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424 [[newspaper clipping]] "TRUTH UNVEILING FALSEHOOD." Under this rather ominous title Mrs. L. M. Spencer has made a very ambitious attempt, which is quite a different thing from making a very good picture. We think we have seen some reasonably good works of this artist, with reasonable subjects, such as might be fairly supposed to be within the range of an ordinary intelligence, and they were not without merit of a certain kind-intelligibility; but one is rather staggered to be shown a farrago of allegorical and metaphysical balderdash, and cooly told that it "must be strictly consistent with the facts or ideas to be represented." It would be a question quite beyond the province of the critic, as it is evidently beyond the power of the artist, to decide what is the relation between ignorance and falsehood or to what extent innocence and ignorance might be considered antithetic or antagonistic. One does feel rather inclined to inquire what more reasonable motive than exaberant Ameri-canism could have prompted the lugging in of the idea of the divine right of kings, with which selfish-ness that "brutal monster" appears to be invested. The drawing, if we may be permitted to judge these creatures of the imagination by any human standard, is pretty poor throughout. The color is worse. In the group where the artist has come nearest to nature and common sense-the mother and her babe-there seems to have dawned a lucid interval, and there is a touch of real feeling and ten-derness. In sensational works of the character there is so much to get rid of before one comes to the real art at all, and so little of that when it is got-ten at, that the whole thing, intangible as meaning-less, vanishes as soon as it is approached and touched. Sale of Paint [[/newspaper clipping]] [[letter]] Mr W C Bryant Dear [[covered]] Could I ask [[covered]] kindness for a [[covered]] paper for this [[covered]] the Herald's [[covered]] very unjust, [[covered]] marks about [[covered]] This I rec'd unexpected & so gladly. Hoping I am not asking too much I remain very Respectfully Lilly M. Spencer N York July 7. 1870 [[newspaper clipping]] In speaking of Lilly Spencer's pictures, I might say the flesh tints were remarkably true to nature. I might talk of the pose and elabo-rate the tableaux, or in fact talk confusedly of many art effects I do not understand. I leave that for others. I simply say I was perfectly overwhelmed by the beauty and sublimity of this great painting, and shall carry a gleam of its loveliness in my heart forever. MRS. DR. C. -New York Correspondence Chicago Republican. [[/newspaper clipping]] [[newspaper clipping]] TRUTH UNVEILING FALSEHOOD.- Mrs. Lilly M. Spencer, whose great picture is now on exhibition at Hale's is better known at least to us of the Eastern States by her productions of her pen than her pencil; and if, in the great picture be-fore us she has not filled the scope of genius which is claimed for her she at least startles by the grandeur of the idea which she has endeavored to express upon the canvas. The picture represents Truth, and angelic being, unveiling Falsehood, a hideous deformity clothed in royal scarlet, and disclosing the face of a human monster. The crown, the emblem of authority, is falling from its brow. At the feet of this figure [[torn]]ce crouches in abject terror, afraid to gaze upon the Truth. Her infant has been entrusted to [[torn]]norance, and even it, in its first dawning of intelligence, uses its little strength to get release from the cruel arms. Confidence is represented sitting at the right of Truth, nestling her infant Innocence upon her bosom, while the left hand of the central figure is thrown around her shoulders approving. The babe gazes steadfastly upon Truth, and her holy light illuminates both figures. The vegetation upon the left is parched and withered by the influence of Ignorance and Selfishness, while on the other side it is bright and luxuriant. The picture has some faults, but they do not sensibly mar the effect of the theme upon the mind, and it is worthy careful study. It is handsomely mounted and well hung. In consequence of the expense attending its exhibition here, Mr. Hale hat attached a small admission fee, which will be cheerfully paid by those who like to study a great subject in art. [[/newspaper clipping]] [[newspaper clipping]] Mrs. Li[[torn]] Spencer h[[torn]] [[torn]]ust finished a singu[[torn]] impressive allegorical picture representing "T[[torn]] unveiling Falsehood." Bold in its drawing, [[crossed out]] o[[torn]] correct [[/crossed out]], of curious power and force, it comp[[torn]] [[torn]]tention and almost challenges admiration. [[torn]] central figure, Truth is of fine form and noble p[[torn]] portions; but the long nose gives to the countenance a severe, stately air hardly consistent with its supposed mild and winning character. The position of the woman nestling by her side is fully of soft grace and refined expression of confidence; exceedingly exquisite also is her face. Falsehood crouching and shrinking at the left, is as ugly and venomous as could be wishes by the most ardent devotee of purity; but the effect of its face is sadly marred by the vague dimness of the rising mask, the lines of separation which should be widely distinct, being nearly lost in vague, dim flimsiness. Powerful in the ext[[torn]]eme is the figure of error, though some minor points of dirt are too literally rendered. Notwithstanding these defects, as a whole, the picture is attractive and interesting. It is very strong, and cries out like John the Baptist against the popular vacuity. [[torn]] now on exhibition at the artist's studio in Broadway, corner of Houston street. [[/newspaper clipping]]
Transcription Notes:
Handwritten letter is partially covered by a newspaper clipping.
