The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1886-09-07
George Eliot's Portrait--A Personal Re-
miuiscanca

EDITOR GAzETTE:-Ihe sudden death at Geneva.
June 9th, OF NJ, dAlbert Durade snaps one more
link binding past and present To the Genevan.
NJ dAlbent Duraders name is known prl-
marlly as an artist OF merit: to the English
speaking and reading world his name is better
known IN connection with George Eliot and her
works. None who has read the life and letters of
George Eliot, edited by her husband, can fail to
remember the artist d'Albert and his wife, with
whom the, then but little known, but afterwards
famous authoress passed happy months: in whose
possession also, as We learned after her death,
was the only authentic portrait ever taken of
George Eliot. The pleasure l experienced in an
introduction to the artist can well be imagined,
and when heard his quantity worded invitation
to come and see the portrait. am ALWAYS at
home between one and two If young lady cares
TO visit an old man." Perhaps be did not con-
ceive the delight his permission gave me. As the
kind old man led me before the portrait nv heart
thrilled, and my ewes filled with tears. His ewes
were not clearer than mine as with shaking voice
be told me of the beautiful character so beloved
by those who knew her. Monsieur dAlbert said
be could not paint her face as was for changed
with the swiftness Of thought, and her ewes were
never two moments alike. Wnen she and Madame
d'Albert met an instantaneous sympathy estab-
lshed itself between them. and not many days
passed before the latter adopted the dimlnutive
- Minnie" which Miss Evans loved to hear, 1t
sounded " SO homelike.' They did not know at
first that she was an autho-ess; and others did not
know It until long after. They marveled at her
intelligence, for there was not subject preached,
upon which she could not speak and speak well.
1t would be an error TO suppose that l saw the
original painting. visit from MIR. Cross a few
weeks before prevented my enjoying that distinc-
ton, as NJ. d'Albert had given him the original.
saw an exact copy, by the artists own hand.
For some reason, probably owing TO an execra-
bic sketch which appeared after her death, l had
imagined George Eliot 10 be brunette, and was &C.
cordingly surprised on seeing the clear blue eyes
and golden red hair. The face, / speak of the
portrait of her in youths powerful-full of ex-
preston, and thus maryelously life-like. The
features are, If you like little, masculine, but
very hne. The eyes are of the most remarkable
shape, the lower nd forming straight line, but
the effect is very pleasing. The throat is wonder
ful, and reminded me instantly Of the vivid de-
scriptlon OF that OF GTendolen HarcoUrt, IN
" Daniel Deronda.' The whole produced upon
me an impression of life which was almost start
ling.
Monsieur G'Albert certainly e1celled in por-
trait painting. Very near hang portrait Of his
wife who must have been radiantly beautiful.
In another room hung picture which interested
me very much. Ii was a bible, upon the open
leaves OF which were strewed bright roses. N.
Albert said that this bible was living thus on the
table IN Geo. Eliot room, and his wife painted Il
just as 1t was. lie SAID he had had many offers
Tor 1t, but would NOT part with It. L could readily
understand his feeling. Objects woven about
with precious memories are not to De bought with
gold. Not the last enduring monument Of NJ.
uAlbert's truly noble life Is his excellent transla-
ton into French Of Geo. Eliots works. second
edition viii soon be issued by Hachette u Co.,
Paris.
The manner of NJ. d'Albert's death was sudden
de was not i'll, though not very strong. Stand
ing al the open window breathe in the fresh air.
on Sunday afternoon, his friends suddenly no.
ticed the rigidity of his position and hurriedly
placed him IN a chair where he expired immediate
ly. In him Genevans nouns warm friend and
benefactor, for his long life full of blessing to
those about him, especially to struggling artists
His kindly face cannot but be missed but death
was TO him only permission to rejoin his loved
wife, whose death few years ago, nearly broke
his heart.