New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-08
RESCUING FORKS OF ART.
FRISCO BY MUINI-RAPHAEL's CAESAR BoRGIA
LION OF CHAERoNEA.

FRESCO BY MUINI-RAPHAEL'S CAESAR BORG1A
LION OF CHAERoNEA.
Florence Sept 2O.-The discovery Of a beautiful
fresco in the old Church Of Santa Maria deg Angoli,
In Lugano has caused considerable excitement among
artists OF Italy. While busting and cleaning tho walls
OF the church few days ago the workman happened 10
break a piece OF the plaster, and, TO his astonsh
ment. beneath It part OF the figure OF Madonna
After the covering had been carefully removed from
the WALL q beautiful painting representing The Flight
from Egypt was disclosed to view. Several experts
who have examined the esco believe 1t TO be the WORK
Of Bernardo Lun, while others think 1t the product OF
the brush OF one of his pupils. Word was sent to
Milan regarding the discovery, and committee Of
artists was appointed TO examine the painting They
will endeavor to decide upon It's authorship IN a short
time. 1t Is supposed that other interesting discoveries
will be made in the church.
Excitement over the sale Of Raphaers portrait Of
Caesar Borgia by Prince Francesca BOrghese to Baron
Aphonse R0hschlld, OF Paris, has not entirely sub
sided. 1t is possible that the Government will take
steps to induce the Frcnchman to rellnquish posses
sion Of the famous painting although IL Is not be-
Iieved that 1t can compel him to return 1t to Rome.
The disposal and transport of the portrait were
coupled with many difficulties. The paintings In the
Gallera Borghese entaed and belong to single
member OF the princely family. According to the
laws of the house and the Government, painting
be removed from the gallery unless 1t is replaced
When Prince Borghese found tho opportunity to dis
pose the Caesar Borga at the large price offered by
Baron Rothschd he selected a PeruHnO q Lorenzo
di Crcdi, Lorenzo Lotto and Francesca Francia
from his private gallery take its place in the Gal
lera Borghese. The four paintings submitted
to Government Art Commission which pronounced
them fully as precious as the Caesar Borgia.
With that official decision, difficulty In the way
Of the Prince surmounted. But the Government,
by virtue OF the Edict Pacca, fogblddng the ex-
portation Of paintings which have especial and ac-
knOwledged value for art and instruction." hoped TO
retain the picture Italy. The Minister Of Fine Arts and
the Art Commission, suspcioun Of Prince FranceScO's
intention, notified him Of the terms OF the ect, and took
MEASURES TO prevent the expectation OF the painting.
Borghese tried in vain to convince the Minister and
his colleagues that the Caesar Borsa did not
peculiar educational and artistic qualities and was.
therefore, not subject TO the Edict Pacca. Despite
the watcfulncss of the authorities however the paint
Ing was taken to Paris How this was done. one is
supposed to know. Baron Rothschd himself attended
the transfer" and Prince Borghese simply connived,
il IS SAID at his actions. As he took active part
in the removal OF tie painting from his private palace
ii is probable that he be held accountable for
lis loss. The Government, however, fearing the repe
tton Of the transaction, may decide, 1t is said to make
n test Of the removal Of the Caesar Borgia
Artistic circles OF Greece and Italy manifest great
interest in the coming restoration OF the famous Lion
OF Chaeronca,' the monument to the Athen!ans and
Thebans who fell in the battle against Philip OF
MacedOn 1913 H. c. The large marble work has fallen
10 pieces In the long course OF centuries Some Of the
fragments ara covered by mounds OF EARTH while others
have been transferred to the British Museum. Tie
Government Of Greece has granted appropriation
Of 10000 draehmas to pay for the excavation of the
pieces still at Chaeronea and for copies OF the
fragments In the British Museum The Archaeological
Society OF Athens has supplemented the amount with
additional subscription OF 80, 600 drachmas, thus
insuring the completion OF the interesting work.
One foreign sculptor and two Hellenic have been
entrusted with the res toratOn of the monument The
work. however, is to he carried Oh under the auspices
OF the various foreign and native archaeological
societies now In the Nations capital.