MS location unknown. Printed in the Girls’ Friendly Society Associates’ Journal and Advertiser (May 1900). 91-2
PICTURES IN THE KALENDAR
Madam,-
I have been reading the letters that the illustrations of the G.F.S. Kalendar have called forth, and thinking over art for the million.1 So far as I can see, we should keep in mind that our object is not to train our girls in appreciation of art or its history, but to speak to their intelligence, and still more to their hearts.
What is simply stiff and archaic thus seems to me not desirable to set before them. We like it ourselves partly for the sake of the ecclesiastical associations, partly for the sake of the intense devotion that the early painters often joined to their imperfect drawing. But where there are no such associations, and, moreover, where the devout adumbration vanishes between photograph and print, is it well to expect our girls to admire the glaring imitation of an illumination, or a stiff figure in the midst of manifestly impossible architecture?
Equally, or almost equally undesirable is the weak and sentimental drawing of a Scriptural scene, and happily it is quite possible to find some perfectly free with a little selection. Best are those which give actual Palestine scenery and customs, with, where it is possible, a reverent representation of the event. Some published by Deane’s are very good in this way, especially those of the Parables.
Strict reticence is needed in the designs, and nothing that can give occasion to a coarse mind to laugh. This is a difficulty in taking scenes from Old Masters, but in German modern art there is generally much beauty and reverence, though now and then unfortunately trivial detail; but careful taste and choice will surely be able to find what is suitable.
May I here add that I much regret the ‘War Song of the Soaps’ in the April number of the Girls’ Quarterly.2 It is not in good taste or generous to insult an adversary, and this is hardly a legitimate subject for a laugh.
C.M. Yonge.