The Washington times., 1921-03-31
CARVING 0NbEAN
Wins HIGH PRAISE
Head of Christ, Done by Con-
vict Who Was Executed, Is
Termed Masterpiece.

NEW YORK, March 31.-A carving
OF the head of Christ, in which in
tensity of suffering is expressed In
space no larger than that of a silver
dollar. has Just been exhibited to the
public for the first time in its tragic
history. That this marvellous minia-
ture reproduction of the death agony
OF Christ on the cross was inspired by
the genius of great though un-
known artist Is the opinion OF ex-
perts who have viewed it. The price,
less little masterpiece Is now in the
possession of Mrs. Oliver HARTMAN.
of 142 East Fifty-sixth street. this
city.
The carving has won the admira-
tion of prelates and the high approv-
al of artists. The head Is carved in
relief on the concave pod of Florida
bean, with half the outer sheell Of the
bean making frame for it. One
must use a microscope to perceive the
delicacy of the carving, which brings
out the features with tender detail.
with tears coursing down the cheeks.
Long exposure has hardened the pod
until is now like yellow ivory.
The creator of the miniature mas
terpiece lies in an unknown grave In
Spanish Honduras, the victim of
death punishment inflicted by the law
Of the land. But the gem he has ere
ated has inspired artists, prelates and
laymen alike to a spirit of humility
such as might be caused by the liv-
ing presence of the Master.
The story it's custodians have heard
Of 1t Is that it was made in 1895 by
man awaiting death in Guatemala
prison. On the way to execution he
passed a small package to his tailer
to be given to the family Of the con-
demned with the words: This is my
last message"
1t remained a souvenir in the family
several years. and it was then ac-
cepted in discharge of a debt by man
who held a lien on the family home.
This new owner kept il for fifteen
years. admiring it. but with no
thought of Ats art value, and then he
gave.it to a Senior Navia, the son of
a boyhood companion. After holding
1t for four years in Madrid, Senor
Navia came to New York. where he
became enamored of Miss Sonia Nord-
strom. Upon their bethrothal several
years ago he presented the carving to
her. Since then she has had financial
difficulties.
When 1T was first entrusted to Mrs.
she showed it to the late
blsnOp Burcn, VINO assured her II was
the most satisfying portrayal Of
Christ's face he had ever seen. He
1t "Christus de Profundis."
Mrs. McFadden says that at the in
stance of Bishop NJ. j. Curley. Of the
diocese of Florida, she took II to the
late Cardinal Gibbons, who blessed 1t,
kissed it three times and said: You
have treasure. 1 haveN nsver seen
anything SO exquisite"
Frederick Macmonnies, the sculp-
tor. said of 1t: THE little head is god
like and infinitely appealing and ten
der in it's agony. The master sculptor
who made it must come through a
life SO drenched in sorrow that he
was able to carve into that stricken
face the soul of suffering"
When the other prelates and artists
added their praise, Mrs. McFadden
brought the carving to the attention
,f Mrs. Hartman, who was deeply
impressed with it and arranged a pri- |
gate view. 1t is the purpose of the |
,ustodians to try to make searching
INQUIRIES concerning the Guatemalan |
prisoner, in order to bring him posthu-
nous credit for mastery in pictorial |
sculpture.