The Sun.
London, England, 1855-11-29 00:00:00

APPRECIATION OF ARTISTS IN

BELGIUM.

The Belgian artists who have received honours and
rewards for their share in the Paris Exposition are now
enjoying the homage of their fellow-citizens. To each
some tribute of respect has been paid. Antwerp, on
Monday, was the scene of a remarkable demonstration,
men of all classes and orders of occupation utiting in
doing honour to the well-known artist, M. Leys. As
early as ten o'clock in the morning nags floated from
the houses and.the streets were liped with people. At
noon the Minister of the Interior and. deputations from
the artistic societies of Brussels, Ghent, and Malines
arrived and proceeded in carriages to the Museum.
Artists, burgomasters, senators, representatives, and
military authorities were there assembled, while M.
Leys was conducted to the spot at the head of a long
procession, accompanied by music and banners. M.Leya
on taking his seat looked very pale and was much af-
fected ;in the salle were his wife and children. After
music and speeches, M. Loos, in the name of the Muni-
cipal Council, read an address, which, written on
parchment and splendidly bound, was then presented to
M. Leys amidst the acclamations of the crowd. A crown
of gold was then placed by the Minister of the Interior
upon the artist's head amidst a " tempest" of braves.
After another address M. Leys rose and addressed the
as,emblage as follows :
" Gentlemen, --You have planted in my heart an in-
effaceable souvenir. In return for the ovation which you
have paid me, I can say but one word, but it is a word
from the heart—' thanks, Messieurs, thanks I' I accept
the clown which you offer me in the name of Antwerp.
But belongs it to me alone? Its leaves should be
stared by all those who labour for "the glo'ry of the
Flemish school : by all those who have consolidated
its renown at Paris. It is the triumph of Flemish art
more then a personal triumph which has excited your
sympathies. I can only accept your tributesiu this sense
_;
it is then only that they will become fruitful fur the futuie;
fruitful for art itself. The crown you offer me thus be-
comes a symbol of union, of touching fraternity ; awl the
confraternity of artists is the progress of art. Is not this
union already accomplished? Delegates of the Cordes of
other cities come to applaud our triumph. One day the
Antwer plan artists will join in honouring the laurels ob-
tained by other cities, and the grand fusion of the apostles
of besuty will so accomplish itself. From this fusion wo
can all derive new courage for these contests, which are
always regenerative. How can it be otherwise ? Are w
not enstained by all that can give us energy and courage ?
The presence at this fete of M. the Minister of the Interior
speaks of the sympathy of the Government ; the eagerness
of our magistrates makes known the goodwill of the com-
mune.; this immense public assemblage proclaims the ap-
preciation of every citizen. Each artist will find in this
supreme encouragement a new impulse—a new stimulant.
New progress will be made •, your sympathy will provoke
it. In the name of art, then, gentlemen, I once more
thank you."

The ceremony over, M. Leys was reconducted in
triumph to his house. The scene recalled to mind all
the old Flemish traditions. The artist, leaning upon the
arms of two friends, followed two others who carried the
crown upon a cushion of velvet, while behind came
dense crowd of the citizens. In. the evening
al
Antwerp Philharmonic Society.
Leye•was present at a banquet held in the ealleogf the