Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-09-26

PICSSCu-Ot uO StCut D0Ossb oSutPso'S WV
be of authority with every one. The &C.
count of rhorwalsden's visit TO his studio
as related by Mr. Powers, is Of interest in
itself and important in the respect sbov,
mentioned.
"Just before the clay model of Eve was done, re-
ceved the honor of a visit from the great Thorwals
den. He was passing through Florence on his Jour
ney to Rome. He had but short time to spend nnd
this he wished to pass with his friends; But oelns
strongly urged by gentleman who had been often in
my studio, he consented to drop in for moment
The first ntimation had Of his visit was from ser.
want, who came into my studio and announced that
ThOrwaldsen was at the door and begged PERMISSION
to come in. This was trying moment-1 could moi
bear the gaze and the criticism OF others with com
posnre, but to pass the scrutiny of such man, fol
whom had greater venera,io1 than for any artls
llving-it was no common ordeal
"Presenly he came numbering in-ihe Patriarch o
Sculptors His nir was confident, but not Taught,
his chest la!ge-hs head grand and square, but h,
had look of great benevolence and intelligence. e.
His long gray locks floating loosely over hi
shoulders, and his walk was full of majesty and sim
pllclty. He was the very man should have taken
had never seen any likeness of him-but had pic
tured just such man.
ale uncovered his head and bowed in the mos
respectful manner, and only put on his hat after my
repeated solicitations. He said he very sorry Il
disturb me- for he found me q: work. replied. O
course, as an humble disciple in the art might bu
what said on that occasion is a matter Of little i'm
portance. He cast an eye over the studio and the
first thing that seemed 10 arrest his attention was
bust Of Mr. Webster. He examined it with great at
tention, and as he did he stood back few steps
from ii, and again taking off his hat, he declared
with SURPRISE never sa " SO grand head before
a greater compliment to the orator. as was right
than TO the artstfor there is nothing of mine abou
it. He then stood before General Jackson, which he
regarded. with as much attention, apparently Of
Webster's.
u i =.
hind a screen 10 the Eve. He examined it very
attentively, and turned it round several times on The
rollers, upon which all statues, when modelling, are
placed, TO be made to turn easily. Without saving
by your leave, cir he took out large piece of clay
from a portion of the hair with his fingers now
see the flesh under it, and can trace connection D
the parts of the shoulders He touched the hair il
another place: and get glimpse of this contour,
pointing II out. Then coming down he made a mari
on one Of the knees this movement should be
little more pronounced He then appeared to have
done. told him l shonld always feel grateful for hi.
criticisms, and begged he would speak freely and
never perhaps felt more inwardly desire than nov
felt TO have him go on. have pointed out all tina
seemed 10 me to detect from your staue-I can SET
nothing else.' When he was about leaving told him
expected to come to Rome during the winter, and
shoul ID esteem il a great honor If could be allowed
to take his bust. He kindly condescended to say
he would do with unfeigned satisfaction. II,
then expressed very warmly the pleasure and the
prise he had felt during his visit. and wishing all III,
success desired he very cordially pressed my hant
and took his leave"
have heard this visit related by friend
who heard minute account of il from the
gentleman who accompanied Thorwaldser
on this occasion. Mr. Powers has, in ,hi.
conversation, withheld the most interesting
part Of the story. am informed from the
aource above alluded TOY that Chorwaldscr
felt reluctance 10 60 10 Powers Studio oni,
because he was pressed for time and HI
gave up an important visit in order to max,
this. He had grea, desire to see the work
of an artist who was already eclipsing mos
sculptors of his time. During the interview
which lasted much longer than he had in
tended, he expressed the warmest admira
ton of all Powers works. But when HI
drove off in his carriage he exclaimed, will
the greatest earnestness-"I cant maxi
such busts-and l never saw man tina
could-nor do | believe he ever had a,
equal in that department of the art. es
teen Mr. Powers not only the first sculpto
of his age, but the greatest since Michae
Angelo. He will form school Of his owl
which will be new era in art"
These sentiments he often expressed at
forwards on several occasions, particular
in Rome, where he often made use of III,
singular declaration, that "Mr Powers wa
without a rival IN modern times, excep
Michael Angelo; that no ancient or modern
of any age. had ever made such bus,s an
he believed he would be equally as great i
any branch Of sculpture"
When Powers raised the curtain that GOV
cred the Eve, he felt tina, in justice 10 him
self he ought TO say that this was his frs
attempt at a statue, and il was not Finished
Thorwaldsen replied-"you say, sir. il
your first statuc-any other man might b
proud of it as his last"