The Kaiser as Art Critic.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 12, 21 March 1908, Page 13

The Kaiser as Art Critic.

BETTER AT THIS THAN LETTERWRITING. The opening of the exhibition of old English masters which took place in Berlin was, by the Emperor’s instructions, quite an informal affair, butthere was a brilliant assemblage waiting in the hall of the Academy of Arts when the Emperor, accompanied by the Empress, arrived at two o’clock. His Majesty then made a tour of the rooms, where he spent two hours examining with the greatest attention every single picture, often calling the Empress and pointing out some particular feature to her Majesty. The Emperor expressed himself delighted with the wonderful flesh tones of Gainsborough, and spent fully ten minutes before the famous “Blue Boy” from Grosvenor House, referring in detail to the beauties of the painting. Although full of enthusiasm for Gainsborough and Reynolds, the Emperor declared that his favourite picture in the whole collection was Lawrence’s "Miss Elizabeth Farren,” lent by Mr. Pierpont Morgan. Mr. Agnew, representing Messrs. Agnew, who undertook the arrangements for transporting the pictures and who lent four paintings, was presented to the Emperor, who chatted for ten minutes with him. His Majesty expressed admiration for the pictures and satisfaction that such an exhibition could be held in Berlin, and said that such works would act as an antidote to the unhealthy influence of the impressionist school. The chief artists represented were Gainsborough, Reynolds, Hoppner, Raeburn, Constable, Romney, Lawrence, and Lilly.