AN ARTIST’S STRATAGEM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1022, 26 October 1882, Page 3

AN ARTIST’S STRATAGEM.

One of the most distinguished artists in Paris recently painted for a lady occupying a brilliant position in society her portrait, with the intention of placing it in an exhibition soon afterwards. The lady for a long time celebrated for her beauty, but now over 50 years of age, had her portrait taken in the most graceful attitude, with all possible advantages, splendidly dressed, and leaning on an armchair smiling in the looking-g ass, which was expected to return the most amiable compliments. The painter made a most striking likeness, but this was a great mistake—a flattering one was expected, and the lady subsequently declared that she did not recognise herself in this painting, and the portrait was left on the painter’s hands. Attacked in his pride of talent, and in his finances, the artist had not philosophy enough to see a portrait of 3000 f left coolly on bis hands, and an idea of vengeance presenting itself to his mind, he put it into execution at once. A few days before the one fixed for the private reception of pictures at the Louvi’e, the lacy was secretly informed that her portrait was ornamented with certain accessories rather compromising her. She went immediately to the artist, and there was the portrait, the same striking likeness certainly ; but the painter bad thuned the hair on the head of the picture, and the lady so faithfully painted held in her h ind several tresses of false hair. On the toilet were several small flasons or small bottles, labelled thus: ‘whitewash,’ ‘ vegetable red,’ ‘cosmetic, to efface wrinkles,’ ‘blonde water, to dye the hair in a minute.’ ‘lt is abominable,’ said the lady, greatly excited. ‘Of what do you complain V coolly replied the artist. ‘ Have you not declared that it is not your portrait ? You are right, it is a mere fancy sketch, and it is with this view I shall present it to the public.’ What, sir ! do you intend to exhibit this painting?’ ‘Certainly, madam ; but as a cabinet picture, as the catalogue will indicate it, under the title of Coquette of Fifty Years.’ At this the lady fainted, and on her recovery imniediatly paid for her portrait. The accessories were effaced in her presence, the portrait reduced to its original state, and the three thousand francs transferred to the purse of the painter.