The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-06-11
beloved mother. What shall I sign this
my last picturo odde07'

| beloved mother. What snail sign this
| my last picture, Taddeo?"
Sign II with the name that will make
| you immortal. that will bring down your
| fame to posterity." cried the hermit
sign II 'Correggio.'
| Antonio wrote slowly Oil the lower
| edge Of the picture: III Corr ,gyio In
| limine mortis pinxit II August, 1884,"
| (Corr'gg painted II IN the threshold OF
dcath) Then the great masters AMI
sank tack on the couch. his eyes turn al
toward picture Of Christ on the wall.
his arms stretched out toward MS wife
and children. and he passed away.
But his great soul, before leaving Its
earthly prison, had revealed itself once
more In all its sublimest beauty m the
masterpiece which still lay on the deal
mans couch. II was the last angel OF
Corregglo. his farewell greeting 10 tho
world. and the halo which surrounds his
memory.
On the evening OF the next day tn
whole village OF Co.rcsgio. the highest
officials and the noblcst Inhabitants OF
Parma and the country round. focled 20
the painters house 10 witness the funeral.
The man whose whole life had been one
continual struggle with poverty, hunger,
and cares Of all sorts was. as soon as the
grave closed over him, suddenly pro
nounCed a genius by his cont cmporarios
1t was noticed that Brother Tadieo.
though Antonio's truest friend. was not
present at the funeral Nobody could ex-
plain the absence, though many tongue
was busy at the task. A few months
later the riddle was solved. to the benefit
and Joy Of the painters distressed family.
All the reigning houses from all parts
OF Italy had sent agents 70 the village
OF Correggio to purchase sketches draw
t..or- ,-r{v 81
Antonios widow, who was ignorant OF
the ways Of the world and oppressed by
poverty and selfish advisers, had con-
scented to a public auction OF the painters
remaining works. The day when this
was 10 take place had arrived After the
sketches, drawings and other objects Of
art had been sold CorreEgiO's great mas
terpiece his Last Angel" was put up.
IL was started at ten ducats The agent
of the Duke of Mantua offered three
more; another five more. and at last this
pearl Of all the paintings Of Correggio |
was about to be assigned TO the agent |
OF Duke Ferdinand OF Este for thirty |
three ducats'
At This moment the door flew open and |
a knight entered in full armor. with
clasting spurs and sword. He walked up
TO the table. where the picture lay, and
threw his gauntlet on it.
I'm the name Of Francis I, King OF
France''-he spoke with a deep. sonorous
offer twenty thousand ducats
for this picture"
All the clamoring voices hushed and
everJ body looked amazed; but not even
the boldest OF the agents dared to offer
resistance.
The painting was allotted to King Fran
Els I. Before the knight took possession
Of the treasure he uncovered his head,
partly in homage to his sovereign and
partly in reverence OF the departed mas
ter. The widow and her children, as well
Is the villagers. recognized the hermit.
How can we ever thank you. Signor
raddeo?" cried Monica, in deep emotion.
You have saved his memory and us.
Nay Heaven bless you and reward you"
do not thank me, Signora," replied
raddeo; ut is the King Of France. the
,atron Of all arts and science. who has
aved you. 1 have done nothing but call
IFS attention to the genius Of our beloved
departed one. and to the restitution OF
lis family"
After having intrusted a special messen- {
er OF the king with the precious picture, {
'addeo left the room.
Where are you going now, Signor
'addeo?' asked Monica.
Back TO my hermitage, never 10 leave
again until / may be united with my q
eloved Correggio," was his reply. !.