Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1830-02-16
FOR THE LANCASTER GAZETTE.
THE PICTURE.
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TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN.
Not long ago there lived at Rome an hon.
est man whose advanced age and precariou:
health would not permit of his continuing in
the profession which had till then supported
himself and his aged wife but obliged him
to sell among the people such small articles
of furniture as he happened to have, for
their support. There was among them a
small picture, by Raphael, which had been
left him by his ancestors, of the value of
which the old man was entirely ignorant
The smoke and dust that blackened it made
him prize it very low. In order, however,
to get something for it, he placed it in the
hands of painter, whe was much better
hand in dealing with other folks, pictures
| than making them himself. This man no
sooner cast his eyes on the canvass than he
knewthe price and worth of it; but wishing
to take advantage of the ignorance and pow
| erty of the old man, he began to laugh at it
as thing of no value, and offered him a
few shillings for it, which he said he gave
him more out of regard to his poverty, than
as recompense for the painting. He smil-
ed in his heart at the thought of his rich pur-
chase and good bargain and, laughing at
the ignorance of the poor old man, trudged his
way home.
1t happened few days after that friend
called to see the old man, who, not observing
the picture in its usual place, asked him
where it was He replied that he had sold
it, mentioned to whom, and what he got for
it. His friend was filled with Indignation
at seeing the simplicity of the good old man
imposed on in this manner, and assured him
the picture was the work of great master,
and one of great value. He advised him 20
| enter complaint to the governour, and ac-
companied his advice with an offer to 20
there with him Immediately: the old man
consented, and they went off upon their err
rand.
The wise governour after listening at
tentively to all the circumstances, requested
the old man to leave with him the dimensions
of the picture, and having taken an exact
measure of it, he dismissed them both.
There happened, very luckily, to be two
pictures in the governour's gallery, cores
ponding very nearly in size to the one in
question. He caused the canvass to be ia
ken from the frame of one of these, and
then summoned the painter before him.
edo you know" said he, where you can
get me picture large enough to fit this
frame, and to accompany this other one 20
sob yes !" replied the painter, g have one
that will fit it exactly. 1t is celebrated
painting of Raphael, and seems made on
purpose for this Frame" every WE'LL" re-
piled Monsignore, "suppose see it"-and
the painter went out, and returned with it
Immediately.
The picture was the representation of a
Sacred Family, and executed in mastery
manner. 1t was splendidly polished, the
dust and smoke entirely removed, and the
colours stood boldly out in all their perfec-
ton. There were to be seen on it all the
exactness Of contour, the delicacy of com.
Plexion, the beauty of painting, and the
truth of expression which characterized Ra-
fphael. Having placed it in the frame, it
suited so well, and looked at it for some
time, the governour asked the painter the
price of it.
81 have already" said the painter, "been
offered two hundred zecchins for il /: friend
offered me that sum yesterday for an Eng
lishman, who is very impatient to possess it.
would not let him have it, however, for
value it at about two hundred and fifty, which
it is well worth. However, as your excel
lency takes fancy to it, III be content with
small triae in addition to the first Offer"
The governour trembled at the perfidious-
ness of the villain, and told him in very
mild, but disguised way, that he by nc
means would deny that the picture was OIL
great value, and full worth the price, but al
the same time that he could not persuade
himself that he would refuse an offer Of
two hundred zecchins. The painter protest.
ed solemnly and seriously that he had spo.
en- nothing but the truth, and that if he
wished, he would bring his friend himself
before him to confirm what he said.
"Ycu are then sure," said the governour
81 have it already, Monsignore, and ex.
pect still MORE"
"That will do, said the governour, :" moi
another word open the door," he added