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Art Union, "A Great Swindle - That the Art Union has been under the direction of knavish agents there are but few now. who will pretend to doubt, and that its influence has been, and is to abuse and discourage genius instead of fostering it, is susceptible of demonstration. ( It was founded for the Encouragement of Art throughout the U.S. ) Inocently no doubt was founded by many of our most "Eminent & Esteemed Citizens." Even when honestly conducted - it was liable to this radical condemnation - but since it has been perversely managed to vicious, elements are so aggravated that it has become a mischief worthy of public sequestration. The President P M Metinore, worse assailed of all. It was even whitewashed by The Artists [[strikethrough]] car by [[/strikethrough]] who publishd "The Art Union' Card [[[strikethrough]] of Dec 24 [[/strikethrough]] "That they believe, that the American Art Union has done much in directing universal attention to Art, and encouraging Artists in the United States, &c. &c." but it was of no avail - buler comment was the same to the death Royal Academy x "There is something ludicrous in considering such artists as compose the major part of that body of deserving to be considered Public Characters x Can it excite surprise that the public should at length have become disgusted with the Exhibitions" xx We are convinced that whatever may contribute to humiliate this institution or more properly speaking to subvert it altogether must lend to the advantage of art." The more we reflect on the subject of the Royal Academy as a public institution, the more unqualified is our astonishment at so monstrous and abuse." That it should be tolerated, is an astonishment. If in any other profession such a system of unprincipled management were attempted The perpetrations would be hissed and hooted down by the clamours of public indignation "Such without the slightest exaggeration is the preposterous power exercised by the R. Acad by whose secret and irresponsible dictum the works of every artist who has sufficient talent to excite their jealousy; and too much spirit to count they by servility, may be consigned to Holes and corners, disfigured by distance, dust or excluded altogether "Is not this a monstrous power." this mercenary self elected tribunal should be crushed" It is certain that this intriguing [[strikethrough]] institution [[\strikethrough]] assertion has actually succeeded (until lately in persuading the public. That the talent and genius of the country is concentrated within its halls." over National Acad of Design at the beginer as publishers some 30 years ago The history of this institution and of its leading conductors has been a history of arrogance, folly, ignorance, and insolence beyond parallel - xx Not long after commencement of operations four or five individuals (men of the most common place ability. Morse Inman Cummings Durand Byham formed themselves into a Clique and by dint of history, scheming and doubling to any extent and shape contrived to get the reins of government into their own hands and this unholy conclave resolved to reject every applicant for the work of Academia. - and these proceedings are but a part of the iniquitous system of exclusion that this clique of five artists have been practicing ever since they had power and which they will continue to practise so long as the public continues to patronize them. - In fact if this clique is not immediately broken up - the Academy will be broken up, and a new one founded on its ruins in which genius and talent of the highest order will meet proper encouragement: This writer thinks too that this malpractice is not alone to art confined - for in the same article he says "This system is precisely the same that has been pursued in this city by some Bankers, miserable and ignorant
Transcription Notes:
missing a few words that I couldn't make out. This was a pleasure :)
(notes for review/research)
The President P M MMetinore
