The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-04-16
A PAINTERS VICTORY.

Thirty years ago the Belgian painter
Antaine Niertz, was astonishing th'
artistif world by the powerful but ex
trayagaut productions which are now ex
hibited at Brussels in the museum whicl
bears his name.
Though his brush was generally oc
cuped with classical subjects or wiert
allrgorical designs, such rs the ''ContesI
Between Good and Evil he occasion
ally consented to paint portraits. Thi'
WIS favor, however, which he accorded
only To those whose physiognomy hap
pened to interest him. Ii may be added
that his taste inclined rather to the gro
tes1ne and eccentric than the beautiful
One day he received a visit from GER
tain NJ. van Spach, notary, who had
been seized with desire to have his
features perpetuated 10y the celebrated
artist. Maitre van Spach "a dry, wrink-
led, keen-eyed old gentleman, with an
expression of mingled shrewdness and
self-importance-was one of the wealth
lest men in Brussels, and as ayarieions
as he was rich; characteristic which
had procured him the nickname of Mai
tie IIarpagon.
Wiertz was aware of his visitors fail
ing; nevertheless he aeceded to his de-
mand without demur. The fact was, he
had been conquered at first sight by the
old scriyener's picturesque head. That
head was perfect treasure an artist, its
bald Uranium, wrinkled forehead, shaggy
brows oyerhanging the small, piercing
eyes, hooked nose and thin-lipped mouth
which shut like 4 trap. Wiertz was
fascinated, and, while his visitor was
pompously explaining his wishes, the
artist was taking mental notes OF every
line and feature.
"how much will the portrait costY
was the notary's cautious inquiry.
MY terms are 10000 francs, mon
sieur," was the reply.
The lawyer started, stared incredulous-
~, shrugged his shoulders, and took up
his hat. ''In that case" he answered
dryly, Il 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. l am willing to make q
reduction in your favor. Suppose we
say five thousand p
But NJ. van Spach still objected, urg-
ing that such a sum was exhorbitant
Tor strip Of painted canvas"
At length, after much bargaining and
hesitation, he agreed to pay three thou
sand francs for the portrait, s'frame in
clnded :" and, this being settled, he arose
TO take leave.
When am to give you the frst sit
tlngf he inquired.
There is no hurry, replied the ar
tlst. who had his own intentions regard
ing this portrait Il am somewhat 0c-
eupied just at present, but will let you
knew when have a morning at liberty.
Au revOirt'
The moment his visitor had left the
studio, Wiertz seized palette and brushes.
placed fresh canvas on his easel, and
dashed in the outlines of the portrait
from memory. he painted as If for
wager, while the summer daylight last
ed; and, thanks to his marvellous rapid
lty of execution, when evening came the
picture was all but finished.
He had represented the notary seated
at a table strewn with papers and
parchments, his full face turned toward
the spectator. The head was brought
out in mastery relief against shadoWed
backgrounds and painted In the artist
sst styie; bold, free, and uneonvention-
showing no signs Of lis hurried exc
tion. The likeness was striking IN its
ellty, giving not only the features
the Character and expression Of the
gtnal, so that the canvas seemed IN
net with life.
he following morning Wierts gave
finishing touches to his work. pat il
frame and dispatched L to Van
aeh, lnstructsng the messenger 10
lt for an answer.
de rubbed his hands with pleasure as
pictured the old gentIemen,s 5 delight
astonlshment, and anticipated the
ton which this toaF de force would
ate in artistic circles.
y aae tine the mes ngcr returned.
"a the picture Is one hand and 3 nole
ne other. HieEtz hastily dismissed
Z, opened the note and read os IoIoN.
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