AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4370, 15 November 1875, Page 3

AUCKLAND SOCIETY OF ARTISTS.

'TaE third exhibition of this society will "commence to-morrow, in the Choral Hall, -Symonds-street, and, the number and average excellence of the exhibits being considered, promises to be a great success. Since the last exhibition steady progress has been made by those whose pictures then ' and previously commanded a good deal of -attention, so that the standard of local art will probably be elevated, which is the real benefit conferred upon spectators as well as ;':: artists by exhibitions ;of this. kind. The number of works to be exhibited will exceed _~ three hundred, and these'are fairly divisible Mnto three classes :_(1) Pictures painted by professional artists of repute, but, not local. (2) Works by local artists, professional and amateur. (3) Specimens of subsidiary art, such -as photographs, chromo-lithographs, oleographs, engravings, and the like. This classification does not necessarily • exclude any artistic work of. which either colour or design may form a prominent component feature. It is probable that the number of 'pictures of the first class will be very large, for it is within our knowledge that there are a great many persons in the province possessed of pictures of the highest, merit, whether regarded as subjective compositions or works of strictly artistic and, effective treatment.. The' advantage which the • exhibition will derive from>these is important, as setting up a standard of comparative merit as well as of public .taste. It is not desirable to^.-anticipate in ; detail what is proper to be dealt - with in a more - .critical notice, but .it, may without any fear' of disappointment be said that' in this respect .alone the exhibition will be well worth a .visit. Second in order but yet first in importance will be. the works o c local artists, whether prof essional or amateur. The names of most of the exhibitors in this class are too-well known to require comment, but, especially, attention is due to them for ■the that the-works last exhibited by them possessed, so many special and noteworthy details, which illustrated the de- •• .gree of excellence individually attained, regarded in a strictly artistic sense, and afforded a measure of the spec'al effects of -which local subjects and scenery are susceptible. - Besides the names so ■well known, there will be a considerable number- of new aspirants to public attention -and . praise. These not only deserve encouragement by their success where success is apparent, but they' claim, gentle consideration even -where they fail. The third class of exhibits will command a particular interest, for the immense improvements in the application of machinery to : artistic purposes of late years has brought into circulation copies more or less perfect of the work of illustrious masters. Some of these are bo easily obtainable by every class of the community, it is but natural to expect that they will form a very attractive feature of the exhibition. There is every prospect that the society will improve its position ,by the exhibition which will open to-morrow. The claim of the society upon the public is noo second to any that could be preferred, and the public response, if liberal, will be the best proof that can be afforded of the exMonce of general culture and refinement.