ART WITH A NEW READING.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3758, 13 January 1881, Page 2

ART WITH A NEW READING.

There are not only some different view's of art in circulation, but, in the cage of the more ancient masters, various ways of explaining even the meaning which their pictures were intended to convey. The following is an example in pomt :,—An evangelical dihans was making hig, professional visit the other day in.a.rural parish, when in the back parlour of a small tradesman he perceived a.picturs which filled hsm with natural indignation. It represented—so far as medissfal -•■ar£ could do it—the Pope, the Virginj^EEj&yy and a female saint of eminence, with, tfio words " Aye Maria" beneath it.

" I am very sorry.Mrs Jones," said the clergyman to the tradesman's wife, "to see,a picture of this description hanging on the wall of so good a Protestant."

"Lor' bless ye, sir,ft she answered innocently, "• what's the matter with the picture ? " M Well, it's Popish to begin with, verj Popish."

■" I'm sure I don't know, sir. We bought it of a travelling pedlar, the other day, and thought it very pretty." . " But do you know who the persons represented, and who it signifies my good woman? "

" Well, no, sir, we are no scholards, but we think we have made out what it means." " Then what does it mean ? "... " Well, sir, this good gentlemen (the Pope), he's a making up to this young lady (the eminent female saint), but she doesn't encourage him, she don't; she turns him over to the other, and says, ' Aye Maria.' "

Peaceful and harmonious' relations in human society, the blessings of friendship* and the joys of affection can be the 'share only If him who can govern his feelings instead of allowing his feelings to govern him.