Saturday, May. 12, 1923
Spring Salon
P: The reunion of the Societe des Artistes Frangais and the Societe Nationale des Beaux Arts has been effected after 33 years. The latter society still holds more closely to classic tradition, as is easily observed in the Spring Salon.
P: This year's salon is serious. Few nudes; much war; much religion.
P: Americans are represented by 75 out of 4,500 paintings.
Bidding
There was big bidding for the Brownlow pictures sold in London. Duveen offered -L-14,700 for Van Dyck's Anton Triest. As the hammer was falling Knoedler challenged. Bidding continued for 90 seconds. The picture went to Duveen for -L-29,400.
Royal Academy
The 155th exhibit gives the impression that Englishmen have been compelled to pursue art for money's sake. The exhibition is an endless parade of fashionable portraits painted for a price and fashionable onlookers.
The most honored position is accorded to an American, the late Sir James Shannon, for his portrait of Prince and Princess Shimadzu in heavy costume.
Nudes are conspicuously few, as are war-paintings. Of the latter, only Sir William Orpen's allegorical canvas to the unknown warrior is notable.
Fashionable people attend the fashion-serving show.