Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1833-06-06
From the New Monthly Magazine for April.
THE YELLED PICTURE.
A TALE OF THL FINE ARTS

-------------- the good die first,
But those whose hearts are dry as summer dust
Burn to the sockets WordsUorth.
Some time since at one Of the artists
conversation which are held in London,
! recognized an individual whom l had
previously known at Rome. He was
considered, in that metropolis Of the arts,
a young man Of frst-rate genius; and
certainly those Of his productions which
had come before my notice, thought
fully entitled him to lay claim to so ex-
alted character We ebecame intimate,
and were much in each others society.
j found, as l listened to his observations
on his favorite study, which he idolized
with an exalted enthusiasm, that, to the
exquisite taste and mature judgment, he
evinced on every subject connected with
art, he joined highly poetical imagina-
ton, and a mind well stored with the
treasures Of classical literature. When
| left Italy we parted with mutual regret,
and | proceeded on my travels, leaving
him to continue his studies with every
probability of his soon becoming famous.
Since then had not heard from him, al
though was frequently an ear-witness
of his praises: the JOY, therefore, with
which we met may easily be imagined.
observed strange alteration in his
person and features. When | left him,
he possessed handsome athletic form,
eyes flashing with animation, and coun-
tenance whereon the hues Of health and
manly beauty had been mellowed be-
meath the influence of southern SUM-
He now appeared thin and pale, sha-
dow Of deep melancholy enshrouded his
features; and his gaze, which used to
make all glad on which il fell, forced the
spectator to participate in the wretched-
ness i. expressed: he was evidently sui-
fering from illness.
"Good God! Arthur" exclaimed, as
approached him, "what has caused this
fearful change. Have you been ill.,"
He seemed pleased at me Getting me, but
did not apsw er my question. ! repeated
it, and with forced laugh he answered
me that he was very well, laying an EN-
phasis on the two last words. He then
changed the subject, and we talked oi
old times and old adventures; our troub-
les after Raffaelles and Salvators among
monasteres and palaces; and our dan
gers in search Of the picturesque among
mountains and brigands. He entered
into the conversation, but he had lost all
that sparkling vivacity which had always
made him SO agreeable companion. -
He smiled occasionally, when brought
to his recollection any odd incident which
had previously given US food for many
hours laughter; but the smile was SC
faint, that it only showed more vividl,
the suffering it attempted to conceal
II was quite painful 10 me to observe tn,
change which had taken place, and m,
heart ached as listened to his broker
voice.
Ireceived the most pressing invitation
to visit him frequently, Of which, on III
first opportunity, ! gladly avniled my
self: for all my sympafbies were awaken
ed for his appearance, and thought if
could find oot the cause Of the alteration
Knight ! possibly discover some remed
which would restc,e him to the healtl
and happiness he had previously enloy
ed. On my FIRST visit he showed me sev
eral Of his productions. Many Of ther
were grand, ,-some remarkably beautiful
and all gave signs Of extraordinary gs
Mus. The subjects were mostly histor
cal; but there were some landscapes an
imaginative compositions, and few po
traits; they possessed richness Of CO
or, and a correctness Of drawing, rare
equalled in modern painting. His Fl
ures were designed in mastery styl
his females particularly; they were wo