Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1864-04-26
The First Work of Michael Angelo.

The distinguished painter sculptor and arch
itect, Michael Angelo Buonarotti, was born IN
Tuscany. 10 1914. lie was put out to nurse to
he wife Of sculptor, and may therefore, be
said to have sucked sculpture 10 his very milk
lie entered the studio OF Ghirlandao at the
age of thirteen, and performed feats unequalled
III the annals Of art He seldom had his work
corrected, as his copy always surpassed the
original His master being superior man him.
self, aud capable of apprecating talent wher
ever found, encouraged his pupil in these devel-
opments ol youthful excelleoce. Not 50 with
his companions. They could not look upon Their
young rival with complaceDce, Tor genius OF
this character could not be suffered to exist in "a
lad of thirteen years. Michael Angelo had
therefore to endure their il-tteatment.
Once our youthful artist took occasion to
crtlcisa the design OF one Of his ieow-workmeu.
and thereupon he received such blow from
the exasperated man, that 1t broke the cartilage
OF his nose--lr0m which cause it remained
crooked through life
One day Angelo entered the grounds of the
Medici. lie there beheld treasures oi art, which
Lv,v,,-v sI.o h-e.s6ss--. L-1 --a!-~.~I, s-oa. as
he never beheld before. Struck with their an
tique beauty, an instructive jealousy prompted
hm, not Only to initiate, but to excel those ex-
qulslte productions. Procuring a block Of
marble, he dlvested himself Of his outer gar.
ments, and, sezinga chlsel and hammer he
began the outlines of taun's head,
The studio OF his former master was deserted
by him, to the no small qualification Of his TEL
lows, who rejoic,d that they were at last rid OF
their detested and hated rival, whose only crime
consisted in has surprising talent
One day, as Michael Angelo was finishing is
iaun's head, a man Of about forty, exceedingly
plain IN features, and dressed with the greatest
negligence, stopped opposite to him, and silently
observed him Us he worked. Michael Angelo
labored with ardor, without taking the slightest
notice of the unknown, for whom he cared
about as much as for the dust that fell beneath
bis chiscl,
When he had given the finishing stroke to his
work, the young man drew back, after the man
neE OF artists IN general, 30 as to better Judge OF
the effect Of his performance, with which he
appeared perfectly satisfied. This was appar-
emily the moment awaited by the spectator OF
the soene, who, slowly advancing, land bis hand
upon the young scul ptors shoulder.
g" Friend said he, with smile, will you
allow me to make one 1emarkt"
Michael Angelo<urned round With assurance,
aud with an ar combining contempt and lnso
lence.
"a remark You p said he, slowly.
"0f, III other words, it you like 1t better, a
criticism" continued the stranger.
"0n my iauu's head "
"Ou your faun's head" quietly answered
the unknown.
"And pray, who are you, sir, who thus as
sume l rlght to cnticse my labor?
" IL can matter very little 10 you who am,
If my criticism is correct y said the stranger.
" Aud who is 10 decide between US which Of
the Two is rlght!'
Yourself, if you wish IT,.
"Well, sir, let us hear-.peak ~ said Nj,
chael Angelo folding his arms with an air of
defiance.
4" Have you not intended to represent the
grlnning head OF an old hunY" asked the stran-
GET
Certainly that is easy enough to be seen. y
4" We'll, suggested the critic, smiling, "~here
did you ever see an old man with a perfect set
Of teeth !"
The young man redeemed up to the eyes at
this remark, aud bit his lip with vexation. The
criticism was just Que; aud waiting TIL his
luterlocutor had disappeared, he took the chlsel,
and, with couple oil blows, he knocked out
two OF the iauus te3th. As 1t was now grow
ing late he resolved to return the next day, aud
put finishing stroke to his work
The following morning, atsn early hour, An'
gelo repaired " the gaiden but, 10 his great
surprise, hls aun bad disappeared, and in lts
place was posted the stranger OF the day before.
Where is my head2' angriy asked the
young sculptor
=" IL has been removed by my ORDERS quietly
answered the unknown.
" Aud who are you sir, who thus dare to give
orders in the garden Of Lorenzo the Magnificent
"Follow me, and you shall learo," said the
stranger
al shall certainly follow you, and oblige you
to return me my iaun's head"
Perhaps you will be glad to let it remain
where il is.
:" We shall see."
awe shall SEQ.
The stranger took the way TO the palace with
/ tho same calm and tranquil manner, and wa'
preparing to ascend the grand staircase, when
| the Young man, seizng bis arm, with al excla'
nation between timdity aud anger, said
"Whfrs are you going, siri Do you think
to penetrate thus, with impunity, into the apart
mcnts Of the priuce' Depend upon 1t we shal
get turned out.