Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-12-04
IN PRISON FOR DEBT.

It was at the time that Antoine
Wiertz, the Belgian artist, was aston
ishing the world, particularly the worli
of art, by his productions. SO powerfully
conceived and SO flttingly executed
which are today to be seen in the Wiert,
museum. Henri Conscience, the cele
brated Flemish novelist. was at one
time guardian Of that museum.
As rule, Wiertz would only paint
grand historical and philosophical sub
jects, but he occasionally broke his rule
and painted portrait. The number o1
those who solicited the honor of sitting
to him was naturally great But the
artist did not make the favor too com
mon. As rule, he would only grant II
to his intimate personal friends, or te
spns one whose physi0gnomy attracted
his attention by reason Of it's popularity.
One day he was called on by wealthy
lawyer named Van Speck, who was anx.
ious to sit for his portrait, and who
came to inquire about Wiertz's terms
The lawyer had . physiognomy which
was known among artists from Brussels
to Brabant. He was the head Of a large
and fourishing business, but was known
to be very misery. He was niggardly
in all things. There were many rumorf
current illustrating his stinginess, but
the artist did not care about them.
What conquered Wiertz at once was the
mans head and face, which he resolved
to put on canvas.
That head was real delight to the
artist. The top of the skull was bald,
the forehead gathered into many wrin-
kles; the heavy eyelids lay on two eyes
that, little and piercing, cleaned out
like those of cat. His nose was Of ap-
proved Semitic pattern; his lips, prop
erly speaking, had disappeared and
nothing remained to indicate the posi-
tion they had formerly occupied save a
thin streak Of faint red, about as broad
as the edge Of sharp knife. His cheeks
were pallid, and his chin came to q
point. He was clean shaven, and looked
exceedingly sharp and angular as he
posed before the artist.
Wiertz darted keen glance at bis
visitors interesting face, and as the
lawyer talked the artist was drawing
him in his mind-the lines, the traits,
and the tout ensemble were secured un-
known to the sitter, who, in fact, did
not suspect that he was sitting for his
picture. Wiertz knew that he would
make a masterpiece of the work.
"What are your terms. sir?"
"Ten thousand francs"
Whereupon Master Van Speck leaped
out Of his chair with surprise at the an
nouncement. We're 1t matter Of time
only, he could quite understand that
10000 francs should be demanded for a
short sitting-in fact, he often charged
SO much himself, but to think that he
was going to pay SO much to man foI
simply daubing a piece of canvas with
paints Of different colors-no, that was
little too much.
So Wiertz reconsidered the matter, as
he did not wish to lose the opportunity.
=. "Well, sir, he said. cit is my ordi-
nary price, but as your face interests
me, and I hope to be able to make a
good picture out of it, don't mind re-
ducing my terms. How much do you
value your portrait at yourself.
The lawyer offered a ridiculously low
sum, about which the artist disputed
less for the sake of the money than to
keep hts visitor as long as possible, sc
as to make the best mental photograph
of him. At last the price of {, 900 francs
was fixed upon, and Van Speck rose to
leave, saying:
when do you want me to come for a
sitting?'
''Oh, there's no hurry" replied the
artist. II am very busy at present. If II
makes no difference to you, we will take
, day next week. I'll write and let you
know what day."
"That will suit me very we'll. Good
by for the present. +"
As soon as Van Speck had left the
ateliey, Wiertz rushed to bis easel and
began to sketch feverishly. He knew
that he should make a brilliant success
of tho lawyers picture, and he wished
to have it done as soon as possible. he
painted through the day without inter
mission, and when. night closed in the
picture was already in its frame. The
portrait was a living likeness. Van
Speck stared straight at the spectator
his elbows rested ON table which was
covered with books, letters, pens-in
short, everything that would surround a
lawyer who had posed in his office.
On the following day the artist re-
touched, improved and finished the pic
ture. Then he had it packed up and sent
to the notary by porter.
HTake that to M. Van Speck, the law
yer of Rue des Vieux Parchemins, " said
he. "Wait till it is opened and bring
an answer back with you.'
Then Wiertz rubbed his hands glee-
fully. He expected the lawyer to burst
in upon him, anxious to congratulate
him on his brilliant success. But an
hour later the porter returned with the
case on his back and note in his hand
for the artist.
"What's that?"
why, the case opened in the hall,
duu LII. V al CpcCh CdIuo uUWu u 6eo IL.
When he saw the picture, he made an
ugly face-nothing more. he seemed
quite furious. He turned his back on
me and wrote this note. Then he told
me to bring the case back to you; sc
I've brought it. You owe me 4 francs. >
Wiertz dismissed the porter and reae
| the note:
S1R-I do not believe in letting people MAX
q Laughing stock Of me; particularly ob1ec
| to an artist doing it. 1t was agreed that
should come to you for sittings and that yo'
should paint my portrait. Naturally took
| for granted that it would be done properly
! You have allowed yourself to act toward m
! with very doubtful taste, and you seem to hin
/ that am not worth sitting 1t is no less in
sulting to me than it is contemplate OF you
Iwanted my portrait, and here you send me
thing which bears no resemblance to me.
am sending it back to you and shall not CIV
4 you sittings. don't care to have anythln
more to do with an artist who has such 10y
i idea Of the dignity Of his profession. Yours
ETC., VAN SPEcA'
Wiertz burst into roar Of laughte
when he had finished reading the epistle
Then he began. in the quiet OF hd
ataler. to express his oninion of tn