St. Paul daily globe., 1891-05-17
AN ARTISTS STUDIO.

Visit of st. Paul Girl With One
of the Celebrated Artists of
Paris.
PARIS, April Art and artists seem
to have been favored subjects with our
American papers, for the last few
months, and while the interest is still
alive, perhaps just little account of
one sOf Paris most celebrated artists
might give passing pleasure to the
art-lOving public.
There are few names better known
than that of VuillefrOy. the animal
painter, and those who remember his
works will be glad, | am sure, to 90
with me to his studio and make his ac-
quaintance personally. | had the good
fortune to know one of his esteemed
friends. and he, knowing my propensity
to 60 where all other tourists cannot
gain entrance, asked me one day if |
would enjoy visit to the studio of
VuillefrOy; it is needless to say the in
vitation was eagerly accepted.
Some days after we started for the
proposed visit, ana on our arrival we
were uShered into a spacious, bright
atelier and | was at once presented to
the master of the charming room. He
is fine looking man, somewhat past
middle age, with bright brown eyes,
grey hair, moustache and whiskers,
skin as fair and fresh as child'S. His
face has an expression of strength and
force, and at the same time expresses
the almost mildneSS and kindlineSS of
character.
He is rather fleshy and medium
height. His manner was most cordial
and interesting. AS we entered he was
lNt1ci ApIyx ,nIn
but in spite of our remOnStranceS he
laid them aside to chat with us and
show us his pictures.
Madam, his wife, was also there doing
a fine piece of fancy work iE imitation
| of old tapestry, while a son was EN-
gagged in all acquarelle painting. The
studio, as | said, is large and very
bright. The walls are partially con-
cealed by old tapestries. There are a
number of handsomely carved desks
and cases, here and there statuette,
four or five easy chairs, easelS, a plaster
form adorned with bright Spanish
costume, and last and best his pictures.
The one that he is now painting IS per-
hapS as perfect as any that he has yet
painted.
1t IS Spanish scene: in the fore
ground is gentle slope covered with a
soft, bright carpet of wild flowers and
grasses; just descending the county
road over the slope comes struggling
| procession of calves, mules, with gor-
geous red and blue trappings, few
| sheep and woman with babe in her
arms; she is dressed i'll a gay peasant cos
tune. In the background are seen the
beautiful mountains stretching away in
the distance all aglow with their
wonderful purple and golden color
! q l1iO
flooded with the sunlight of a midday
in early autumn. | think this picture
is destined for the Berlin exposition.
There is one completed for the salon,
and very large panel painting ordered
by the city of Paris for the Hotel de
| Vile. 1t is a scene in the BoiS du
| Boulogne.
The largest picture there was taken
| in the grounds of his own chateau. 1t
is closely wooded stretch of land and
among the trees many groupes of COWS
are feeding on the tall grass; they are
plump sleek cattle and look
way been simply transferred from
their pasture to the canvas
The chateau was originally built by
Louis XIV. for Casslnl, the great astron.
omer, and all ancestor of Vuillefroy
Cassini, the painter. The masterpiece
of Vuillefroy is considered to be the re-
turn of the herd, which is at the LuXem-
bourg, but he has also others which are
almost as much admired. One of hi:
fine pictures is owned by L. 3. Walker
of Minneapolis. and at a recent state
fair in Minnesota some of his pictures
were on exhibition.
He was medaled in 10, received a
second medal in rs and In 80 was Gre
ated Chevalier de la legion d'honneul
and Hors Concours. Thus we have a
slight sketch of himself and a glimpse
of his studio, and trust you have en-
joyed the visit. ID. W. ID.