The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1883-08-02
pai.sss. vssssAsss.


Thirty years ago the Belgian paiaier,
Antoine Wiersr. Was astonishing the arts
tic world by the powerful but ersravssan'
predictions which are nov exhibited q
Brussels in The museum which bears bi'
name
Though his brush WAS generally occn'
pied with classical subjects or veirsi. alle'
goricAl designs. such - the contest be-
tween Good and Evil. be occasionally con
scented 10 paint portraits. This Was
favor. however. which he accorded only
10 those whose physiognomy interested
him; and II may be added thst his taste
inclined rather 10 the grotesqne aud &c.
centric than the beautiful.
One day be received visit from GER
tain N. Won Spsch, notary. Who bad
been seized with desire 10 have his fea'
lures perpetusted by the celebrated artist.
Msitre Won Spacb. . dry. wrinkled. keen.
syed old geptlemas, With an expression Of
mingled shrewdnsss and seli-importancc'
was one OF the wealthiest men 10 Brussels,
and as avaricious As he was rich, rharac-
teristic which had procured for him the
nickname OF Maitre Hsrpsgons
Wiertz was aware OF his visitors falling
be nevertheless acceeded to his request
without demur The fact was, he had
been conquered at first sight by the old
scriyeners picturesque head, That head
was a perfect treasur. TO an artist; with
its bald crauium. wrinkled forehead. shag-
gy eyebrows overhanging his small, pierc.
ing eyes, hooked nose and thin}ipped
mouth which shut like trap. Wiertz
was fascinated, and while his visitor was
pompously explaining his wishes the artist
was taking mental note Of every line and
feature.
"How much will the portrait cost?' was
the notarys cautious inquiry.
"My terms are ten thousand francs
monsieur" was tho reply.
The lawyer started, stared incrednlously
shrugged his shoulders and took up his
hat.
"In that case,' he remarked dryly, III
have only to wish you good morning.
Alarmed at the prospect Of losing this
prominent subject" whom he had al
ready, in Imagination, transferred to can.
vas, Wiertz hastened to add;
"Those are my usual terms; but, as
your face interests me, / am willing to
make reduction in your favor Suppose
We say five thousand"
But n, Won Spach still objected, urging
that such sum was exorbitant for strip
Of painted canvas.
Finally, after considerable bargaining
md hesitation, he agreed to pay three
thousand fran ", for the portrait. frame
This b 'ing settled, he arose to
AXE leave.
when am l to give 20 '"e n''' '''
ing9' he inquired.
There is no hurry" replied 70 -'."s' .,'
Tho had his own intentions regardln. sn
ortrait. Il am somewhat occupied j. =
ow, but will let you know when I have a
corning at liberty"
The moment the visitor lett his studio
le artist seized palette aud brushes
laced fresh canvas on his easel and
ashod in the outlines OF the portrait from
emory. He painted ~ il for wager
hile the summer daylight lasted; and,
lanks TO his marvellous rspidity OF execu.
on. when evening came the picture was
| but finished.
lie had represented the notary seated Ut
table strewn with papers and parchments
ith his full face turned toward the spec
tor. The head was brought out in mas.
rly relief against Swallowed background
d painted in the artists best style, told
90 and unconventional, showing no signs
Its hurried execution. The likeness
As striking in It's fidelity. giving not on.
the features bnt the character aud ex.
ession OF the original. so that the canvas
emed instinct with life.
The following morning Wiertz gave the
ishing touches TO his work, put it ia a
Ime and dispatched il 10 Won Spach, in.
'ucting the messenger to wait for an
swer.
He rubbed his hands with pleasure as
pictured the old gentleman's delight
astonishment and anticipated the sen !.
ion which this tour de farce would Gre
in artistic circles.
IL due time the messenger returned with
picture IN one hand and q note in the :.
Ter. Wiertz hastily dismissed him. op. J,
,d the note and read ~ follows:
SIR: beg to return your extrsordinar h
which ! cannot suppose is IN. =
ded for my portrait. AS it bears no resem. Z
nee to me. In art, as 10 everything. q
Q 10 get my moneys worth for my mon eI
and do not choose to pay you the .
n OF three thousand francs for one after. !,
,n's work. As you do not consider me !,
rth the trouble OF painting seriously, =
st decline all further transaction with Il
.. and remain, sir. yours obediently. v
PETER vox SPAcH n
When the artist recovered from his as.
ishment at this remarkable epistle, he
rst into tit Of laughter that made the jc
dio ring.
His moneys vorthl Ha. ha! Maitre c.
rpagon has overreschsd himself for
,e. He could have sold il for five times n,
At II cost him--the benighted old Phil.
ner' :,
lie placed the rejected picture once more =
On the easel and regarded il long and
lically. only TO become more convinced n,
ts merit. He knew that art judges :,
aid pronounce il . masterpiece. His !,
n - I