The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-09-27
From the Art Union.
The Unjust JUDGE.

The Unjust Judge.
twas old lady who related to me the following
incident As supplies evidence how strong moral
may be iuculcated by picture, will endesvor to
record it in her own simple words. When | knew
her she was very aged her sitting was adorned
by paintings, generally OF the higher class but some
times The sentiment the conception Of subject was
so superior TO its execution, that ina gnep she had
more feeling than knowledge with regard to work of
ant. She moved about her apartment, leaning on
the arm Of her grandniece, and pointing out her ia
vorite pictures by motion of the large old fashioned
fan that dangled from her arm; she was in truth a
chronicle Of the past-had sat to Sir Joshua when
quite chid-and been the companion of West and
Ope, and Northcote, and all the great of ancient
times; seen David Garrick; and been patted on the
head by DR. Johnson; laughed. at and with Oliver
Godsmi,h;and spoke Of Queen Charlotte and George
III as handsome young couple. She was both
rich and benevolent, and, despite her age and the in
trinity OF deafness. she was the best physician that
evor entered the close atmosphere of the pale students
chambers the ease, and grace. and genteness with
which she developed truth, added to its beauty, but
did not lessen its power. She was a sound critic
yet kindly judge. Sir Thomas Lawrence used to
iioN!
Her general sitting " as in admirable keeping
with its mistress; cd chairs, old carvings old china
old bits oftapestry-with here and there drapery
OF golden yellow-a cushion chair covered by rich
deep.toned crimson velvet-and when the sun shone
through little painted window, iuminiug an angle
Of the apartment with its fine nts it threw sort of
halo over those silent but indications of pure
taste, and made the artist feel at once at home
Then the delight with which when she found an at
te1iive listener, she would draw forth from an old
cabinet some cherished and exquisite miniature, the
gem ofhsr treasure house-and have a little tale 10
tell Of everything she possessed. Latterly she had
said, become deaf; but this did diminish the
cheerruness of her well toned mind set her talking
and it was like happy voice from the graves of
those mighty ones who now live but in their works
"You said, my dear madam, you would tell me
tho story of that picture yonder' observed one e.
venng.
"Ah, yes!' she replied; 'that, my dear, painted
by young man? Poor fellow, shall never forget
what old Northcote said to about him; but that
does not matter now. II was Aprn-a Few days be-
fore the pictures went in for exhibition to Somerset
House, and was sitting in this very chair as have
done for tho last five and forty years! About noon
when Nancy-(Ah we have such servants now-a-
days9 Nancy told me that artist, she was sure
from tho country, wanted to show me a picture
admitted him Immediately lie placed his produc-
ton in the best light and apollo giving briefly for his
intrusion, stosd opposite to that very picture whose
''story," as you call it, you wish to hear. Young
men, my dear, in those days were m ore ambitious
ofpainting than dressing, like RalTaelle; they did
not wear their hair over their rt-collars--cul
tvate mus,ache, and scent Of cigars; and yet
I never any human being look more like crca-
ture of glorious inventions than the poor pale boy
for he was little more who painted 'The Unjust
Judge" His orb-like brow would have well be-
come crown OF laurel; and though he singu-
larIy handsome, that for few moments he the
picture upon which looked, felt sorry at heart for
what was stamped upon his features.
"What?" enquired
sDeath!' was the solemn reply. The old lady
rose from her seat, and taking tho Of her beau-
full relative who resided with her. ottered opposite
to the picture. "Observe," she continued, "lhe
hard stern countenance of the magiseral looking
an, who seated the head of the tablet has decided
that the widow-the young widow of an old and faith
ful tenant-has further claim the land, which
she imagined secured TO her by virtue of leter,the
fragments oil which are upon the ground. Observe
the look Of purseproud satsfaton the tenant casts
upon the friendless woman, whore faded mourning
evinces that she has means to apply to
higher court. Note how full is the eathern purse
he has ostona,onsly placed upon the table; do you
not see the convulsed clutching Of the Widows fin
gers she stretches forth her hands impore
cy where she nigh, demand ustice' the veins of her
small white throat distended by suppressed emo
ton; her eyes heavy with unshed tears; and OBJ
serve also how indignant the boy looks; he has jus,