Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24

Academy of Design. 1t represented that type
of pensive loneliness which. when combined
with the early period OF budding womanhood
in Eastern lands, seems to hold the charm of a
care exotic flower. If it was said to be the
best thing Latham did on his sketching trip
TO the Orient, Latham asserts that the story
attaching to it possesses unique and thrilling
experience. In this wise Latham tells how he
came to paint The Light of the Palace.
He had wandered down from Japan with
portfolios satisfactorily filled with sketches of
geisha folk touched at Rangoon to indulge
his brush in an orgy of color and OPPORTUNITY
arrived at Calcutta to transfer to canvas the
features of the Viceroy. Then he went on to
Sultanpur to try his hand the mosque
tomb for which the place is famous Hence
he came to sit on selected spot, from which
he could obtain view in right perspective of
the glstening fabric, so ethereal in conception
and exquisite in design that many were the
artists who had gone away in despair. He
was thus occupied on one occasion when he
was startled by a voice almost in his ear.
IF the Talented One does so we'll in repro
ducing the effect of marble and bronze, surely
he can excel in painting his own kind
Latham glanced up quickly over his shoulder,
to meet a shrewd, wizened old face bent down.
ward and regarding his work intently. The
turbaned head Strengthened itself, while
Latham swept with comprehensive look a
rather understood lean figure, whose long
embroidered coat suggested a person of inn
portance. Two servants halted at respectful
distance emphasized the presumption. The
lean old man drew from within fold of his
coat an extra large size visiting card. The
card announced in Hindustani and English
characters that the possessor was Vizlr to the
King of Ghanzi Latham looked at the card,
and rising reciprocated the polite attention in
occidental fashion.
Pm glad to meet you, Vizir" he greeted.
my names Latham of New York"
The ViZir bowed as he disclosed the further
hot low or,1xy CHI
distance from Sultanpur, and that his master
had heard of the Heaven Endowed Americans
presence in the latter place. So much, in fact,
was his Highness impressed, that he had sent
his footstool, the Vizir, with request. Would
the American Sahib paint a portrait for the
King?
WHY, yes,' replied Latham, rather taken
w with the idea of exercising his skill on
an Indian potentate. should be glad to
paint the Kings portrait.
The Vizir' S keen eyes twinkled as he ran his
fingers through his henna dyed beard. 1t is
DOT portrait of himself that his Highness
wishes said the Vizir; but that of girl
"A girl?" exclaimed Latham with note of
interrogation. Into his mind swept the far
more enticing thought of painting one of the
beauties of the harem, an absolutely unique
The Vizir inclined his head slightly. YES"
he said, it is the Kings desire that you paint
the picture of a beautiful girl But it is to your
Talentship the King looks to find the girl"
What" calculated Latham, rather taken
aback HE wants me to find the girl?"
Yes, if the Heaven Gifted pleases. The
King wishes for the portrait of beautiful
oh, see," replied Latham He wants
paint an ideal picture, or one from model"
so that she is beautiful acquiesced the
the King does not otherwise care or make
ditions. But" he enjoined, her eyes must b
the opening of lotus buds, her lips as the petal
rose. her teeth like pearls, and her ears resem
the most delicate of seashells. Sahib she mt
very beautiful
well" reflected Latham, Il guess it can be
but"
but if your Talentship thinks of the price,
Vizir interposed with some eagerness, the Kin
pay ten, fifteen, even twenty, thousand IT
Only the portrait must be beautiful, such one
make any man gaze upon it with delight. to ra