BY F. S. CHURCH. FROM AN ETCHING IN “THE CONTINENT.”
CHAPTER VI.
AMERICAN ILLUSTRATION.
In many ways the illustrative work of America is more interesting than that of any other country. The rapidity of its growth, the encouragement that has been given it by publishers, and the surprisingly important artistic results obtained have won it recognition all over the world.
Twenty-five years ago, at the time that the best work was really being done in England, scarcely anything was being produced in America. It is true that some of the magazines had been started, and that some of the men, who are best known as illustrators to-day, were at work. But it was not until 1876, the year of the Centennial, the first international exhibition held in America, that American artists, engravers, printers, and publishers were enabled to form an idea of what was being done in Europe. At the same time a brilliant band of young men, who had been studying abroad, returned to New York, and it is mainly owing to their return, and the encouragement which intelligent and far-seeing publishers gave to them, and also to the artists and engravers who were already in America anxious to work, that what is now known as the American school of wood-engraving, together with American illustration and printing, was developed.
The way in which this school has been built up is so interesting that it may be well to refer to it somewhat in detail. From the time that Mr. A. W. Drake, and, later, Mr. W. Lewis Fraser were appointed art editors of the "Century," then "Scribner's," they made it their business, as art editors, to assist and aid and encourage young artists. And earlier, too, Mr. Charles Parsons who managed the art department of Harper Brothers, gave such kind, sensible, and practical advice to many young artists that not only will his name never be forgotten as one who helped greatly to develop American art, but many an American illustrator now looks back to Mr. Parsons as the man who really started him on his career.
BY C. S. REINHART. WOOD-ENGRAVING FROM “THE CENTURY MAGAZINE.”