National Academy

The 99th exhibition of the National Academy of Design was opened at the Fine Arts Building (Manhattan). Two hundred eighty-six artists are represented by 338 canvases and 48 pieces of sculpture.

It is interesting to note the influence of impressionism (first exploited in the last century by Monet, Whistler and many others under heavy criticism from their contemporaries) creeping into the work of the academicians. At last the value of pointillage is being recognized by the respectable conservatives, its worth having been proved by more adventurous pioneers. As a result of this tendency, the show is gayer than last year's. If this acceptance of experimental results of advanced artists is to characterize the future work of Academy members, one may expect, in 20 or 30 years, to find cubism on the walls of a National Academy show.

That many of these conservative painters arrive at their goal of technical landscapes by Gardner Symons, Elmer Schofield, Edward Redfield. These men have realized the picturesque value of small American villages with good results.