The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1856-08-22
NsvILLE, IND FRIDAY MORNING, AUGUST %. 1856.
Gbe 9ailg JonrnaL
THE UNOWNED pfCTURE,

the excursions
There was IN the environs Of the city, a
Econvent inhabited by one of the most austere
and rigid orders of monks into this Rubens
entered, and observed much to his surprise, in
the choir of the chapel, which was otherwise
humbly and meanly adorned, a picture which
evinced superior talent.
The subject of this picture was the Death
of Monk" Every shade, every touch, spoke
of the sublime genius of the painter and Ru-
bens, delighted, called his pupils some of
whom usually accompanied him in his expe-
ditions, and showed them the picture. All
joined with him in the loudest expressions of
admiration.
"But who can be the author of this chef d
guure ?'' exclaimed Van Dyke, Rubens' favor
ite pupil.
"A name has evidently been written be-
meath the painting, but some one has carefully
effaced it," replied Van Thulden.
Rubens craved an interview with the prior
of the convent and, ut the old monks ap-
proach, eagerly inquired the name of the artist
whose work so excited his admiration.
't The painter is no longer in the world" re-
piled the monk.
dead !'' exclaimed Rubens, he is dead
And did he die unknown was there no one
after AeiWas gone to give the world name
which should have been immortal name
before which even mine might bow. And,
added the great artist, with
a noble pride, Notwithstanding, my father, |
am Paul Rubens p
At this time the pale face of the prior light
ed up with an unwonted brightness. Ills eyes
sparkled, and the fixed and eager look which
he turned on Rubens, spoke of somewhat more
than curiosity but this excitement only last
ed for an instant The monks eyes were again
cast on the ground, and his hands, which he
raised to heaven in the moment of enthusiasm,
be once more crossed upon his breast, and re-
peated-
1.-The painter is no longer in this world p
"But his name, my father, his name, that
may tell it to his country, and that he may
receive, though late, the glory which is justly
due to him."
And Rubens, Van Dyke, Jacques Jordaeas
and Van Thulden, his pupils, one might al
most say his rivals, surrounded the prior, and
earnestly entreated him to name the unknown
artist The monk trembled. A cold perspi-
ration trckled from his forehead down his
most conyulsively as though eager to reveal
a mystery, of the secret of which he alone
was master.
dis lame his name !'' repeated Rubens-
The monk made a solemn gesture with his
hand.
"Listen!" said he, you have misunderstood
me. / told you that the author Of this picture
was no longer in the world; but did not mean
to say that he was actually dead"
''He is livingn exclaimed simultaneously
Rubens and his pupils. "Oh, tell US then his
name, that we may become acquainted with so
sublime genius"
ale has long since renounced the world y
replied the prior, calmly; she has entered the
cloister, he is monk"
"A monk, nv father, monki" cried Ru-
bens "Oh! tell me in what convent; for he
must leave it. When God marks man with
the seal of genius, that man has no right to
bury himself in solitude. God has entrusted
to him a sublime mission; it is his duty to ac-
complsh it. Tell me then, the name of the
cloister where he has hidden. | will bring
him forth, and show him the glory that awaits
him. If he refuse me | will obtain an order
from our Holy Father the Pope for him to re-
turn to the world, and resume his pencil. The
Pope loves me, my father; the Pope would
grant my request.
81 can neither tell you his name nor that Of
the convent to which he has retired" replied
the monk, in a resolute term.
"The Pope will command you to do So"
cried Rubens, exasperated.
'Listen to me-" said the prior, "for heavens
sake, Tsten Do you believe that this man,
before giving up the world, before bidding
adieu to fortune and glory, had not hard strug-
giles against such resolution! DO you not
feel that he must have experienced bitter de-
ception and cruel dissppointments before he
was brought to acknowledge that all here is
but vanity?' said he striking his breast
"Leave him, then, to die peacefully IN tina asy-
lum which he has at length found from the
world and its deceptions. On the other hand,
YOUR efforts, am convinced, would be of no
avail; it is temptation feel assured he would
resist" added he, crossing himself ''for God
will not withdraw his help. God who in mer-
CIV designed to call him, will not now chase
him from his presence.
"But, nay father it is immortality which he
renounces!'
''My son, immortality is nothing in presence
of eternityr' and the prior pulling his hood over
his face and slightly Sowing, quilted the chapel
thus leaving Rubens no time to press his So
licitations further.
| The celebrated Fleming retired from the
convent with his brilliant cortege of pupils, and
all returned to Madrid silently musing on what
had transacted.
| The prior sought his cell, and throwing HIM
self upon his knees on the straw mat, Which
was his only couch, he prayed long ana ier-
vently; then gathering together his pencils ms
Icolors, and an easal which was lying on the
floor of the dormitory, he threw them al lnto
the river which flowed beneath the window,
and oazed for some time with melancholy
smile upon the water which bore them away
from his sight. When they had entirely dis
anneared he returned once more to kneel or
his mat, before his wooden crucifiction to pray
Too MUCH Tw1sTING.-The follies of grown