Vermont daily transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1868-1870, 1868-07-17
VAN DYCK'S MADONNA,

w IL
of young and lovely girls, whose delicate
fingers were buisly employed in differ
ent kinds of ornamental needlp-wOrk.
which under their sllillful arrangement,
formed boquets which rivalled nature i'm
the brilliancy of their colors and accur.
acy ofshades. They were the Queens
maids of honor, and between their gay
chattering and busy fingers employed
the time while waiting for her rising.
The only grave person in the assembly
was the Dowagcr Duchess d'Alby, the
chief of the ladies of honor.
Among the blooming group. the
Youngest was remarkable for the sim
plicity of dress and the quiet modesty of
her whole appearance. Her attire was
dress of black velvet, closed to the
throat, but of which the skirt, open in
front, disclosed an undertakes of white
satin; the sleeves came just below the
elbow, and coquettshly disclosed an
arm of the most dazzling whiteness. A
plated tucker circled her graceful neck,
on which was attached large cross, and
the luXurant hair, simply parted on the
forehead, and confined behind by lace
scarf completed her costume. This was
the daughter of one of the most distin.
guished families of Scotland; her faith
er. Lord Ruthven, united to a princely
fortune pedigree of which he was more
proud than of his wealth. Lucy, his
daughter, had secretly arrived at the
post in the Queens observation-disclosures to
complete the education which had been
carefully guided by her father. Retired
and SIMPLE in her tastes, her mind in
stinctively sought the sublime in the
works of nature and art. She excelled
in painting, and her genius had created
world Of her own, in the daily contem-
plation of the productions of the best
masters, which adorned the galleries of
her father. Paul Veronese, Guido, Ru.
bens, were of the number of her friends,
and she vowed them eternal gratitude
for the light their talents had shed on
her solitude.
The habits and manners of Lucy con-
trasted strongly with those of her COM
panions, who had been habtuated to
more Independence and liberty. Gentle
and timid tOeXcess, she scarcely attemp-
ted to answer the sportive and often
mischievous sallies of her companions.
The large clock in the saloon chimed
the hour of ten all eyes were directed
to it, and several voices exclaimed:
"He's very late!" just as domestic an
nounced the painter, Van Dyck. The
announcement caused general agita-
ton among the smiling group. Each
one changed her position on her velvet
seat, rearranging her dress, and compo-
sing her countenance, sought to give
additional grace to her aspect. The
young pupil of Rubens, albeit accustom-
ed to the sight of beauty, could not sup-
press a murmer of admiration ut find
ing himself in the midst of this brilliant
circle.
The old duchess, supposing the young
painters embarrassment to be caused by
her own imposing appearance, to en-
courage him, addressed him in these
words: 81 am told you have talent,
young man !"
"Those who have so informed you do
me too much honor, madam doubtless
they judge me by my intentions, but l
have as yet, produced nothing worthy
of attention"
There was as much confidence and no.
BILE pride in the reply of the painter, as
there had been arrogance and imperti-
nence in the address of the noble dame.
Lucy, who possessed the high spirit of
her country, was shocked at the insolent
tone of the Duchess, and now bIushed
with pleasure at the reply of Van Dyck.
AS her soft eyes rested approvingly on his
face he understood her feelings, and
thanked her by look for her generous
sympathy.
"Well, we shall see. Her Majesty
wishes to renew the ornaments OF her
chapel, so you will be fully employed.
a residence will be assigned you in yon-
undisturbed In summer, also, you
shall have fit residence, beside pen
sion from government. This think is
paying an artist pretty WE'LL"
"Art cannot be paid for, my lady
Duchess, and if possessed the talents to
/ which l aspire, the favors which you
boast could not purchase them"
"This is all very well you are proud,
and we are noble; but, nevertheless,
those honors are conditional-you Will
be chosen painter to the Queen,
if YOU succeed in gaining the prize which
n is offered for the most perfect head of the
i Madonna
"Ah, madam, if the patronage of her
Majesty is offered me only on these con-
ditions fear shall not obtain it.
/ "And why not ?"
s. because | shall not gain the prize"
= replied he, with an expression of sad
- ness, which was instantly reflected on
the face of Lucy.
"Why do you refuse this honOr-do
} YOU fear to fail !"
"No, madam; but how shall l repre-
sent, as she should be represented, the
mother of the Sayourp Where shall
find mOdel?o
AS he pronounced these words, his
ewes rested on the angelic face of Lucy
i II have hitherto sought in vain the
l. combination of mildness, sweetness and
candor which should characterize the
Virgin"
The fire of genius which illuminated
- the handsome countenance of Van Dyck
elected the admiration of all observers
"But | should imagine that there
would be no difficulty in obtaining
n, models for painters"
sc "The models which can be obtained
X, for hire are bpoutiful without doubt
" l have sought in vain for the dignity