Seeking a sculptor.
With this object
Miss Randolph opened a correspondence with the wife of a member of the
American Legation in
Berlin.
This amiable and cultivated woman cordially gave her aid and sought information on the subject from a gentleman holding a high position in the household of the Princess Imperial and thoroughly informed in all matters of art. He named two distinguished German sculptors, Bagas and
Otto, to either of whom the work might be safely entrusted, and photographs of their best work were sent for inspection.
As the matter progressed and took shape, the ladies called in as consulting members
Colonels Wilfred E. Cutshaw and
Archer Anderson, by whose advice they profited greatly in all their subsequent measures.
[
197]
Some discussion now occurred as to whether there should be any competitive exhibition, and, as a compromise, it was decided that if either of the sculptors above mentioned would agree to enter the exhibition, it should be held.
Only the younger of the two,
Herr Otto, agreed to compete, and he was finally prevented from doing so by illness.
Several of the leading sculptors of
America, who were invited by special letter to enter the lists, declined, among them our distinguished fellow-townsman,
Mr. Valentine.
A satisfactory circular was framed, which was used as an advertisement in all the leading art journals of
Europe and
America.
The sums offered for the first and second prizes were put at high figures— $2,000 and $1,000—in order to tempt into the exhibition the highest talent—great artists, with all the work they want always at command, being naturally averse to run the risk of rejection by a commission of ignorant amateurs.
Mr. W. W. Corcoran, being deeply interested in the success of the enterprise, kindly agreed that his art gallery should be named as the building in which the exhibition should be held.
In due time the advertising of the competition and the issue of the circulars brought a flood of letters—mostly from abroad—asking for descriptions of the site of the proposed monument, photographs of the
General, &c.
Church Hill was the site most in favor, and all the models sent were intended for the elevated position they would have occupied if this decision had been adhered to. This fact did not seem to be generally taken into account by the critics who attended the second exhibition.
The photographs sent were taken from
Elder's portrait in the
Corcoran Gallery.
Through the kindness of
General Custis Lee, photographs of the
General's saddle and sword were sent to the artists.
