Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-06-06
Kutahja, April Is, 1851.


Kutahja, April IS, 1851.
Titiam's NIagdalen.
Titan, having been loaded with honors and riches
at the court of Charles v of Span desired to behold
once more his beloved Venice. He asked and OBJ
tanned leave to quit Madrid still preserving the title
and emoluments of Court Painter.
Titan returned to Venice bearing with him eleven
thousand scudi besides presents of such great value
that the Doge Francisco Venier said to him. despon
! dinghy:
'sWhat can I do for you, when kings and emperors
have given you such precious proofs OF their es-
TEEN %
''Allow me' said Titan, 1" to finish the frescoes
of the great council chamber gratuitously, and at
my own expense"
l. You are worthy citizen, we'll great
tist," answered the Doge and the senate will
thank yOu in the name OF all Venice tor your gen
erous Offer
After the death of the emperor, Titan still
tinued to serve his Catholic majesty in quality OF
Court Painter; but the Inquisiton gave the new
king so much to do, and its ministers much
occupied in burning the heretics, that the great
lists pension remained unpaid, and Titan had often
to apply to the king himself for the price of his la
Dor.
Amongst other pictures ordered by the king Tt
tan received commission to paint N1agdaen OF the
most austere description. Titan set to work with
the best Intentions but drawn away by worldly
tendency, gave to the Magdalen greater dose
of seduction and beauty than of compunction and
grief for the lovely skin glowed beneath his pen
Gil the hair retained glossy Brightness in spite
of the ashes with which it covered and the
eyes beamed with the efulgence of love- through
their tears In a word it was the NIagdalen rather
before than after her repentance.
At the moment of giving the last finishing stroke
to his work, Titan perceived that he had depicted
the linements of Venus, or such pagan divin-
ity, instead of Magdalen. The picture was GER
tainly not less worthy of praise on that account,
but Titan very wisely reflected that Philip H.
would hesitate paying for Dame Leda when
! he had expressly ordered Magdalen.
| He therefore had recourse to the following expe
dent -
| Opposite his studio lived young girl of great
beauty-an orphan-who had never known her par
ents, and who had been reduced, by extreme wretch
edness and poverty, to the painful trade of serving
as model to artists, at the price Of half ducat
sitting Grief, nightly watching, and privatons OF
every sort had left their traces her brow and
pale attenuated cheek but, through all this an air
of distinction and righteousness raised her above
the sphere in which she lived. Our painter; in his
moments of relaxation, had often remarked her,
leaning her head anguidly at her window, her eyes
bathed in tears, and seemingly in an ecstacy OF
grief
Titan sent for her, and proposed to engage her
as model for the head of his Magdalen, promising
to pay her four ducats sitting provided she remain
ed constantly standing motonless and in the attitude
he should place her, without ever asking moments
repose, however great the fatigue and pain that she
should suffer.
The young girl delighted at so munifcent Of
fer, promised all that required of her, and the
sitting commenced at once.
In about half an hour, tired of standing in the
attitude, she humbly begged the great painter
to allow her moments rest. Titan pretended not
to hear her request and continued his work with re-
doubled ardor and attention.
In about quarter Of an hour, there was renew
ed demand on the part of the young girl and re-
newed silence on the part of the artist.
A. Ftouo NJ
again solicited for rest but the artist still remain
ing obstinate in his silence, the wretched creature
fell to the ground almost deprived of sense.
Then Titan, feigning to be in violent passion,
reproved her harshly for having failed in her pro-
mise to him. and threatened with bitterness, to send
her from his study without paying her any of the
money agreed upon if she did not instantly resume
the position in which he had placed her.
! The poor unfortunate, overpowered with humi]ia-
ton and grief, rose without saying word, and re-
sumed her original attitude, abundant and bitter
tears silently chasing each other down her pald
cheeks
at is done!" exclaimed Titan, in tone of
triumph. g There is at length, tie expression
sought !"
Then, after few more touches of his pencil, he
to the young girl and pressing her in his arms
with paternal tenderness, wiped away her tears
and placed her couch.
"My child,'' said he with your help have ac-
compshed chef-d' earre it is therefore just that
you should have your share of its price. Here are
four ducats for to-days sitting, and here is your
portion" continued he, placing in her hand purse
full of gold. " shall find husband for you amongst
my pupils, and you will then no longer require
to serve as model in order to gain Gveli-
hood"
Philip H. was struck with admiration and astonish-
ment at the sight of Titians new picture. Although
his opinion of the great artists genius had long been
firmly established his expectations now surpas-
sed. Never had the celebrated painter raised him
self to such height
The king paid him the most fattering compliments
in letter written with his own hand, and gracious
" asked him what could be the matter with his
Magdalen, that she grieved and wept in such man.
ner!
"Sire." answered Titan, " she is supplieating
your majesty, with tears in her eyes, to cause me to
be paid the arrears of the pension which your au-
gust father deigned to allow me.'
Philip H. took the hint, and in letter dated from
Barcelona, in 1854, ordered the Viceroy OF Naples
and the Governor of Milan to satisfy, without delay,
the lust demands of a who had served, and was
still ready to serve, his esy, to his full sasfac-
ton.
In few days, Titan had made two copies of his
& Magdalen." One was bought by Silvio Bedoaso
for hundred ducats after whose death it sold for
five times the original amount. The other remained
in the painters family and is to day considered one
of the most precious relics OF this prince OF painters
| LIBRARIES Libraries as the shrines where all
the relics of the ancient saints full OF true virtue
and that without deluson of imposture are presery-
Ied.-Lord Bacon,