The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-11-19

by Van Huysum, an interior by Gerard Dow
nothing was wanting.
the French sohool-Claude Lorraine, GreuEs,
Prud'hon, surrounded by @ host of less lumin-
Gus though celebrated painters.
George seemed inettentive and dreamy the
sig ht of little picture hanging in one corner
had violently affected him, but he endeavored
to conceal his emotion.
"You say nothing" said M. Wolff; "does not
| this collection appear to you worthy OF inter
esting an amateurf'
at is sublime," answered George; there
could not have been q better choice. l could
tell You the name of each picture in the gal
lery they are true. How happily one could
pass his life in this paradise, admiring the
these Holy virgins! WHAT a blessing lie for
tune when it procures the possession of
such treasures! How would like to be rich !"
AZ " said Volt my pslGMsqpREs nvH is
| that there is a diamond wanting to this crown
Look around for the great master of Parma,
the regensrator of the art-Correggio; he is
missing"
"You shall have one; but I feel greatly
fStigued, L can scarcely see and talk, said
George, smiling. Perhaps it is from looking
at too many beautiful paintings at orce-l who
am accustomed to but three at 8 time. l am
un worthy of remaining here any longer; yet
it will afford me the greatest pleasure if you
will sometimes permit me to return"
NJ. Wolff was charmed with having found
"You may not only return" said he, " but it
work. l have sought this means of turning
your mind from yonr other occupations, in
which you are too much absorbed. Would yon
like to be the guardian of this museum If
you know how to enjoy things without possess
ing them if, for artist like you, seeing is
having, these pictures then beloag to both of
us. Now, M. Guardian, I will give you two
thousand francs salary. You shall be brought
in contact with artis' picture dealers and anna
tenrs. The first work +. quire is aualytica
catalogue of my collection. l have been want
n a have
sufficient leisure to attempt it my self. give
you free scope in the matter. Be guided by
yonr own Judgment"
What stroke of good lnck for our George,
who was an artist by nature, all his instincts
inpeiliog him towards that life from which
reason and necessity alone had withdrawn him
to more positive occupations! In making this
sacrifice, he was resigned, yet the mention of
these pursuits was fraught with pleasure; he
had sketched much and successfully nothing
was more in accordance with his tastes than
such q proposition.
He Immediately entered upon the duties of
his new Office, infusipg into this labor of love
his characteristic spirit of order. In this gal
| lery, the pictures were disposed almost at hsz-
card, or rather as the size and effect of each
| piece demanded. He classed them by schools,
| and gave the precise dimensions, wrote q short
notice of each painter and an exact description
| of the painting, carefully guarding against
| those exaggerated expressions of ordinary
catalogues, bus yelling upon every particular
When this was finished, reviewed with scrupu-
| lous precision, and then reoopied as scrupu.
| lousy, he placed it upon the desk in III. VOLTS
| cabinet
The latter, running over it with curiosity,
seemed very much pleased, but suddenly ex-
| claimed:
| "Here is a mistake, my man of all trades
| allegro, by Correggio Sorrow-the head of
/ woman You have erroneously read the sig
nature; it is q charming study Of Allori, and
names deceived you. believe l mentioned to
you my regret at not having Correggio."
81 believe also answered that you should
| have one," said Geoege.
"What do You meant Do you suppose 1
would lend myself to such a deceptiGh Know,
my young friend, that everything in this sane
| tuary of art is as pure the purest gold, and
fraud shall Dever epter.'
"yery far from my mind was all ides of
fraud" answered George II have not, must
confess, attentIvely examined the signature
but still say that. in my opinion, it is valu'
able Correggio. Please read these few lines
following the designation of the picture"
"Let us see, then" said N. Wolff.
And he read: "'Antonio Allegro, by Correg-
gio. Sorrows woman's hesd.'"
"Do You really believe it, Georgef"
"Read on little" answered George.
as "A young girl in the attitude of meditation,
| thin, black drspery thrown over her uncOv-
cred neck, pale star sparkling upon her fore
head. The ideal expression OF this head, the
| irreproachable execution of the hands, attest
the masters touch. The sombre drapery but
increases the beauty of this white shoulder,
through which the light blush veins
a
good copy of this picture is preserved in the
museum at Munich. The precious original, of
which we give description, formed part of
! the celebrated Dusseldorf gallery, and was
there admired under the name of Sorrow"
given in remembrance of its unfortunate mas
| ter
as it possible 7" said NJ Wolff "ButSWe
cannot prove it. Come, comet
And he dragged George off to the gallery
! with almost breathless anxiety.
| In strange contrast to their agitation was
a anTaDifU Of lao nfif ui MIC
ture, this inspiration of geniGs which had out
lasted ages, this undying thought of the mas
! ters mind and heart. The hand that traced it
was cold and motiOnless resolved in to its
native element, was scattered to the winds !;
| but the thought embodied here survived. the
picture almost lived and breathed. NJ. Wolff
very cautiously disengaged it from the wall.
ALLEGRO |" he exclaimed, decipheriDg the
| half. effaced name
| George, still seeking some proof of his asser-
| ton, looked the back of the picture, which
was painted upon an old wooden panel and