Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1847-09-10

delicate se finish, you forget you are looking at
cold and lifeless marble, and yet such a sentiment
OF purity and innocence is stamped upon II that
you lose the impression that it is nude. II Is
less a mortal than a spiritual body. But am
not going to undertake to describe it..
The Greek Slave OF Powers is his first finish
ed statue and yet it is a work which has taken
the world captive. The history of art perhaps
does not afford another instance like 1t. Ills
Eve was commenced first, and several years OF
study and labor devoted to it, but it is not yet
finished. In the mean time he conceived his
Greek slave, and pursued it to completion-two
copies of which have been made. lie has also
completed one other statue since he has been IN
ltaly-the Fisher Boy" holding a sea-sllell TO
his ear-which has been sold to Mr.. stevenson,
OF England, where it has attracted great atten-
ton and commanded universal admiration. lie
has just completed the model OF a statue OF Jonn
e.. Calhoun, for citizens of Charleston, south
Carolina, which will be cut in marble as last as
his means and circumstances will enable INN to
do it.
OF the two copies of the Greek Slave. one was
purchased by Capt. Grant, of the English Navy,
and exhibited to the public awhile in LONDON,
where it established the fame OF our American
artist as the first sculptor of modern times. The
other was ordered by Lord Ward, a wealthy mo-
oithidh VI lsigldflu. Atu I 4 h'""' 0"y -"
word of the circumstances which led to its exhi-
bition in this country.
For ten years had Powers been toihng in
Italy. perfecting himself in his art, struggling
with poverty, and a young family around him
to support.
" All, who can tell how hard it is to climb
The steep where fame's proud temple shines ATARI
All, who can tell how many n soul sublime
Hath felt the influence of malignant star,
I 4 nd yn upu Vith fortuuP an eternal war.
Checked by the scott of pride, by envy's irown,
And povertys unconquerable bar,
In LIES low vale remote, hath pined alone,
Then droppd into the grave unpitied and unknown |!
But Powers struggled on and lived on, till he
has made himself known, and added new honor
to his country abroad, and his countrymen can
now have the double satisfaction OF enjoying the
fruits of his genius and at the same time enable
him to urmount the " unconquerablc bar" and
go on his way rejoicing, achieving new triumph,
n art. and helping to give his country a rcputa.
ton in the world /" above all Greek, all Roman
fame"
This copy of the Greek Slave had been or.
dered by Lord Ward, who had paid half the pur.
chase money in advance, to enab bic the artist to
live while pursuing the work. When the work
was about completed, Lord Ward, having learn,
something Of the rcumstances of the artist
that his means were inadequate to enable him tc
pursue his labors with comfort and facility that
he had five children, whom he was solicitous to
send to America to be receiving an education
while he should continue toiling in his profes.
sion and that he had for some time been desir.
Gus of sending a work to his own country, botI
for the love of country and with a view of re.
cciving some aid from its exhibition-Lord Ware
said TO him, " Mr.. Powers, keep this statue fol
yourself; send it to your country for exhibition
and make ne another copy at your conyc.
~nience."
The grateful artist flew to the studio Of his
friend and tellow-artist, Kellogg, who had beer
IA companion with him in boyhood in Cincin.
natl, and who now, like himself, was toiling for
an honorable fame in a foreign land, and dis,
closed the generous offer which had been made
to him. But, said he, what can | do have
not the means to avail myself of the advantage.
Of this offer, kind as it is. If leave my worl
here my family must starve.
"Mr. Powers, (said Kellogg,) I told you, five
years ago, that when you should get a worl
ready to send TO America for exhibition, I woult
20 and take charge of it for you, and set it ago
ing. ] am ready and willing to go now.
Then, (said Powers,) go and pack up you
things, and ] will pack up the statue"
1t was dore. The statue of the Greek Slay,
Is here; let our countr ymen now tell the rest o
the story.