New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-11-06
TIE MAN VHU MADE IRE DOUBLE COZ
ELECTION.
From 7hs LondOn Queen.

LOftIOn Queen.
Monsieur Leopold Double was the prince Of coli
lectors The love of accumuaing rare and curious
things showed itself early IN him; 1t grew into
passion that replaced all other interests and amOi-
lions. Born in 1872, in Paris, of "a noble family,
hc was destined for the army. While in garrison
he commenced collecting brc-a-brac. Soon al ter he
threw up his profession TO devote all his time 10
serving ms craze. His pursuit of il shortly alb
sorbed all his energies in he fatlgues OF hunting
in he Joy of discovering in the tactics necessary TO
resort for acquiring cheapy invaluable orks, he
found fresh eXcItements; while IN the conteu-
paton of his purchases there was an abiding en-
chantment SO sincere and dlslntefeSted was NJ
Doubles enthusiasm that he might have been the
original that inspired Bazac with the Immortal
delineatOn OF " lie Cousin Pons.' Like Cousin Pous
he collected with Interior object but that of hav-
ing choice and beautiful things about HIM, delight
ing IN their exclusive possession, aud In the appre
cation OF their rarity and loneliness. Like Balzacs
hero he seemed endowed with what might almost
pass tor power of second sight guiding hun TO un-
likely spots where art treasures lay neglected lie
had his extraordinary keenness OF approaching M
a glance the qualities of work Of art, and, like
Cousin POns he animated the unconscious objects
that he cherished with sort OF sentent existence.
There seemed TO exist mystic tie between these
works of. dead people OF genius and their living
wOrshipper. Some anecdotes of VI. Double VIII
show that we are drawing no imaginary character.
but that individuality Infused with single moving
passion may develop peculartleS likely 10 puzzle the
student OF human nature. one day, passing IN ms
carriage a miserable shop the outskirts OF Paris,
the CLEAN OF fine porcelain caught his eye. Alight-
ing he discovered and bought for a mere nothing
coffee set of the electoral mandatory OF MesSen.
other time, traverSing the Ruc du Sentler, house
i'm course of demolition attracted his notice. lie
recollected that in his house Ia SlarqIiSe de Pom
padOur had once dwelt and instinct told nun thas
he would find some treasure IN II. The discovery
of an eXquiStely painted ceiling by Boucher and
two fine fountains by falcOnor were me reward OF
his search No offer could tempt VI. Double to
swerve from the VOW he had made to himself never
10 part from an object he had once admitted into
his collection. YOur highness" he once replied to
the late Grand Duchess Marie when she urging
him to sell to her ut any price snuit box belonging
to the Empress Catharlne OF Russia, painted IN IN
nature by Blaumburgie, would not wish me. IN
giving mp a b0Og which is an integral part of my
collection, to break my solemn oath made tn myself
never to part with anything from 1t; but pray
that your hIghneSS may survive me- and then you
can acquire the box You 81 much desire when shat
not be here to regret it," Relics of Mario AntOi
thuSiasm. The Empress Eugene shared something
of the same feeling for anything that had belonged
90 Inc M S rancs Tor pair Of bronco
gilt &c riches by GOuthereS made on the occasion OK
the DauphIn's birth. These torches" answered
NJ Double, only cost me 300 or 100 francs ltl2 or
Il % when | bought them twenty years ago. I
would not now give them for IA million, estimating
them mt the pleasure have in possessing Ihcm.'
The agonles of Apprehension NJ. Double endured
for the sake of his treasures during the siege OF
Paris and the subsequent burning of the city by tho
Commune brought on, when the tension was over.
dangerous illness. lie was given over by his physi-
clans; then the dying enthusiast entreated that
of his well-belOyed treasures might be placed
about his bedside indicating especially the relies of
Marie Antoinette and his pictures. I" suffer less
looking at them," he said, and il seems to me that
| am kept alive by their mystical influence on my
body Ii the cheer OF seeing them once acted
v it'll virtue upon the sick man, aud gave rallyns
force 10 his spirits cannot decide whatever tho
cause the crisis was happily passed. and NJ. Double
from henceiorth called those objects his
"saviours." He lived for nigh ten years more.
proud and happr in the culture of the things
around him, delighting in telling the story of each
picture by tho memorial of historical value to tho
royal personages the artists the ladies of society,
who came to visit him. my collection must not
disappear except with me" were almost the last
words ne uttered. He died shortly after, and ia
| June last the dispersion was effected OF the art
A library chair that had belonged to Marie Antoi-
nette went for 5000 francs (f240), little chair
| belonging TO the child Dauphn fetched 5000
| francs (f276). Perhaps some of these details are
twice told tale to our readers.ye we think they will
| thank us for reminding them of personality who
was a remarkable example of life moved ty
| genuine enthusiasm.