Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-10-06
LITTER FROM PARIS.

The following letter to friend, from
rising young artist of this city, who is
now pursuing his studies in Europe, has
been kindly handed us for publication]:
PARIS. September IA, 1859.
Here am at last, where every trsv-
eler, student and artist turns willing
footstep and longing eye, situated in a
room nine by twelve feet--proverblally a
poor painters beginning, but to me it
holds bright memories ;for every square
Of tapestry that ornaments this little
room of mine the kindly smile of some
friend, though distant, stands out clear
and distinct, and in fact the narrow lin
its of the apartment only tend to bring
them nearer. My Memphis friends gave
me too many warm proofs of regard to
be easily forgotten. l do not intend to
rehearse all the points of travel between
the Old and New World, already familiar
to you, but necessarily must pass To-
cslities on American soil, that challenge
the universe fer equal wonder and inter
est, beginning at Mammoth Cave" At
Cincinnati was kindly entertained by
the few artists there, who gave me letters
to other brothers of the brush in New
York, where / remained six days, re-
cipient of instructive attentions. Surely
those who walk in the dreamy lands Of
artistic and poetic beauty have feeling
that makes them "wondrous kind"
After twelve days on salt water, landed
at Southampton, where l remained one
day, then crossed the Channel to Havre.
A few hours brought me to Paris. Intend
ing to stay only short time and see as
much as possible before leaving for
Switzerland and Munich, where / in
tended pursuing my studies, my first
undertaking was to buy me q map Of the
city and fad some Of the parties to whom
/ had letters-the first not quite so easily
done as said; though you may have the
money in your trowsers, you must also
make the people understand what you
want, and this difficulty now began to
feel very decidedly. The money, too, so
entirely different, all tended to increase
my confusion; but between little
English, some German, and the somewhat
expressive but misspoken language of
all nations, managed to obtain the map,
and with it the house of my friend, who
was absent at the Baths. This left me to
pursue my tour of observations alone.
So to the Luxembourg, Louvre, Versailles
and still other places of like interest, l
found my way with my guide book.
Paintings, from the first steps of the in
fant art to mature manhood, intox.
icate you with their wilderness of
beauty. You stand "hand and glove"
with the efforts of Rafael, Rubens,
Vernet and all the past in art
Some days had now passed, and my
friend not having returned, l began pack
ing for Switzerland. Before my arrange
ments were completed he walked into my
room, and still farther on into my heart,
WHICH was the better prepared for his re-
ception, not having heard scarcely re-
cognizable word since landed. All my
Munich arrangements friend r. upset
with the best OF logic, showing the sdvau-
tsges to be gained here in my studies
over any other city in Europe at this time,
and taking me to the schools and pro-
fessors. Drawing aside the curtain of the
stage of art, felt irresistibly drawn to-
ward it to become one of its actors, and
thus far have not had cause to regret
Owing to q vacation in the academy / was
enabled to make my Switzerland visit,
and could realize there Poe's idea of the
beautiful in nature; There can be no
great thing OF beauty without some
strsngeness in proportion" From wood
land, mountain and vale you experience
the same admiring wonder. Although
among these scenes passed my hoyhood,
their beanty seemed enhanced by time
and distance. My time necessarily had
to be short there, but not so short that |
did not observe and admire the pictur-
esque costumes of the pretty peasant
girls, who of themselves make charm
ing foreground to my picture.
After two weeks absence, returned to
Paris and began my first work by paint
ing friend A.'s picture. This picture |
took to my future Professor. He COM
plimented me on my coloring, but cos
sidered my drawing deficient; but, to as
sure me, says have great power, which
three years study will in Q measure per-
feet. ] sm now copying fine painting
in the Louvre, which | will write q
description of in my next, and you may
see ii in Memphis sometime during the
winter. intend now dividing my time
between my studies and copying. .
Hoping to hear soon from you and all
that concerns Memphis, am, most co..
daily, yours, "" CARL GuTHERz.