The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1913-08-13
Too Early
Perfection
By F. A. Mitchell

aoWhEQ 1uluealcE Was III dILsh III
love with his art He began to make
pictures when he was child and be-
nous. He painted all day and some
times would have painted at night had
1t been practicable. at first 1t was
love for his work alone that gave him
an interest In II. but in time he grew
accustomed to the praises 1t brought
him. Between the ages of twenty-five
and thirty-five he would go into gal
lery where one Of his masterpieces
hung on purpose to hear the encomi-
ums heaped upon It. Persons might
compliment him upon other gifts-and
he possessed several in no small de-
gree-without exciting in him the
slightest pleasure. 1t was to hear his
praises as a portrayer OF nature that
found place In his heart.
Chichester was thirty-ffve years old
when he painted the great picture of
his life. A young lady one day drove
up to his studio In her carriage. which
bore her family crest. and. alighting,
sent up her card. The artists eye
lighted with pleasure. Miss Eleanor
Gray, whose name was ON the card,
was the most beautiful woman of her
day. When she appeared at functions,
at the opera, driving out, as she passed
every head was turned to look at her.
At the time she made this visit to
Chichester her beauty was simply per-
feet Not line appeared anywhere
on her face. her complexion was a
most exquisite pink and white. and her
figure was combination of rayishing
curves.
IT have called" she said, ito ask II
you could be induced TO paint my por-
trait / know 1t is a great deal to ask
Of the most famous living artist, but
you VIII, won't your"
Chichester stood gazing at her. wrap
ped In admiration Of her beauty, for
some time before he replied.
IT can do greater Justice to your
beauty" he said. by using you as a
model in a picture I am painting rep
springtime."
Paint me to show me at my best"
she replied. II have nothing but my
beauty to interest me-to be proud Of"
And l." he replied. ''could not live
without my art"
The most artistic dressmakers were |
applied 10 for designs for a costume
which would give the best effect, and |
,ne was selected ravishing in its sim
,licity. The head, neck. bust. the feet
ind lower limbs below the knee were
pared; the hair was partly concealed
Jhidester saw before him a perfection
II beauty, and he idealized IT. The re-
Iult was his chef d'oeuvre. the mar
yeious painting which was to him
What the Sistine Madonna was to Ra-
,haeL The world saw and wondered.
What Chichester and all others DEEM
d a browning glory was in fact the
Misfortune of his life He had been
climbing, had reached the crest and
must begin his descent. For time he
lid not realize this, then feared it
nd at last 1t fell upon him like a
cath stroke. He hunted everywhere
or another model that would inspire
i'm like the last one. He found one
qually attractive of its kind. but
ifferent style, child. He read sto-
les of children by Hans Christian An
ersen to Oil himself with their limo
ence. then began his work. II was
but It was not his master
iece. Then the consciousness that
e had begun his descent came to him,
nd he fell into melancholy.
Before a final giving mp of all hope
e determined to paint his former
,odel. Miss Eleanor Gray. in a new
onception. He hurried to her house
nd sent up his card. When the lady
anne down to receive him he noticed
tinge Of melancholy on her face.
why do you look sad?" he asked.
She placed a finger beside one of
er eyes and said: 81 have discovered
line there. Do you not see it?"
Chichester declared that he did not.
ut this did not reassure her. She de
AIRED that she had bloomed and must
wv pass into decay. In vain be told
sr that she had not reached the rich
It beauty to which she was destined.
at be would paint one more picture