those minute points of green colour but it has two or three distinctively
varied shades of green in it, giving it mysterious value and lustre.”
Yesterday two men stood among the crowd before the replica painting at the
Museum. “See that clasp arrangement across the chest,” remarked one to the
other in a whisper that, although meant to be confidential, was
nevertheless audible to his immediate neighbours, “that’s real, you
know—stuck on—not painted—don’t the stones shine?” A nodding assent was
the only reply from his companion, reverentially feasting on the beauty of
“one of the noblest works of sacred art ever produced.”

is the owner of the picture). Mr. Hallet was met by Mr. Conigrave, and
taken straight to the Art Gallery, and was agreeably surprised at the
forward arrangements Mr. Woodward had made for receiving the picture,
which will be conveyed in a special van from Fremantle. Until seeing Mr.
Woodward this morning, Mr. Hallet was unable to say when the picture would
go on view to the public for certain, but thought it would be about 2 p.m.
to-day. Asked if there were any suggestions to make, Mr. Hallet replied
that opera glasses would be found very useful. He also expressed the hope
that the public will assist Mr. Woodward and his staff in carrying out
whatever arrangements might be made in the effort to avoid undue
overcrowding.

for those who saw Holman Hunt’s great picture during the last few days.

authorities in charge a way to overcome the disadvantage of artificial
lighting at a very slight expense. The present means, which are no doubt
the best the electricians had at their command, are of the crudest
description. The four black back reflectors used to hide the lamps fail in
that purpose, and by the rough manner of hanging absolutely form four
black blotches. A bunch of strings is the first thing to catch the eye and
offend the taste. It takes a severe mental struggle to overcome their
effect so as to appreciate the subtle beauties of the painting. Surely the
authorities could borrow from some of our warehouses a couple of heavy
drapes, and mount the same on a wire across the whole end of the gallery.
The drapes could be looped back in the centre, and the lights could then
be placed behind the drapes on one batten each side and one across the
top. Whilst illuminating the painting to the best advantage they would be
themselves hidden, thus allowing all the wealth of colouring to be seen
without the taste being outraged as at present.—Yours, etc.,
A LOVER OF ART.
Perth, July 9.

close touch with his movements, and has often described the appreciation
that has everywhere been manifested of that gentleman’s philanthropy in
affording the people of the Commonwealth the artistic treat that has been
experienced by them during the past six months. Mr. Hallet made many
friends during his short residence in Perth, and is not unmindful of the
attention that has been shown to him.

officials state that this brings the total visitors for the week the
picture was on exhibition up to 104,584. When “The Light of the World” was
shown in Sydney it attracted about 304,000 persons in 27 days, in
Melbourne the figures were a little over 200,000 for four weeks, and in
Adelaide, where it has been exhibited on two occasions, the first for 12
days, the aggregate attendance was over 50,000. During the four days the
masterpiece was shown in Broken Hill 50,000 persons viewed it. From these
figures is obvious that many persons viewed the picture on more than one
occasion. Mr. Hallet, who has charge of the picture, commenced packing it
yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock, in readiness for shipment to Brisbane by
the steamer Kyarra to-day. In conversation with a “West Australian”
reporter last night, Mr. Hallet expressed himself as being delighted at
the little ceremony with which the picture was unveiled by Dr. Hackett,
the President of the National Gallery, and remarked that in no other State
had such a compliment been paid to the great work of art. He desired to
place on record his thanks to Mr. Bernard H. Woodward for unfailing
kindness towards him and the interest he had consistently shown in
managing the exhibition of the picture. The members of the Museum staff
worthily supported the director, and worked very hard. An intelligent
interest was taken in the picture by the visitors, the majority of whom
were not slow in expressing their appreciation. It was probable, remarked
Mr. Hallet, that when “The Light of the World” is returned to England its
owner, the Right Hon. Charles Booth, will present it to some public gallery.

has been arranged, in the interests of those who may be unable to see the
picture at any other time, that it shall be on view, not only throughout
Saturday and on Sunday afternoon, but on Sunday evening from 7 to 10
o’clock as well. The picture may also be inspected on Monday, but it has
to be packed for transportation to Brisbane on Tuesday. The lighting of
the work of art, which is by means of electric light, both day and night,
is as nearly perfect as it can be made.

In proportion to its population, this State has shown keener interest in
the picture than any other State of the Commonwealth, and just as much
appreciation. The total number of people who entered the Art Gallery
during the 10 days of the exhibition was considerably over 100,000, and,
when it is remembered that those figures represent the population of Perth
and Fremantle combined, it may safely be said that very few missed the
opportunity afforded them of seeing a painting that will live in the
memory, and that many took the opportunity of visiting the gallery again
and again.