Smyrna times., 1868-09-02
.MISceIIUWeOWS.
THE STORY OF GUsTAvE DORE.

In the present French school of painting,
Gustave Dore occupies high rank and pecu-
liar position. He has had no master; he be.
longs to no school; he makes his own path.
His training, too, has been rather remarkable
He was born in Strasburg in 1882, where his
father was appointed State engineer. He had
scarcely reached his tenth year when his yearn-
ing for art manifested itself irresistibly. He
drew in his copy books, in his school books, on
envelopes, and no sheet of paper was safe from
his pencil. The little Dore had but one wish
and this wish would allow him no rest. He
wished to go to Paris and there devote himself
to painting His father, however, who was
deeply interested in the welfare of his son, and
who saw no certain means of existence for him
in the career of an artist, endeavored to divert
him from his idea, and even to excite doubt in
him as to his talent. But Dore was not to be
intimidated, and when his father determined
to take him to Paris during his holidays, the
boy concealed thick packet of drawings in his
box, and having arrived at the capitol he re-
paired, without saying word to his father, to
Charles PhilipOn, and, placing his productions
before him, requested him candidly to give him
his opinion.
| Charles Philipon was a man of quick mind
and rare warmth OF heart. 1t was he who in
troduced political caricatures into France. AT
the beginning of the July Government he had
established witty paper called La Cdrtcdture,
which in the course of a year entailed on him
no less than ffty-four political processes.
When this paper was stopped by the Septem-
ber laws, he established the ChGrirGri, and
subsequently long series of other witty papers,
some OF which still exist. His fame had reach
ed the young Dore. Philipon, who was pleased
with Dore s Open Tree manner, gave great at
tention to his numerous productions, and found
in them naturally all the faults of boy work
ing without direction, but at the Sc me time he
admired the rich imagination they evidenced
and rare acuteness of observation, rare even
among more mature artists. He did not spare
his blame, but praise predomlnated IN his YER
dict. Dore returned triumphantly to his father
and made him at once acquainted with his In
terview with Philipon His father was aston
ished, and repaired Immediately with his sor
to Philipon. The latter repeated his verdic
upon the young artist, and concluded with
these words Your son is born for art, anC
if you repreSs the artist spirit within him, ht
will only bungle through any other career, anC
never achieve any thing. The saying, Ar
doesn't pay, is not always true one. There
are artists who gain much money, as well a
fame, and | am much mistaken if your Gustavt
does not some day belong to these successful
artists. He is already able to support himsel
by his talent; and if he likes to work for m!
paper, shall be glad to have him.
These words decided Dore's father to yielC
to his sons wish, upon condition, however
that he should yet spend two years in schoo
at Paris. Dore was accordingly placed in tn
College Charlemagne, where he in nowise be
loDged to the worst scholars, though be drey
much by stealth. At the age Of fifteen he lef
the school bench, and appeared as an independ
ent artist, whose works were received will
pleasure. When the February revolution brok
| H. FOR mi
8 journals, and surprised the public by the grea
number, as we'll as by the originality, of hi
works. This surprise is not diminished
! Dore has now begun to illustrate ditferen
: works with a rapidity bordering on the marvel
Gus.
Dore has already drawn more than twent
thousand Illustrations. Such power of wor
alone is sufficient to excite admiration. Th
: productive author can scarcely write quicke
{ than Dore sketches his illustrations. His ar
. pearance is very attractive. He looks like
. youth of twenty. four, who, with bright, happ
r eye, is gazing forward into the world. He POI
sesses unusual strength of body, which is doub
d less to be traced to his great fondness for gym
nastic exercises. Few can compete with Dol
in social talents He talks we'll; he sings AZ
It mirably; he plays the violin, if not perhaI
Of with professional skill, yet with great unde
4 standing; and he is clever conjuror, rare
. failing in trick. He possesses a wonderf
: capacity for work. His imagination blind
). obeys his iron will, which is deferred by l
5 difficulties When the wish occurred to hi
:, to learn English he took an English gramm
y and dictionary to bed with him every nigh
. and in few months he read the 1inees al
d could make himself Ineligible to every +
q gshman At this moment he is engaged in
nn series of paintings, in which he is representa-
d. some of Shakspeare's most powerful scenes.
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