The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1864-07-01
The Unknown Painter.

Murlllo. tho celebrated artist of Seville,
often found upon tho canvas of some one
OF his pupils sketches or specimens OF draw.
ing imperfect aud unfinished, but bearing
tho rich impress of genius, They were ex.
ccutcd in tho night and he was utterly uu-
able to conjecture tho author. Ono morn
ing the pupils arrived at the studio before
him, and .wGro grouped before an easel ut
tering ordinations of delighted surprise,
when Murl 10 entered. His astonishment
was quito equal to their own on finding an
unfinished head Of tho Virgin of exquisite
outline with many touches of superior beau
ty. He appealed first to one and then to
the other of tho young gentlemen to 500
If they could lay claim to tho choice but
MYSTERIOUS production, but they returned n
sorrowful negative. ts,-... .. e.5. -ee
'Ho who has loft this tracery will ono day
be master of US all. Sebastian" said he-a
youthful slave stood trembling before him
"who occupies this studio at night?'
mo one but myself, scnor." "
"Well,tu your station here tonight, and,
if you do not inform of the MYSTERIOUS visit
ant of this room, th,ty las1cs shall be your
reward on the morrow
He bowed in quiot submission, and re-
,iiod. That night he threw his mattress
before the oaseI, and slept soundly till the
clock struck three. Ho then sprang from
his couch and exclaimed "Thrce hours are
my own, the rest arc my mastor's'" lie
thon seized pallet, ard took his seat at tho
frame, to erase the work Of the proceeding
night. With brush in hand to make the OBJ.
livioLs stroke, he paused: %. those eyes, "
said he. "thoy pierce NE through! The
blood will run from thoso pure veins; l eau
not, o, l cannot erase ii! rather lot me fin
ish IL !"
IIe went to work; and soon lhe slave, tho
| darkoned brow, the child of toll and suffer
ing, ore merged in ayouthful spirit, rising
from tho impetus of his OWE dcathless ener
giles into sphere Of liberty and bright beau
ty.
"A little colorng here, a touch theio, q
soft shade here" and th US three hours role,
UNDECIDED by. o those beaming eyes! thos'
lips, they will speak and bless me! my beau
,ifnl! o! my beautiful A slight nois'
caused him to look up. Murillo, with hi
pupils, stood around; the sunshine was poor
ing brightly through tho easement, whil
yot tho unoxtinguisbed taper burned
Again he was slave and the spirits folGe'
wing scarce seemed to futtor. His eye
fell beneath their eager gaze.
"Who is your master, Sebastian
"You, senor."
"Your drawing master, l means" p
"You, senor."
IL have never given you lessons
"No; but you gavo tbcm to these youn
gentlemen, and heard them.'
"Yes, you have done bettor--you hav,
prof,ed by them. Docs this boy deserv
punishment or reward, my dear pupils?"
"Reward. senior" was tho quick response
"what shall it boz
One suggested q suit of clothes, anothe
a sum of money; but no chord was touche
in the captivos bosom. Another said:
! "Tho master feels kindly to-day; as
your freedom, Sebastian"
, He sunk on his knees, and groan of an
gush burst from him; he lifted his burnin
Q eyes to bis masters face; Tho freedom
: my father? ....,. ..l.
+. The death chill had passed. from his heal
a and no breathed. Murilo folded him I
Q his bosom, "Your pencil shows that 20
g have talent, your request that you have
heart; you are no longer my slave but nj
o son! Happy Murillo! have not painte
k but made painter!"
d There are still to be seen in classic Ita]
4 manv beautiful specimens from the penci
o of Murlio and Sebastian. a.