The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-07-13


can appreciate and enjoy the best produc-
tons of genius and of art have now q rare
opportunity of doing so at the studio of MIR.
L. NJ. D. Guillaume, on Eighth just north
of Clay street, inthis city.
During the last three years that excellent
and distinguished artist, whose beautiful
and accurate portraits adorn the dwellings
of so many of our prominent citizens both
in this city and throughout this State, has de-
voted his time and talents almost exclusively
to the most elaborate production of great
historical painting representing the execu-
ton by Generals Lee and Grant of the terms
of Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. !"
No one acquainted with the rare excel
lcnce, skill, and finish of Mr.. Guillaume's
portraits, or with the genius, spirit, and
historical accuracy Of his other paintings,
could have failed to anticipate his great
success in such an undertaking. But no
such anticipations would have equalled the
enjoyment realized in studying this admi-
rable picture. s........
1t is evident that the artist has deter
mined to make this his chief d'GuUre,
which shall transmit to pOsterity the fame
of his skill with the impressive mementoes
and ever-memorable event which it so accu-
rately records with historic truth and
spirit. ......
In the foreground of the picture are seen
Generals Lee and Grant seated on opposite
sides of parlor table engaged in discuss
ing the terms of the capitulatlon. Near
them, to the right, are standing Colonel Mar
shall, of General Lees staff, and Colonel
Parker, of General Grants; and at the
further end of the large room are seen
grouped Generals Ord, Sheridan, Smith, and
n number of other officers of General
Grants army. The ikenesses of oil OF
these whom we have seen We know to be
excellent, and doubt not that the others are
equally so.
To give to this picture, too, the rare value
Of an exact representation in every detail
of the scene of this great event the artist,
shortly after its occurrence, visited the
house and made minute and accurate
drawing of this room and of everything in
it--even every piece Of furniture, carpet,
pictures, mantel ornaments, and books
so as to present with the most pains-taking
minuteness q perfect photograph Of the
same.
The life-like figures of Lee and Grant
leave us nothing to wish for. The likeness
of General Lee is perfect; and that of Gene
raj Grant, though less familiar, differs
from the best engravings and photographs of
him which we have seen only in being
more expressive and pleasing. But the
spirit and oppression Of these two figures
and countenances, and, indeed, of the
whole picture, and the realizing impression
of its great subject, which it produces, can
not be adequately described in words, but
cannot fail to be felt by every intelligent
spectator. The value Of this picture to
every student of our country's history can
scarcely be estimated.
We are pleased to learn that, now that
he has completed this great work, Mr.. Gull
laume will again devote more of his time
and rare talents to taking portraits and
that, duly approaching the reduced pecu-
mary resources of our people, he intends
to reduce greatly the rates Of compensation
heretofore received for his works, 80 aS to
place it still within the means Of our i'm
poverished southern people to obtain and
preserve for themselves and their children
the mirrored images of those more dear to
them than life-images for which the lonely
heart so yearns when the living and
loving have forever passed beyond mortal
vision. ... ....