The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-03-25
Miscellany.


A Venerable French Artist
There is now living in Paris an artist d
eminence, the Count de Waldeck, who is
nearly one hundred and two years OF age
He has painted tor the next exposition mag
uiicent group OF curiosities selected from diff
ierent museums OF Paris.
To get the light, which for an artist is only
attainable in the higher regions, M. de Wal
deck. has his atelier in the fifth story OF a
house in the Chausee DIES Martyrs, the stairs
leading to which he. mounts and descends
without showing sign OF old age. The
last summer he walked once three hours in
the great Exposition, and returned on loot.
He is a mGgRifque uielidrd, an Cd man OF
magnificent appearance, with white beard,
and HAIR, tall and erect, lively in his move
ments, animated and brilliant in conversa-
ton.
Though a German by birth, he speaks
only French and English, retaining very lit
tie of his native tongue, Which, by the way,
he has had ample time to forSet as it is nine
ty years since he lett his native land. M. de
Wadeck has seen much OF the world. Bolr
in Prague in 1865, he arrived in France at
the age OF ten. Nine years aiterward he Lett
for the English colony at the Cape of Good
Hope, where he became acquainted with the
celebrated traveller LIE Valiant. He return
ed to Paris ON the eve of the revolution, and
Wdo dH lulILldiC vi DdulOu, WuO LWU
days before his death gave the Count his pic
ture, which he still possesses. Hc was pres
ent at the death of the unfortunate Princess
de Lambal e, some drops Of blood from the
decapitated head falling on his garments.
Alter the 9Th TheImidor, he caused the re
lease from prison OF his friend Levaillant
then quilted France, made the campaign o.
Italy as a volunteer soldier, but instead Of
returning to France, Travelled in Southern
Africa with five or six friends, all of whom
persisted.
He traversed Nubia. Abyssinia, and Mo-
zambique, and returned, after passing through
Incredible perls, to the Cape, where he joined
his fortunes to those of Surcouf, the corsair,
was for long time the terror of the English,
aud accompanied him through many OF his
terrible adventures.
Taken prisoner by the English M. de Wal
deck was carried to England. The Duke OF
York had him set at liberty, and he became
an intimate friend OF Lord Byron whom be
did not fiud to be invariably an agreeable
companion) and Sir Walter Scott. He ac-
companied Lord Cochrane to Chill, and then
travelled in Yucatan and Mexico, copying an
Gent ruins. He lived among Aztec Indians
and learned their language, Suffering, as in
Africa, incredible hardships.
Alter returning from this arduous voyage
or tour he published in part the result OF his
studies and observations. His book was princi-
paly devoted to Yucatan, and he was made a
member OF the Comite Archaologique Ameri
can.
when 1 called on Count de Wadeck,"
says George Stenne. in the article which we
translate i1om LIE PETIT journal de Paris OF
February 81, 81 found the vigorous and hale
centenanan busy in finishing The plan of a
Mexican temple, Tor, in addition to his artistic
works, he is occupied with an Archaeological
Encyclopedia OF America. The lines of this
architectural drawing were straight and firm
and could not have been better done by anv
young man. | saw him write the accompany
ing inscription; his hand is flowing and oil
remarkable neatness.
The excellent old man received me with
much afability. He las the coQuetterie oil
his age and likes 10 talk. lie showed me his
licture. which will Ger .ainly make figure at
the next exhibition.
It is not the first time said he that have
had pictures at the exhibition, Lut this time
hope to distinguish myself
could not help smiling at this natural
vanity OF youth.
OH said the lively old gentleman, Il have
plenty of time before me-; sleep like top
and eat like wolf. Olly my legs are little
lazy-thanks to a rattlesnake bite l once GOT
When take long walks they tire me-
And | too, Monster the Count replied.
II ought to add that the Count, by the way
goes out to walk every day, and again in the
evening. H. was married second time
when eighty-two years OF age, and has son
eighteen years OF age.
When took leave begged permission to
call again.
You will give me great pleasure said he
but you had better hurry, for | have receiv-
ed an invitation from my friend Mr.. Price a
distinguished lawyer OF New York, to run
over and visit him, and Irather think shall
be in America in April
"And this old gentleman will positively be
one hundred and two years old on the 10th
oil March,"