The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-06
Portrait Of Plus TX.

Early in lsl7 the Archbishop of Baltimore, together
with the principal dgnitares of the Catholic church in
America, resolved to obtain, if possible correct and
full length likeness of their ustrious chief They
cluded to send American artist to Rome for this pur
pose and Mr. Ames was accordingly invited to under
take the Journey He accepted the propositions and took
passage for Genoa, fortified with Latin petition from
the American archbishop to one of the cardinals.
Arrived in Rome with the above letter, the artist pre-
scented to the Papal Court with feelings of appre-
henson, lest the Of his troubled state, and his we'll
known aversion TO giving sitlngs, would prevent the
Pope from acceding 10 his request He had sat to
a painter BEFORE and Mr.. Ames felt fearful that he
might be obliged to return home without having accom-
pshed his work. But his first interview with Plus dis
PEELED all his fears The young artist received with
the cordial welcome OF FRIEND and with those words of
noble and generous sympathy for country and every
thing connected with which always thrill to the heart of
an American in foreign land. Mr.. Ames in
stalled in the Quirina Palace, the present residence of
the Pointf. and every possible facility was given him in
the prosecution of his work Besides the long and fire.
quent sittngs of the Pope himself the State robes and
jewels, and all the magnificent paaphernaa of the Ro-
man Church. the spoils of many centuries, opened
freely TO his inspection After remaining in Rome about
six months and having finished his picture, which was
visited by the foreign residents in great numbers, and
spoken Of in the highest by the Pope himself and
many of the cardinals, Mr. Ames has returned to Amer
lea, and opened his work for exhibition in his city
We hope that he will take il through the United States
and that every who feels interest in the progress OF
American art, and at the time disres to obtain
clear idea of the personal appearance of the lustrous
individual whom it represents will 60 and visit it.
The painting measures eight feet by twelve. 1t con-
,ans the figure OF slightly advanced in life, stand
IN amidst the massive and imposing architecture of
Old cathedral with oustreched hands in the attitude of
benediction The gorgeous robes of white, heavy with
soul ptured gold, and flashing with gems, the dim re-
lgous light which the skill of the artist has thrown
cunnngly among columns and arches of dark marble
reveal the ways and means by which the Roman church
IN every age has commanded the deep venera,on Of the
believer.
But the himself forms the chief interest of the pic
ture. The head and face very striking and they
accord to remarkable degree with our preconceived no
tons OF the Pope's character The hair grayish, the
forehead clear, prominent and square, the eyes large
soft and dark, not black, the mouth large and full and
the complexion healthy and almost horid.
The expression of the counenance is beautiful beyond
that of any male face remember to have
tenderness almost womany, sweetness almost divine,
is dused over every part and the radiance quite hea-
venly which beams from the eyes, and plays about the
mouth proclaim can lsraelite, indeed, without guile
Our first look at that face overthrow in mind several
weighty arguments against Papal infabilty. II all
popes pure and holy Plus looks, would not
hesitate 10 subscribe the doctrine Yet there is moth
ing feeble in the expression, nothing tame, blank,
stupid yet ascetic. 1t is the face OF strong,
sagaclous, active penetrating resolue man, subdued TO
the most perfect gentleness without losing spark of his
original force and fire. is the vsage of who has
lived, and suffered, and triumphed. II very
nearly TO fullest conception of ga Christian Of
the world"
piece The head is far from being classical and one feels
certain that is not dealized The Popes personal
character made profound impression the mind of the
artist; and though doubt not that he has reproduced
that impression on his canvass, cannot help believing
that perfectly correct o5eher, the painting
great TO the fast accommodating treasures OF
American art.-Boston Advertiser.