Baton-Rouge gazette. [volume] (Baton-Rouge, La.) 1819-1856, 1844-04-20
(From The Democratic Rericw)
ALBERT DURER-A SKETCH.
BY Z ELLET.

~ t'F'' f'SA
At the house occupied Ivy Albert Durcr in
Vienna, in the early part of the sixteenth cen
fury, were assembled several of his pupils and
friends, the latter those who had once been
his scholars, and had risen through his i%nstruc-
ton intodistinctjon or usefulness. They were
proud Of being the disciples Of the most ccIc-
brated painter and cDgravcr in Germany, of
one who in fact exceIled in all branches OF art
the artists Of his native land, and r~ivaIIcd even
the proud names Of Italy. They had met to
welcome him on his return from court, where
he had that day received honOrs rarely bestow-
ed even on men favored with the nobIest riffs
of nature. The great artist, ennobIed by the
preceding emperor, Macmillan, had been IN
vited by Charles V. TO a sumptuous entertain
ment, given in honor to his guest, the King of
Bohemia and Hungary. Admitted to familiar
intercourse with these two m0uarchs, the
graceful and polished manners Of Durer, his
excellent heart, and his conversation marked
by wit and cheerluIness, rendered him a IA
vorite companion Of both. Charles v. in par
]ticuIar, delighted TO show his admiration of Ia
Tents which his taste could well appreciate.
Far dearer than royal courtesy to the heart
OF Albert Durer, was the reception he met
from the circle Of his friends at home. Here,
vcnerati0n for the master mingled with CRATE
full affection, and warmed his feelings to real
happiness. lie embraced all in turn, weIc0m-
ed, and thanked them for their welcome in
vited them to join him at the evening meal,
and enIivened the repast by conversation with
them upon subjects Of art, on the progress
they had made, and the prospects each had be-
fore him, "For my part" said he, Il have no
other object in life than TO advance these no.
bic sciences in my country to redeem her
from the reproach of being behind the age, by
giving, if possible, a new impulse to her geni-
US. For this THANK Heaven | had not Tus-
cany for my native soil that | have never
even studied the masterpieces Of Rome. |
owe all to Germany!
1t was late when the friends separated, and
the master was left alone, saving the company
of one Of bis scholars, a young man whose
earnest application gave promise Of future ex-
c~ellence. lie had entreated Durer to look at
the work at which he had Iabored during the
day and the artist did so. pointing out faults
and commencing beauties, with the freedom
of sincere friendship, and encouraging his pu-
pill at the san time to zeal in his pursuits.
"You are kind, master Durer,'' said the
youth "but even you, who have reached the
coal to which you directus, must acknowledge
there are obstacles in the way, great enough
to appaI the most earnest"
"None, Ludwig, that a stout heart cannot
If we SOW the seed in faith, and
work honestly, we reap but the idIcr-'
docs not envy sometimes blight the fruit?'
'Regard not envy it's its own Judge and
aXecutioner. The water in this foreground is
not clear; your BURN seems to have been
blunted."
"Envy may do much," continued tie young
man, musingIy: and without attending to this
correction "wbat would you say, great masj
if it assailed even yoU?"
81 amanot safer than The rest" replied Du{
rer 'but Truth, whom 7 have worshiPped
my life long, always projects her votaries."
''You have rivals, and therefore enemies.
Marco Iii RaVenna and Marc Antonio"
Hush, Ludwig, or | shall call yon SLAM
AS for riyaIship, it may exist in all
courtesy; and proud am | that any of nv
works should have first inspired the genius of
Raimond;. May they both so far surpass me,
after years, in ccnfessing the obligations
If art to them, ay, and to others of our oWn
and, may lose sight of the humble efforts Of
Albert Durern'
"Nours is a noble soul, my master - cried
he pupil enthusiastically.
"But do not call this emulation by the name
# envy said Durer. "Look here - and
opening a desk, he took ont several letters
here are the letters Of RainoGdi, received
rom time to time, till within a few weeks. If
'ou read, you will find them full Of candoc and
appreciation Of all that is worthy Of
yraise in what | have done as we'll as the
friendship towards myself. He in
e = -. !