART COLLECTION.

Mr. John Sands has instituted what is to be known as the “New Art Gallery,” in Messrs. Fraser and Co.’s old Auction Room, George-street. The title is a comprehensive one, and might lead one to expect to find a collection of oils and water colours. It is, however, an exhibition of engravings. A long corridor is entered from George-street, upon the walls of which hang engravings of varied merit, some of them being artist’s proofs, and some of the names being those well known to the artistic world. The semi-darkness of the corridor, however, prevents the engravings from being studied to any advantage. Fortunately they are chiefly old friends, and there is no particular disappointment. Entering the large room at the end of the corridor, there is found three of four hundred pictures upon the walls and upon a large sloping frame in the centre of the chamber. There is more light here, but still not enough to see the works properly. There is no colour to aid impression, as in the case of oils and watercolours. The spectator soon gets interested here. Reproductions of pictures familiar and unfamiliar, “good men and true,” are to be found plentifully. Unfortunately, the catalogue was not issued, and there were instances where the originals not being known, the spectator had to guess the title. There are representations of the well-known “Widower,” by Luke Fildes, of the “Bathers,” possessed by Mr. Barr-Smith, of Adelaide, and of Frank Holl’s “Besieged.” There are two beautiful panel engravings of pictures by Marcus Stone, of which the title is not given, but which might be not inaptly call “The Old Story.” They are artist’s proofs. Two or three other capital proofs, bearing Marcus Stone’s name, hand upon the walls. There is a beautiful representation of a picture of Watterson, having for a subject the leading of the blind, and Macbeth’s name appears upon an exquisite engraving of his “Pied Piper of Hamlin.” It is one of the gems of the collection. There are finely-worked reproductions of Ross Bonheur’s work, and the names of Sir Fred. Leighton, Benton Riviere, and other are written upon several. The collection is well worth a visit. There are not a great many people who can afford to buy paintings of value; but the reproductions are now done so exquisitely that those not wealthy gets compensation in engravings. It is astonishing how nowadays the effects of the softness, luminousness, character, expression, and distance are brought out in engravings. It is possible indeed to enjoy certain engravings as much as the originals. This is true of some of the work done by Sir Frederick Leighton and other such artists who are wonderful in their drawing and poor or at least unpopular in their colour. Mr Sands has conferred a boon upon the public to this extent, that they can see to greater advantage what they may be induced to buy, and if they do not wish to buy, they have a convenient and pleasant place to refresh the eye and spend a lazy hour.

[Sydney Morning Herald, 9 May 1889, p.5, col.7.]
 

Last Updated

14 Jan 2021