The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-03-18
WASHINGTON ALLST0N.

In Arvine Cyclopeda of Anecdotes recent
ly published, the following are related respect
ing this distinguished American artist:
The strong devotional feelings of this late
distinguished artist formed one of the most
prominent traits of his beautiful character.
Connected with this characteristic is a remark
able incident in his early life, which has been
related to us by one of his few intimate friends.
Mr. AllstOn was member of the Episcopal
Church. Although in early life he was ever a
constant attendant, he was not strongly at
tached to religion, nor eminent for his piety.
1t would be too much to say that he was an
unbeliever, or even skeptic. in his views, but
he was wont to speak slightly of religious
things, and even to enjoy jests at the expense
of holy subjects His feelings, however, under
went remarkable change, in consequence of
a singular event in his life which made very
strong impression, and was even regarded by
him as direct divine interpostion in his be-
half
Not long after his marriage with his first
wife, the sister of the late DR. Claiming, he
made his second visit to Europe. After res
idence there of little more than a year, his
pecuniary wants became very pressing and ur-
gcnt-more so than at any other period of his
life. He was even at times at Il loss for the
means of purchasing the necessaries Of life.
On one of these occasions, as he himself used
to narrate the event, he was in his studio re-
fleeing, almost with feeling of desperation,
upon his condition. His conscience seemed to
tell him that he had deserved his affections,
and drawn them upon himself by his neglect
of religion, and his want of due gratitude for
past favors from Heaven His heart, all at
once, seemed filed with the hope that God
would listen to his prayers, if he would offer
up his direct expressions Of penitence and ask
for divine aid He accordingly locked his door,
withdrew to a corner Of the room, threw hlm-
self upon his knees, aud prayed for loaf of
bread for himself and his wife.
While thus employed, knock was heard
at the door. A feeling of momentary shame
at being detected in this position, and of fear
lest he might have been observed. induced him
to hasten and open the door. stranger in
CURED for Mr. Allston. He was anxious to
learn who was the fortunate purchaser of the
painting of the Angel Uriel, regarded by the
artist as one of his masterpieces, and which
had won the prize at the exhibition of the
Academy He was told that it had not been
sold
Can it be possible Not sold Where is
it to be had 2"
ain this very room Here it is u producing
the painting from corner, and wiping off the
dust.
"Is it for SALE Can it be bought" was
the eager interrogatory.
I" tbs for sale but its value has never yet, to
my idea of its worth, been adequately appreci-
ated, and would not part with it,"
What is its price :"
~ have done affixing any nominal sum.
have always, so far, exceeded my offers. |
leave it for you to name the price"
"Wil four hundred pounds be an adequate
recompense
at is more than have ever asked for il"
"Then the painting is mine
The stranger introduced himself as the Mar
quis of Stafford and he became from that
moment, one of the warmest friends OF Mr..
Allston By him, Mr. Allston was introduced
to the society Of the nobility and gentry, and
he became one of the most favored among the
many gifted minds that adorned the circle TO
which he was thus introduced, but in which he
was never fond Of appearing often.
The instantaneous relief thus afforded by
the liberality Of this noble visiter, was always
regarded by Allston as direct answer to his
prayer, and it made a deep impression upon
| his mind To this event he was ever after
wont to attribute the increase Of devotional
feelings which became a prominent trait in
| his character.
ALLsToN's GREAT PICTURE.
Allston's great picture has been the subject
of no little misunderstanding II was uniortu-
nate that such vague and almost boundcss ex-
pectatons in regard to it should have been ex-
cited in the public mind. His injudicious
friends whispered about that he was engaged
upon stupendous work, and it was not long
before mysterious interest became attached
to the rumor
Years passed, and the picture did not make
lts appearance. Meantime. few individuals
had been favored with glimpse of the design.
The subject was known to be Belshazzar =
Feast. Delay only quickened curiosity and
lnfamed expectation. At length it was said
that the canvass was rolled up, and the great
work abandoned
Two reasons have been assigned for this
one, that an execution has been levied upon
the work, in consequence of which the artist
had resigned it in disgust the other, that the
great idea in the picture--that of making the
light all radiste from the handwriting on the
wall-had been anticipated by Martin.
In 1891, Allst0n says, in a letter to McMur-
tie :" ! have but few weeks since been estab-
lished in my new paintng-room, which have
built in this place, (CambridgepOrt,) Bel
shazzar has been rolled up and reposing in
packing case for more than three years. 10 con-
sequence of my former large room In Boston
passing into the hands Of a new owner who