Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-07-03
GaIes a1to Sketfhts.
4 PAINTERS VENGEANCE.
BY MARY E. PENN.

Thirty years ago the Belgian painter,
Antoine WIertZ, was astonishing the ar
tistic world by the powerful but extrava
giant productions, which are now exhibit
ed at Brussels in the museum which bears
his name.
Though his brush was generally occu-
pied with classic subjects. or weird ale
gorical designs such as the Contest be-
tween Good and Evil he occasionally
consented to paint portraits. his was a
favor, however, which he only accorded
to those whose physiognomy happened to
interest him. It may be added that his
taste inclined rather to the grotesque and
eccentric than the beautiful.
One day he received visit from GER
tain NJ. van Spach, notary, who had
been seized with the desire TO have his
features perpetuated by the celebrated
artist. Naitre van Spa cha dry, wrink-
led, keen-eyed old gentleman. with an ex-
preston of mingled shrewdness and self
importaDce-was one of the wealthiest
men in Brussels, and as avaricious as he
was rich characteristic which had pro-
cured him the nickname of .'Slaitre Har-
pagon."
Wiertz was aware OF his visitors fall
ings nevertheless he accorded to his re-
quest without demur. The fact was, he
had been conquered at first sight by the
old scrivener's picturesque head. That
head was perfect treasure TO an artist,
with its bald Uranium, wrinkled forehead,
shaggy brows overhanging the small
piercing eyes, hooked nose, and thin lip
ped mouth, which shut like a trap.
WiertZ WAS fascinated and while his Wis
itor was pompously explaining his wish
90. the artist was taking mental notes Of
every line and feature.
How much will the portrait cost !? -
was the notary's cautious inquiry.
MY terms are ten thousand francs
Monsieur" was the reply.
The lawyer started, stared incredulous-
iy. shrugged his shoulders, and took up
his hat. .'In that case" he answered dry
ly, II have only to wish you good morn
ing"
Alarmed at the prospect of losing this
promising subject" whom he had al
ready in Imagination transferred to can
vas, Wiertz fastened to add Those are
my usual terms but as yonr face interests
me. am willing to make Il reduction in
your favor. Suppose we say five thou
sand?''
But NJ. van Spach still objected, urging
that such a sum was exorbitant for "a
strip of painted canvas
At length. after much bargaining and
hesitation, he agreed to pay three thou
sand francs for the portrait frame in
cluded )" and this being settled, he rose
to take leave.
when am to give you the first sit
ting ?" he inquired.
There is no hurry" replied the artist,
who had his own intentions regarding this
portrait. II am somewhat occupied Just
now, but will let YOU know when have a
morning at liberty. Au revoir.'
The moment his visitor had left the
studio Wiertz seized palate and brushes,
placed a fresh canvass on his easel. and
dashed in the outlines of his portrait by
memory. He painted rs If for wager,
while the summer daylighted lasted; and
thanks to his marvellous rapidity OF exc
cution. when evening came the picture
was all but finished.
He had represented the old Notary seat
ed at a table. strewn with papers and
parchments, his full face turned towards
the spectator. The head was brought out
in mastery relief against Swallowed
background. and painted in the artists
hest style; bold. free and unconventional
showing no signs Of its hurried execution
The likeness was striking in its fidelity
giving not only the features. but the char
acter and expression of the original so
that the canvas seemed instinct with life
The following morning Wiertz gave the
finishing touches to his work, put it in
frame, and despatched it to Van Spach :;
instructing the messenger to wait for an
answer.
He rubbed his hands with pleasure as
he pictured the old genueman's delight
and establishment. and anticipated the SEN
saton which this tour de force would ere
ate in artistic circles.
In due time the messenger returned
with the picture in one hand. and a note
in the other. Wiertz hastily dismissed
him. opened the letter. and read as fol-
lows:
SIR beg TO return your extraor-
binary production, which | cannot sup
pose is intended TOR my portrait. as it bear.
no sort of resemblance to me.
In art. rs in everything else, | like to
have my moneys worth for my money
and do not choose to pay the sum OF
three thousand francs for one afternoons
work. AS you do not consider me worth
'"N t'"''V Va SuttuuctN' hiuS'
decline any further transactions with vou
and remain. sir, Yours obediently,
PETER VAN SPACH.
When the artist recovered from his as
tonishment at this remarkable epistle. he
burst into fit of laughter which made the
studio ring.
His moneys worth-ha, ha, Maitre
Harpagon has over-reached himself for
once. He could have sold it for five times
what it cost him-the benighted old PILLS
tine "
He placed the rejected picture once more
on the easel, and regai ded it long and
critically. only 10 become more convinced
of its merit. He knew the art Judges
would pronounce it a chef d'euvre. His
amusement began to give place to irrita
ton at the indignity to which his work had
been subjected, and vague projects of ven
gence rose before him as he paced III,
floor. with bent head and knitted brows
Suddenly he stopped short. his eyes
sparkling with mischievous satisfaction al
Mt an idea which had suddenly occurred
to him. He took up his palette. aud SCI
to work upon the picture again. adroitl,
altering and retouchinr