St. Landry democrat., 1879-07-05

fered for the most perfect head of tn
Madonna"
"Ah madam, If the patronage of he
majesty is offered me only on those con
ditions shall not obtain it,
"And why not?'
"Because shall not gain the prize,
replied he, with an expression of sadness
which was instantly reflected on the faot
OF Lucy.
"Why do you refuse this honor? Dr.
you fear to failT'
"No, madam but how shall I repre-
sent as she should be represented, the
mother of the Savior? Where shall
find a model? ?" Ashe pronounced thest
words his eyes rested on the angelic fact
OF Lucy. II have hitherto sought il
vain the combination of mildness, sweet
ness and candor which should character
ize tie queen of heaven.
The fire of genius which illuminated
the handsome countenance of Van Dych
elected the admiration of all observers
"But I should imagine that there
would be no difficulty in obtaining mod
els for painters"
"The models which can be obtained
for hire, are beautiful, without doubt
have sought in vain for the dignity and
purity which I have never seen united
but in a noble lady whs would disdain
to sit to poor artist"
The animated and ardent glance of
Van Dyck embarrassed Lucy; it told
her that he had at last found the object
his fancy had depicted. The duchess,
however, had not observed it, and
asked: 6
"Who is this noble lady p"
"The virgin herself, madam p Bowling
profoundly and giving parting glance
at Lucy, he added: eff l gain the prize
you shall see me again, madam; if not,
I leave England"
He took immediate possession of his
apartments, where he could at the same
time paint his madonna and copy the
fescoes for the chapel. With his mind
full of the celestial face he had just seen,
he seized his pencil and endeavored to
trace her lineaments. But the extreme
sensibility SO useful to art when time
has calmed it was now bis chief obstacle.
He felt too deeply to succeed in express.
ing the idea which filled b soul. The
day passed in fruitless attempt and the
night surprised him, dissatisfied and de,
spondent.
In the meantime Lucy had suffered
severely for the preference shown her by
Van Dyck. The envy and jealousy of
her companions found vent in imperti~
nent sarcasm; so that, on separating for
the night, her mind was filed with his
idea, and after her nightly prayer, his
name was the last ON her lips.
It was midnight. The heavens shone
with thousand sparkling stars, and q
dark light spread itself on the old abbey
which stood solitary and alone among its
ruins.
A window of the palace opened, and a
shadow passed slowly along the balcony
and staircase, crossed along the court and
reached the monastery.
It would be difacult to say how this
figure had left the palace and penetrated
80 far; but she must have been well &C.
quainted with all the turnings, for in
short time che crossed the long avenue,
and, arriving ut one end of the galleries
of the chapel, she found herself i'm the
painters work roop, and, passing lightly
on, seated herself, without looking
around her, Immediately in front of his
easel.
Oh, surprise ! Oh, joy I this being, 10
calm, SO beautiful, is Lucyl The
desponding artist who had been unable
to retrace her features on canvas now
beheld living model before his eyes.
What idea could have given her the
courage and resolution he threw him.
self on his knees before her, but Lucy,
motioning him to rise. pointed TO his
pencil. Her look penetrated him with
> fame so pure that he forgot the reality
of his vision-his astonishment seemed
TO him want of faith. Transported by
to an ethereal sphere, he
seemed above the earth, and in the midst
Of the sublime concerts Of angels, he be-
held Mary enyironed by divine rays.
He was no longer the powerless artist
who had just thown at his feet his un.
successful pencIl-the artist replaced the
man. Mute and breathless, inspired bv
strength, he seized his pal
,tte. His colors gave the form and his
Joul the life-in few hours he created
he most beautiful and the most pure of
7irgins.
When the young girl saw that after
racing her features he was occupied in
to his picture the soul which
him, she rose silently, and
nth calm and assured step left the
aonastery by the same road she had
ome.
Van Dyekswith wondering eyes and
oppressed breathing, made not the |
lighteat effort 10 detain her. I'm bis
yes she was ne longer mortal, and in