Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1845-08-28

linend copy of the Proserpine, which ] promise
any lady shall be even more perfect than herself
For boidoir there is nothing so beautiful, and a
more classic conception could not adorn library.
1t is an exquisite ideal female bust, resting in u
basket of Acanthus leaves, and it forms perhaps
the gem of his studio.
In addition to these uninhuenced decisions OF
European journals and connosseurs the opinion
simply, firmly, frequently exrrcssed-of the great
Danish Sculptor, will be Of authority with every
one. The account of Thorwaldsen's visit to his
studio, as related by NJ Powers, is Of interest in
itself and important in the respect above mentioned
" Just before the clay model of Eve done, [
received The honor Of a visit from the great Thor
w9ldsen He was passing through Florence on his
way TO Rome. He had but a short time TO spend,
and this he wished to pass with his friends. But
being strongly urged by a gentleman who had been
often at my studio, he consented to drop in for a
moment The first intimation had of his visit
was from servant, who came hastily into my stu
do and announced that Thorwodsen was at the
door md begged permission 10 come 10. This was
/ O. trying moment could bear the gaze and the
criticism of others with composure, but to pass The
scrutiny of such man, ior whom had greater
veneraton than for any artist lWng-it was no
common ordeal.
/ presently he came numbering in-the Patriarch
of Sculp,ors! His air was confident but not haugh-
| ty--hs chest lorge--his head grand and square,
but he had look of great beneyolence and intel
lgence, His long grey locks were floating loose
ly over bis shoulders, and his walk was full Of mai
esty and simplicity. lie was the very man should
have taken for Thorwaldsen, had met him on the
desert. | had never seen any likeness of him
but had pictured just such man.
He uncovered his head and bowed in The most
respectful manner, and only put on his hat after my
repeated solicitations lie said he was very sorry
to disturb me, for he found me at work. | replied
OF course, an humble disciple in the art might
but what said on that occasion is matter of lit
tie Importance. He cast an eye over the studio
and the first thing that seemed to arrest his aten
ton was bust Of Mr.. Webster. He examined 1t
with great attention, and as he did he stood back
few steps from it, and again taking off his hat,
he declared with surprise, Il neuer grand
head 6eiore-a greater compliment to the orator,
was right. than to the artstfor there is nothing of
NINE about it. lie then stood before General Jack
son. which bust he regarded with much atten-
ton and satisfaction, apparently, as Websters.-
After examining most Of the busts, took him be-
hlnd screen 10 see the Eve. lie examined 1t very
attenhvey, and TUNED IT round several times on
the rollers, upon which all statues when modelling,
are placed, to be made to turn easily Without
saying by your leave, sir he took out large
piece OF clay from portion Of hair with his fin
gers now ] see the flesh under it, and can trace
connection Of the parts Of the shoulders. He
touched the hair in another place: 'and l get
glimpse Of this contour pointing it out. Then
this movement should be little more pronounced
lie then appeared to have done / told him should
always feel grateful for his criticisms, and begged
he would speak freely, and never perhaps felt
more lnwardly desire than now felt, to have him
go on. j have pointed out all that seemed to me
to detract from your staue-l can see nothing else
When he was about leaving told him [ expected
to come to Rome during the winter, and should
esteem it a great honor if | could be allowed to
take his bust. lie kindly condescended to say, he
would do so with uniegned satisfaction. He then
expressed very warmly the pleasure and the sur
PRISE he had felt during his visit, and wishing me
all the desired, he very cordially pressed
my hand and took his leave"
| have heard this visit related by friend, who
heard minute account of II from the gentleman
who accompanied Ihorwaldsen on this occasion.
Mr. Powers has, in this conversation, withheld the
most interesting part of the story. | am informed
from the source ABOVE alluded to) that Thorwald-
sen felt reluctance to 90 to Powers's studio only
because he was pressed for time and he gave up
an important visit in order TO make tins. He had
great desire TO see he works of an artist who was
already ecllpsing most sculptors OF his time. Du-
ring the interview, which lasted much longer than
he had intended he expressed the warmest admi
ration OF all Powers's works. But when he drove
oil in his carriage he exclaimed, with the greatest
earnestness-'I can't make such husband | never
saw man that could-nor do believe he ever mad
an equal IN that department of the art | esteem
Mr. Powers not only the first sculptor of his age,
but the greatest since Michael Angelo. He viii
form a school of his own which will be new era
IN art" These sentiments he often expressed af-
forwards several occasions, particularly in Rome,
where he often made use of the singular declnra-
ton, that "Mr. Powers was without rival in mod
ern times except Michael Angelo that no ancient
or modern, Of any age, had ever made such busts /;
and he believed he would be equally great III any
branch of sculpture"
When Powers raised the curtain that covered the
Eve he felt that in justice to himself he ought to
say that this his first attempt at statue and it
was not yet finished. Thorwaldsen replied" You
say sir, 1t is your FIRST statueany other man might
be proud Of it as his last"