Daily American telegraph., 1852-03-17
washington AIIston.

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 ren1arA
able incident in his early life, which mas peeh
related to US by one of his few ,nnmaIe liienue ,
Mr. Allston was member OF the Episcopai
Church. Although in early life ne was ever a
constant attendant he was not strongly at
tached to religion, nor eminent for his piety.
IL would be too much to say that he was an
nbeliever or even a 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 a remarkable change, in consequence Of
a singular event in his life, which made a very
strong impression, and was even regarded by
him as direct divine interposition 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 year, his
pecuniary wants became very pressing and ur-
gent--more so than at any other period of his
life He was even at times at q 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-
hecting, 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 penisence, and ask
for divine aid. He accordingly locked his door,
withdrew to corner of the room, threw him
self upon his knees, and 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. A 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 Acad-
envy. He was told that it had not been sold
Can it be possible Not sold Where is
it to be had 2"
In this very room. Here it u.s." producing the
painting from a corner, and wiping off the dust
!" Is it for sale? Can it be bought Z" was
the eager interrogatory.
9 Its for sale; but its value has never vet to
my idea OF its worth, been adequately appreci-
ated, and would not part with it."
eWhat is its price,
al have done afixing any nominal sum.
have always, SO far, exceeded my offers. |
leave it for you to name the price"
"Will four hundred pounds be an adequate
recompense
at is more than have ever asked for it."
"Then the painting is NINE"
The stranger introduced himself as the Mar
quis of Stafford, and he became, from that
moment, one of the warmest friends of Mr.
Alston. 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 g flied 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 Aliston as direct answer to his
prayer, and it made deep impression upon
his mind. TO this event he was ever after
wont to attribute the increase of devotional
feelings, which became prominent trait in
his character.
ALLsToN's GREAT PICTURE.
Allston's great picture has been the subject
of no little misunderstanding 1t was unfortu-
nate that such vague and almost boundless ex-
pectatons in regard to it should have been ex-
cited in the public mind. His injudcious
friends whispered about that he was engaged
upon a stupendous work, and it was not long
before q mysterious interest became attached
to the rumor.
Years passed, and the picture did not make
It's appearance. Meantime few individuals
had been favored with glimpse Of the design.
The subject was known to be Belshazzar s
Feast Delay only quickened curiosity and
inhamed 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.radiate from the handwriting on tho
wall-had been anticipated by Martin.
In 1881, Allston says, in a letter to McMur.
tie: Il have but few weeks since been estab-
lished in my new painting-room, which have
built in this place (Cambridgeport) Bel
shazzar has been rolled up and reposing in a
packing case for more than three years in con-
sequence OF my former large room in Boston
passing into the hands of new owner, who
has converted it into livery stable.
Belshazzar will still remain some time in his
case; some embarrassing debts and my imme-
date necessities, being the cause must be
free in mind before can finish. | trust how.
ever, that the time will not be very long"
Ia another letter. he thus speaks of it: al
could long ago have finished this and other
pictures as large, had my mind been free for
indeed have already bestowed upon it as
much mental and manual labor as, under an
other state Of mind, would have completed
several such pictures. But to go into the SUBJ
Ject OF all the obstacles and the hindrances
upon my spirit would hardly be consistent
wit WITH dehcacy and selfrespect. Nor could |