Viewing page 175 of 316

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

165

of the finest men that could be selected to act on the hanging committee because of his personal preferences. The Munich students work prevails and the genuinely American productions are put aside to give prominence to the foreign looking art. The Exhibition is very full and struck me as very interesting with the exception that the genuine native expression seems to be overpowered by the work of students in Europe which I lament. 

Sunday Apr 1. 1877. All day at the Academy varnishing day. Many artists there, many of whom I never saw before. I am struck with the folly of the hanging committee and their utter indifference to the rights of Academicians. There was a general feeling of indignation among the artists, even among those whose pictures are well hung. Now it is a question with me whether to enter upon a new crusade for the rights of Academicians and to burden myself with endless worry and labor or to submit and let events take their course. Eastman was here at my studio last night and we discussed what we should do but came to no conclusion. At the Century we discussed the Academy again with Ward, Johnson and others. Ward admitted that the Council had better hang the pictures which is what I have always contended for. 

Monday 2. At the Academy early this being buyers day and the Council expected to be there to assist in the sale of pictures. Rained and a most disagreeable day so that only a few people came. My picture "Where late the wild flower bloomed" was bought among the first by Mr. Isaac Williams for $1400. Much canvasing the work by the hanging committee by the artists and a general and growing indignation. Mr. Huntington said the Council ought to go in and take the responsibility and rehang in many instances but I reminded him that would be revolutionary as it