Stephens City star. (Stephens City, Va.) 1881-1883, 1883-06-30
A Painters Vengeance.

er, Antoine Wiertz, was astonishing |
the artistic world by the powerful but
extravagant productions which are now
exhibited at Brussels in the Museum
which bears his name.
Though his brush was generally oc-
cupied with classical subjects. or weird
allegorical designs such as the "Con-
test between Good and Evil,' he occa-
sionally consented to paint portraits.
This was favor, however, which he
only accorded to those whose physiog-
nomy happened to interest him. 1t
may be added that his taste inclined
rather to the grotesque and eccentric
than the beautiful.
One day he received a visit from
certain M. van Spach, notary, who
had been seized with desire to have
his features perpetuated by the cele-
brated artist. Maitre van Spach-a
dry, wrinkled, keen-eyed old gentleman,
with an expression Of mingled shrewd-
ness and self-importance was one OF
the wealthiest men in Brussels, and as
ayaricious as he was rich; a character
istic which had procured him the nick
name of "Maitre Harpagon."
Wiertz was aware Of his visitor
failing: nevertheless he acceded to his
request without demur. The fact was,
he had been conquered at first sight by
the old scrivener's picturesque head.
That head was a perfect treasure to an
artist with it's bald Uranium, wrinkled
forehead, shaggy brows overhanglng
the small piercing eyes, hooked nose,
and thin-lipped mouth, which shut like
tran, Weirtz was fascinated, and
while his visitor was pompously ex-
planning his wishes, the artist was TAX
ing mental note of every line and feat
ure.
"How much will the portrait cost y
was the notarys cautious inquiry.
my terms are ten thousand francs,
monsieur" was the reply.
The lawyer started, stared incredu-
lously, shrugged his shoulders, and
took up his hat.
'In that case" he answered dryly, 81
have only to wish you good morning.
Alarmed at the prospect of losing
this promising subject" whom he had
already in imagination transferred to
canvas, Wiertz hastened to add:
"Those are my usual terms; but as
your face interests me, am willing tc
- make reduction in your favor. Sup
pose we say five thousand?"
But M. van Spach still objected, urg
eng that such sum was exorbitant fol
"a strip of painted canvas"
At length, after much bargaining
and hesitation he agreed to pay thre
thousand francs for the portrait
"frame included" and this being set
tied, he rose to take leave.
when am l to give you the first sit
ting?" he inquired.
"There is no hurry" replied the ART
tist. who had his own intentions re
garding this portrait. 81 am somewha
occupied just now, but will let yo
know when l have morning at libel
ty. Au revoir p
The moment his visitor had left th
studio Wiertz seized palette an
brushes, placed fresh. canvas on h
easel, and dashed in the outline of tt
portrait from memory. He painted {
if for wager, while the summer da,,
light lasted; and, thanks to his marve
GUS rapidity of execution, when ev
ming came the picture was all but fiji
ished.
He had represented the old notal
seated at a table, strewn with pape
and parchments, his full face turn'
toward the spectator. The head W
brought out in mastery relief again
a shadowed BACKGROUND, and painted
the artists best style; bold, free and u
conventional, showing no signs of
hurried execution. The likeness W
striking in its fidelity, giving not on
the features, but the character and G
preston of the original, so that t
canvas seemed instinct with life
The following morning Weirtz ga
the finishing touches to his work, P
it in frame, and dispatched it to V
Spach; instructing the messenger
wait for an answer.
He rubbed his hands with pleasr
as he pictured the old gentleman's
light and astonishment, and anticip
ed the sensation which this tour
force would create in artistic circles
In due time the messenger return
with the picture in one hand and
nCts in the other. Wiertz hastily