24
ART EDUCATION.
part of the report, and we will only mention here, that tlie manner
in which the art-school proceeds is exemplary.
The preparatory course was represented by drawings from modcls
of figures and Ornaments, and by drawings illustrating the sub-
jects of style, of projection, and of shadows, as well as perspective
and auatomical drawings. The special school for figure-drawing
exhibited excellent studies from the antiqne and from the living
model, also studies of drapery (in various manners). The school
for sculptors presented studies from the antique and from the living
model, together with original Sketches. Charming designs by the
architectural school were exhibited, in connection with drawings
from existing art-industrial objects. This section was also bril-
liant in its practical achievements, especially in furniture, executed
by the pupils from their own designs. The school for ornamental,
animal, and flower painting likewise exhibited charming composi-
tions. Painting upon wood and porcelain, and painting in ehamel,
were represented by very successful specimens. The Solutions
of definite problems. (the written problems also being given) for
sgraffito 1 decorations, &c., by various pupils, were highly inter-
esting.
The development of the art-school in the department of prac
tical work is, unfortunately, still too limited, as the localities at
its disposal are too small; and this part of the Institution, so
important in its influence upon art-industry, will only be able to
make itself feit to its full extent, when the new building will be
ready for occupancy. The study of the various technical processes
1 Sgraffito decorations being almost unknown in the United States, a few
words of explanation inay appear excusable. Sgraffito derives its name from
sgraffiare, to serateh or scrape. A layer of mortar which has been mixed with
soine coloring-matter, to give it a dark tint, is covered with milk of lime.
While this upper layer is still fresli, a drawing is executed upon it by means
of Steel instruments, so that the figures show eitlier in dark lines upon
white grouud, or vice versa. Düring the Renaissance this species of decora-
tion was frequently employed upon the walls of houses, especially in Upper
Italy; and of late years it has again been taken up in Germany, &c., for outside
mural decorations. As a specimen the Northern wall of the Polytechnicum
at Zürich may be cited, which has been decorated by sgraftitos from drawings
by Gottfried Semper. Further Information, historical as well as technical,
can be found in Lange and Bühlmann, “ Die Anwendung des Sgraffito für
Fasaden-Dekoration,” Münieh, 1867.