Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-04-09
a LIBERAL VIRGINIAN.

We make the following extract from an interesting
sketch of IBarbee, the Virginia Sculptor, in the Bal.
timoro Patriot:
Virginia, who claims Inc nativity of Mr.. Barbee
though after several years residence in Italy, he de.
clded to establish himself in Baltimore, takes com.
mendab- pride and interest in her favored son. Do
ring the past winter bill introduced into the LIE
gislature of that State, sppropriang five thousand
dollars for n marble statue Of the Young Republi.
can an Exquisite model produced by Mr.. b and
now in progress at hiI rooms in this city. The bill
passed the Senate almost unanimously, but was de-
iested in the House not from any want of disposition
10 bestow the appreC:HtIva compliment, but Tor the
purpose Of frnrning and Offering another bill, incres-
sing the amount Ia ten thousand dollars, in order 10
obtain Il more elaborate statue OF different kind
This proposition, we believe, s now under favorable
consideration, and is likely 10 prove acceptable.
"A little incident worthy OF note may be here in
irUduced. When the original bill pending in the
Virginia Senate, an opulent and influential member
of that body, Charles Bruce, Esq saw Mr. Bsrbee in
the body, and, prior 10 the vote being taken, ap-
preaching him, said, having had no time to invesii
gate the proposition he should be obliged TO oppose
IT, not however, because Of any unfriendly feelings
Mr.. Barbe-, but simply in justice 10 established
principle that he never voted without fully under.
standing the question al issue Soon after Mr. Bruce
WIS gently reprGvrd for the seemingly ungratefu act
ny a brother member, who advised him To go aud see
Mr. Barbee's 'Coquetie then exhibiting in Rich.
inOnd. Mr. Bruce did so, aud returning mel Mr..
Barb.e, to whom he apo0gized for the apparent
want of interest in behalf OF native talent. But,
said he, tn prove my sincerity in substantial man
ner, and show how much ! admire the productions
of your genius, now commission you to produce a
specimen Of your art and skill 10 the value of eight
hundred doars, tEe onehali Of which amount ehall
bs forthcoming in check when the model is form.
ed and the residue afIer it has been transferred TO
marble. Grstifed at this noble proposition, MIR. b.
consented, ard returning TO Baltimore, Immediately
commenced the work, the design being left entirely
20 his own taste. Thinking what would best suit his
friends wishes a natural impulse of gratefuness
seemsd uppermost in the artists mind and be almost
irreshtty adopted the beautiful idea Of making O
figure 10 represent GRATITUDE.
..The exquisite model of GRATITUDE in the
form nf q female bust, may now be ssen Mt Mr. Bar
bses studio counterpart almost OF life ITSELF 1t is
rprr,Einted by the head and shoulders or bust OF h
Young girl ius. merging from uvenlllty, or budding
into w,manhood and entering upon maturer scenes.
The head is covered with full flowing suit OF hair,
which being parted in rnglets falls gracefully down
an a!a)aater neck. Encirc'ing her brow is double
wreath Of pearls, and on ,Le forehead Ill elaborate
brosci ns the aaTia costly gems. Youth, innocence,
beauty and all the vrtuee,- prominent among which
il .GRiTITuDE' speak trOSp Tier every liieamenl.-
The eye has n sOftness o expression, and lip mel
low snia which, to behold s, but TO feel loves
chsntment aud to fancy them, with the face they
adorr starting into palpabe eIi-ience.
The fgn:s lhruughoutis an lmpersonstIon OF love-
lines. exciting To the hehOldsr every exalted ideal ni
intelligence OF sweetness and OF those sublime quail
,irs which make the true female character little less
than ANGELICA being more OF heaven thnn of earth
The statue rests in beautiful vaco, around which is
thrown wreath Urnamened with Camponula flowers
or bell flower whose botanical signfcatlon ID grail
tnda. When formed into marble this will be mas
ter piece Of Grt, and il we mistake not transfer the
feeling il 80 irulhiully expresses from its gifted author
10 tn. generous owner. Tie will feel grateful that
there lives an American artist-a native Of his own
Sts;.-who can make cold inanimate stone speak and
teach The ennobling qualities Of gratitude.