The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-01
GENERAL GRANT IN BRONZE.
He Has Been Sitting to an Artist for
Portrait Bust.

he has Been Sitting to an Artist for q
Portrait Bust.
Ever since General Grants recent illness be-
gan his family have been anxious to secure a
portrait bust of him. When the great improve
ment in bis condition occurred two weeks ago,
and he began to gain strength in the bright
April sunshine. this hope was revived. The
General himself regarded the idea with appro-
baton and expressed his willingness to sit for
the artist. Col Fred Grant engaged the services
of Prof Rupert Schmid, the Munich sculptor
whose busts of Pope Leo XIII and several
prominent Americans are so favoraby
known One week ago last Thursday the
artist made his first call at the house
Since then he has had four sttings and
now the work needs but Il few finishing touches
on the drapery and accessories to render 1T com
plete. World reporter saw the bust yesterday
afternoon at Professor Schmids studio. No $40
West Thirteenth street 1t is of life size, one
quarter length A glance shows it to be faith
full reproduction of General Grants features, a
trifie too exact, perhaps, showing the sharply
drawn lines which much suffering has wrought
Upon his countenance military cloak is
draped in graceful folds about the shoulders.
The bust rests upon design of crossed cannon
surrounded by an eagle with outstretched wings
and the treatment Of the whole work is forceful
and picturesque
'Atter one more sitting hope to complete
the bust" said Professor Schmid, land then
expect the General will sign it with his auto
graph I shall never forget the kindness and
affability with which General Grant, in spite of
his pain and sickness, received me, and the
patience he displayed throughout ali the sittiLgs
Just ten days ago Colonel Fred Grant notified
me that his father was ready to accord me a
sitting. That afternoon called at the house
and was shown to General Grants room He
greeted me cordially, and, although he spoke
but little, was at once impressed with his
kindness. Without any aid from his valet and
leaning but slightly his cane. he advanced
across the room to a chair near the window. His
step was quite slow, and ne looked weak and
worn. Still his eye was bright, and a faint
tinge of red frightened his cheeks. He sat
down slowly resting his arms on the sides of
the chair and settled into an easy position, with
his shoulders slightly dropping and his head
trife bent, as if in deep thought Now and then
he would smile pleasantly in response to one OF
the family who addressed him, and occasionally
he spoke few words to me about art matters
on the continent and in this country. Unfortu-
nately my command of the English language is
far from perfect. so that much conversation was
out of the question.
1.-THE Generals manner Is cordial that it
does not require many words from him to con
vince one of his good nature aad sympathy. 1t
is no wonder that his old soldiers, his host of
friends, and. in fact, all of his countrymen, are
SO devoted 30 him. After half an hours sketch
ing withdrew. Since that day 1 have had
four sittings of half an hour each,
and the work has progressed rapid
ly. AS the bust assumed q more
interest in it. Last Thursday afternoon paid
my last visit to him, and he examined the por-
trait carefully. He said: 1T is a good likeness
how soon can you finish itl When told him
that next Wednesday would probably see it's
completion, he expressed much satisfaction.
II think have obtained good likeness, said
Professor Schnlid, pointing with some pride to
the bust as it stood in the sunlight in the center
of his studio. The face has a somewhat worn
look, but shall remove that and feel conf
dent that will, after one more sitting be able
to present a faithful likeness of General Grant
as he appeared before he was Frustrated by the
cancer. forgot to tell you that / watched in
the vicinity of the house several times during
the week in order to catch the pose of the Gen.
erals body as he walked through the street OF
course that gave me better idea than could
obtain by observing him as he sat in his easy
chair
zone feature that has impressed me deeply is
the even balance of the different temperaments
in General Grant. His head has the most per-
feet contour of any have seen for a long time
You observe how full and well rounded out the
upper part of the forehead is, showing great in
tellectual power. And then, what the phrenolo-
gsts call the bumps of combativeness and firm
ness are especially well developed. See 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.'
.sHave tho family seer the bust yetF
mo. not yet; but tomorrow l expect that
Col Fred Grant, the Rev. DIR. Newman and Dr.
Douglas will call hero to inspect it, believe
Mr. George w. Childs, of Philadelphia, and
other friends of General Grant will also be here
Co morrow IL the bust proves satisfactory,
which expect it will, it will be executed in
bronze very soon.'
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