The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-07

Lupton. whose fame as an artist won
for him the proud title the Michael
Angelo Of the new world Mr.. LuptOn
was not especially proud Of this dis
tiuction because he always claimed
that artists We're born artists, and that
he could not see why the enchanting
gift Of the Infinite might not be be
slowed upon him as we'll as on a son
OF Italy.
Mr.. Lupton had among his numerous
patrons the cultured and wealthy peo-
pie of ST. Louis, but he was too philo-
EoDhical to know the value OF money,
consequently they received the benefit
OF his masterful skill at very little cost
to them
"On the day following the assassina-
tiOn Of Abraham Lincoln. April IL, 1868,
] called at MI Lupton's studio and
found him, like scores of others in that
Hgtle town, almost Frustrated with grief
over the calamity which had befallen
the nation. On his easel before him was
a large canvas which he gazed at with
more than ordinary interest Running
his long, bOny fingers nervOusly through
his hair. which hung well down upon
his shoulders, he said, If the inspiration
does not fail me my masterpiece will be
placed upon that canvas
Who viii be your subject?' I asked.
Abraham Lincoln. the martyr was
his reply. Until this is completed he
added no other work will be done in
this studio. and no other thoughts shall
occupy my mind.
his former associates. and though pro-
lessor of art in MoKendree college. his
recitation room was abandoned for the
time. His whole purpose. he declared.
was to bring 10 life the ideal statesman
when the portrait was finished, or
The dead brought to life. Mr.. LuptOn
emerged from his den and invited his
friends to cTitfcise his master piece
There were but few cOnnisseurs in
the little village. but the solemn
thoughtful features of the great eman-
CiDator were familiar to all Of the in
ha bitants of Illinois. Among those who
viewed the portrait on the opening day
was Rev Robert Allyn, d. D.. president
Of Mckendree college. who stood with
uncovered head. remarked with deep
emotion. We should remove the sandals
from our feet for wherein we stand is
hallOWed ground
"A few days later I called again for
the purpose of trying TO purchase the
painting. but realizing my poverty was
reluctant TO make my business known.
Finally. however I asked what he
would take for the portrait Mr. Lup-
ton said that ] could not have called at
q more oppOrtune time for he was in
great need OF a little cash. Little cash
gave me courage because I had but lit
tie of that article.
John I inquired. what will you
take for this portrait OF LincOln2
i don't like to sell it, but 7 do need
g little money today he replied.
Well what VIII you take for it?'
spot CaSnt
" Yes. in cash
d" III take $50
That is just $40 more than have
I replied.
After a half hours 'dieIering in
conformity with the customs of the
country and the Impoverished conditions
Of the seller and purchaser. I became
the owner Of this wonderful creation. fl
costing me Sl7 i'm cash, two small oil
paintings, a shotgun and a revolver.
Portrait painters of more than local
distinction and renown and lovers OF
art from St. Louis and other cities
went to Lebanon to see the portrait
which had been the subject Of many
complimentary editorials and articles
In the Globe-Democrat, Republic and
other ST. Louis newspapers. Among
those who saw and admired the great
production was H. w. Chase. a cele-
brated artist of st. Louis. who left dis
appointed because I refused to sell il
to him for $780,
Since have owned this portrait Il
has been on exhibition i'm St Louis. cen
fral Illinois. Burlington. Iowa. and other
admits and By all art critics il has been