Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-05-09
TO LIVE IN BRONZE.
GEN. GRANT GIVES FOUR STRINGS Tu
A GERMAN SCULPTOR.
rroG schsnid Tells Hcw the General APP
pesred and Acted When He Was Under
Tho Schiptor's Eye Patient, Ana
BILE and Much Interested. 4F


Grants recent, illness began his family have
boon anxious to secure portrait bust Of him.
When the great improvement in his con-
dition occurred two weeks ago, and he be-
gan to gain strength in the bright April sun
shine, this hcpe was revived. The general
himself regarded the idea with appreciation
and expressed his willingness to sit for the
artist Col Fred Grant engaged the SER
vices OF Prof. Rupert Schmid, the Munich
sculptor, whose bursts Of Pope Leo XIII,
and several prominent Americans are so fa-
vorably known. One week ago last Thurs
lay the artist made his first call at the
house. Since then he has had four sittings,
and now the work needs but few finishing
touches on the drapery and accessories TO
render it complete. A reporter saw the bust
at Prof. Schmid's studio, No. $40 West Thir-
teenth street II is OF life size, one-quarter
length A glance shows it to be faithful
reproduction of Gen Grants features, a tri-
10 too exact, perhaps showing the sharply
1rawn lines which much suffering has
| wrought upon his countenance. A military
cloak is draped II aceful folds about the
shoulders Tn Is upon design OF
crossed cannon .4JAnted by an eagle with
outstretched wings, and the treatment OF the
whole work is forceful and picturesque.
AFTER one more sitting hope TO complete
:he bust, y said Prof. Schmid, land then
expect the general win sign it with his auto
graph, shall never forget the kindness and
iffability with which Gen. Grant, In spite OF
ais pain and sickness, received me, and the
patience he displayed throughout all the sit
iings. Just ten days ago Col. Frod Grant
notified me that his father was ready to ac-
.ord me sitting. That afternoon called
1t the house and was shown to Gen. Grants
room. He greeted mo cordially, and, al
though he spoke but little, ! was. at once inn
pressed with his kindness. Without any aid
from his valet and leaning but slightly on
ais cane he advanced across the room to
,hair near the window His step was
quite slow and he looked weak and worn
Still his eye was bright and faint tinge
IF red frightened his cheeks Ho sat down
slowly, resting his arm on the sides
If the chair, and settled into an
easy position with his shoulders slight
| " dropping and his head trihe
oent, as il in deep thought. Now and than
ne would smile pleasantly In response to some
one of the family who addressed him, and
occasionally he spoke few words to me
about art ma tiers ON the continent and in
this country. Unfortunately my command
Of the English language is far from perfect,
SO that much conversation was out OF the
question.
"fhe generals manner is so cordial that it
does not require many words from him to
convince one of his good nature and sympa
thy 1t is no wonder that his old soldiers,
his host of friends, and in fact all of his
countrymen, are so devoted to him. After
half an hours sketching withdrew. Since
that day have had four sittings of half an
honr each, and the work has progressed rap
idly. As the bust assumed a more finished
| appearance, the general showed much inter
est in it. Last Thursday afternoon paid
| my last visit to him, and he examined the
| portrait carefully. He said; 1t is good
likeness How soon can you finish itp When
| told him he expressed satisfaction.
| 81 think have obtained good likeness"
said Prof. Schmid, pointing with some pride
| to the bust as it stood In the sunlight in the
center OF his studio 1.-THE face has some
| what worn look. but shall remove that,
I and / feel confident that will after one
more sitting, be able TO present faithful
likeness of Gen. Grant as he appeared be-
| fore he was Frustrated by the cancer. for
| got to tell you that watched IN the vicinity
| Of the house several times NJ the week
| in order to catch the pose ,ue generals
body as he walked through the street. OF
l course that gave me better idea than
could obtain by observing him as he sat in
his easy chair.
"One feature that has impressed me deeply
| is the even balance Of the differ
! ent temperaments In Cen Grant. His
head has the most perfect contour Of
any l have seen for q long time. You observe
how full and and well rounded out the up
per part Of the forehead is showing great
intellectual power. And then, what the
phrenologists call the bump Of combative-
ness Is especially well developed. Sec how
broad the head is and how full at the upper
part of the back head. The top Is broad and
high, showing much religious feeling"
"Have the family seen the bust YETI
mo, not yet; but expect that Col Fred.
Grant, the Rev. DIR. Newman and DR.. Doug
las will call here to inspect il. believe Mr.
George W. Childs, OF Philadelphia, and
other friends Of Gen, Grant will also come
II the bust proves satisfactory, which ! ex-
pect It will, il win bsexecuted In bronze very
| soon
The wife and daughter of II. c. Burke
were drowned ia q ci.n'rn, at Arkadelphia.
/ rrt,., ,,,.,,h.r sau, fba child fall in and lnad