Rensselaer Union, Volume 5, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 March 1873 — How a Fainting was Sold. [ARTICLE]

How a Fainting was Sold.

A GEKMAN artist who had recently arrived, in this country, found himself financially in a very straitened condition. His cash had almost given out, and he had no resources beyond a beautiful landscape painting, whieh he considered one of his finest efforts. In this condition he was directed to apply to Mr. Corcoran, who was then collecting the great art gallery which has made his name known all over the land, and the artist made his way to Washington. His cash balance was just sufficient to take him there, and with trembling steps he made his appearance before the banker and asked him to examine the painting. Mr. Corcoran looked at it critically through 1 a gold eye-glass. “What do you want for it?” he asked. The artist reflected. It was his masterpiece: he was in a strange city, without friends or money.- and finally answered “$300.” “Three hundred dollars!” exclaimed the banker; “three hundred dollars! I won’t give it.” “Two hundred dollars, then.” “ Two hundred dollars. I wouldn’t take it at any price.” The artist made his way out of the house, and sorrowfully and with much difficulty returned to New York, where lie laid the result of his visit before his friends. The merits of the picture having reached the ears of some connoisseurs, they examined it, and pronounced upon it in the highest terms. “What shall I do?” asked the artist of them, one of whom gave him a piece of advice, upon which he acted. The picture was placed in a large art-hall. Notice was given that the beautiful landscape, by the celebrated German artist , valued at $lO,000, was on exhibition at the art-gallery." It was examined by connoisseurs, and critics, and descriptions of its beauty appeared in the principal New York papers. Particular care was taken that the criticisms should come under the eye of Mr. Corcoran who immediately sent on his picture purveyor to New York, and the picture was purchased at its valuation. : St. Louis Democrat. • “