Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-04-08

''S -AoS'~i'J VI thiS uoulS flSllOr, 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 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-
pectations in regard to it should have been ex-
cited in the public mind. His njudicious
friends whispered about that he was engaged
upon stupendous work, and it was not long
before mysterious interest became attached to
the rumor .saa
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 5
Feast. Delay only quickened curiosity and
Infamed expectation. At length it was said
that the canvas 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 pictnre-that of making the
light all radiate from the handwriting on the
wall-had been anticipated by Martin.
In 1881, Allston says, in letter to McMur-
lie: 4 have but few weeks since been estab-
llshed in my new painting room, which have
built in this place, (Cambridgeport Bel
shazzar has been rolled up and reposing in
packing case for more than three years, in con-
sequence of my former large room in Boston
passing into the hands of a new owner, who
has converted it into a livery stable. .
Belshazzar will still remain some time in his
case; some embarrassing debts, and my i'm
mediate necessities, being the cause. must
be free in mind before | can fnish l trust,
however. that the time will not be very long
In another letter, he thus speaks of it: i
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 sew
era such pictures. But to go into the subject
of all the obstacles and hindrances upon nv
spirit would hardly be consistent with delicacy
and sell-respect. Nor could be far enough
understood, if should do it, 10 answer by it
any essential purpose. Those feelings which
are most intimately blended with ones nature,
and which most powerfully and continuously
influence us, are the very feelings most diff
cult 10 give any distinct apprehension of to an
other
1t is well known that not until a few months
before his death did Allston resume the work.
He then erased several figures, altered his
plan, and in the midst of these changes forever
ceased from his labors. 1t remains great
fragment His power and style are, however,
clearly evident. To the artist it will ever be
an object of veneration, for it bears the last
touches of the great pencil. 1t has secured to
Allston an immortality which would have sat
isfed even Napoleon himself. Allston was
indeed one of the first stars in the bright con-
stelation of American geniuses.