The Portland daily press., 1867-03-21
C.uuya and Madame Hecnsnser'

hno of Mime. Recamier's first visits Va Rome
WAC 70 the studio of Canova. She had no spe-
ciaI Introduction to him; but all strangers
wore admitted to the dtelier of the illustlioas
scnlntor. After going through all the rooms
where the artists works, finished or unfinsh-
ed were to be seen, and admiring them at her
leisure, she came at at last to Canova's private
dtetier. Being anxious 70 express to him her
sincere admiration, she sent in her name
CanoVa Immediately came out in his working
dress, with his paper cap in his hand, and in
a simplicity and politeness that, united TO tue
de.lcacy OF his Venetian accent were very at
tractive
Sympathy was soon established betWeen
the eminent artist, who was pasioliite "'
mirer of beauty, and Mime. hecalnie e.
lover of art and worshipper OF genus. o
ova, in company with his brothei, 80 re.i H.
her visit that same evening, anu lloli sla'
time never failed to pass part o, ere.y 49,
a little before ten o'clock. Nine. Recamler
frennentlv went to his 0tetter TO see him
uorlr lie liked to talk of his art and the
COMPOSITIONS he contemplated. Every day he
sen. her a note for good morning, written
in that caressing and rather exaggerated style
characteristic of the Italian tongue.
The care that Canova took of his health
was constant and minute. His day was regu-
lated as methodically as that of monk. lie
went every morning to hear his brother, the
able, say mass. This brother was his shadow
Nothing could be more touching than the re-
lations between them. The able was much
younger than Canova, subtitle and slow in in
tellect, and like all Italians, mistrustful. Hav-
ing had good education, he was secretary
and reader 10 his elder brother. During the
whole OF Nine. Recapier's stay in Rome he
composed sonnet daily, which he dedicated
to la bettisima Zutietd.
In his style ofhving Canova was simple and
liberal. He lived Oh second for in the Cor
SO, in large rooms comfortably furnished, and
embellished with fine engravings. His SER
wants wore no livery; his carriage was plain !;
his table abundant and well served; and he
took pleasure in dispensing large hospitality.
To artists and men of letters he was ever
ready to lend a helping hand, and he paid his
worllmen magnificently. Canova was very
handsome, and OF noble and dignifed figure.
His manners were atlectionate and simple
He was not only good, but good-natured and
or the practice of an innocent deception. He
did not speak French easily, and preferred to
converse in his own language. His friendship
fer Nine. Recamer was tender and sincere
His nature had need of affection; he
liked quiet and regularity; and warmly APP
preciated the charm OF assocation with bright
intelligent woman, who was always sweet
tempered and who knew how TO admire and
praise with enthusiasm.
When the season advanced and Rome was
deserted ON account of the heat and the ma
laria, Canova invited Mime. Recamier 10 share
his rooms at Albano, at the hotel Emiliano-
This urgent and cordial invitation was ac-
cepted and Nine. Recamier became, for two
months, the guest OF Canova. on the condition
that, when he and his brother came out there
they were to share her table, Canoya never
abandoned his work or his studio for any
length of time. When tie heat was excessive.
he would so out into the country for refresh.
ment for a few days, but never made pro-
longed stay and he had chosen Albano as the
healthiest spot for a residence
His establishment there was of the most
modest character. The Hotel Emiliano was
on the market-place, facing quite a steep street
that led up to the church. The suite was on
the second floor Canova reserved tor himself
the rooms facing the square, and gave to Mad
anne Recamier those commanding view o.
the Campagna On the left was Pompeys vii
la, surrounded by magnificent trees In the
distance was the sea- and below the balloon,
ofMme. Recamicr's room stretched vast I'M
duating plain, affordi1g one of the most beau
titul OF prospects. This apartment, which was
used as drawing room, had white cotton eur
tainS; and its walls were adorned with coorel
engrayings OF Herculaneun, by a Roman ar
fist. j. B. Bassi painted picture of this res
idence. Nine. Recamier is represented seated
near the window reading. The mapnificen
view and the simplicity of the furniture arr
very naturally rendered. Canova sent this pic
ture to Mme Recamier in 1916
Early every morning, Nine. Recamier and
her little companion took a walk through the
beautiful paths that border the Lake OF Alba
no, and are called galleries. The marvelou.
foliage, the aspect of the lake and its shore,
sparkling in the morning light, were incom
parably beautiful. Canova anil the able came
out from time to time, and stayed three OF
four days, to breathe the salubrious air and
the perfume of the woods.
The ceremonies of Holy Week recalled trav.