第1章

byHonoredeBalzacTranslatedbyKatharinePrescottWormeleyDEDICATION

TotheLieutenant—ColonelofArtillery，Periollas，AsaTestimonyoftheAffectionateEsteemoftheAuthor，DeBalzacPIERREGRASSOU

Wheneveryouhavegonetotakeaseriouslookattheexhibitionofworksofsculptureandpainting，suchasithasbeensincetherevolutionof1830，haveyounotbeenseizedbyasenseofuneasiness，weariness，sadness，atthesightofthoselongandover—crowdedgalleries？Since1830，thetrueSalonnolongerexists。TheLouvrehasagainbeentakenbyassault，——thistimebyapopulaceofartistswhohavemaintainedthemselvesinit。

Inotherdays，whentheSalonpresentedonlythechoicestworksofart，itconferredthehighesthonoronthecreationsthereexhibited。

Amongthetwohundredselectedpaintings，thepubliccouldstillchoose:acrownwasawardedtothemasterpiecebyhandsunseen。Eager，impassioneddiscussionsaroseaboutsomepicture。TheabuseshoweredonDelacroix，onIngres，contributednolesstotheirfamethanthepraisesandfanaticismoftheiradherents。To—day，neitherthecrowdnorthecriticismgrowsimpassionedabouttheproductsofthatbazaar。

Forcedtomaketheselectionforitself，whichinformerdaystheexaminingjurymadeforit，theattentionofthepublicissoonweariedandtheexhibitioncloses。Beforetheyear1817thepicturesadmittedneverwentbeyondthefirsttwocolumnsofthelonggalleryoftheoldmasters；butinthatyear，tothegreatastonishmentofthepublic，theyfilledthewholespace。Historical，high—art，genrepaintings，easelpictures，landscapes，flowers，animals，andwater—

colors，——theseeightspecialtiescouldsurelynotoffermorethantwentypicturesinoneyearworthyoftheeyesofthepublic，which，indeed，cannotgiveitsattentiontoagreaternumberofsuchworks。

Themorethenumberofartistsincreases，themorecarefulandexactingthejuryofadmissionoughttobe。

ThetruecharacteroftheSalonwaslostassoonasitspreadalongthegalleries。TheSalonshouldhaveremainedwithinfixedlimitsofinflexibleproportions，whereeachdistinctspecialtycouldshowitsmasterpiecesonly。Anexperienceoftenyearshasshowntheexcellenceoftheformerinstitution。Now，insteadofatournament，wehaveamob；insteadofanobleexhibition，wehaveatumultuousbazaar；

insteadofachoiceselectionwehaveachaoticmass。Whatistheresult？Agreatartistisswamped。Decamps’"TurkishCafe，""ChildrenataFountain，""Joseph，"and"TheTorture，"wouldhaveredoundedfarmoretohiscreditifthefourpictureshadbeenexhibitedinthegreatSalonwiththehundredgoodpicturesofthatyear，thanhistwentypicturescould，amongthreethousandothers，jumbledtogetherinsixgalleries。

Bysomestrangecontradiction，eversincethedoorsareopentoeveryonetherehasbeenmuchtalkofunknownandunrecognizedgenius。When，twelveyearsearlier，Ingres’"Courtesan，"andthatofSigalon，the"Medusa"ofGericault，the"MassacreofScio"byDelacroix，the"BaptismofHenriIV。"byEugeneDeveria，admittedbycelebratedartistsaccusedofjealousy，showedtheworld，inspiteofthedenialsofcriticism，thatyoungandvigorouspalettesexisted，nosuchcomplaintwasmade。Now，whentheveriestdauberofcanvascansendinhiswork，thewholetalkisofgeniusneglected！Wherejudgmentnolongerexists，thereisnolongeranythingjudged。Butwhateverartistsmaybedoingnow，theywillcomebackintimetotheexaminationandselectionwhichpresentstheirworkstotheadmirationofthecrowdforwhomtheywork。WithoutselectionbytheAcademytherewillbenoSalon，andwithouttheSalonartmayperish。

Eversincethecataloguehasgrownintoabook，manynameshaveappearedinitwhichstillremainintheirnativeobscurity，inspiteofthetenoradozenpicturesattachedtothem。AmongthesenamesperhapsthemostunknowntofameisthatofanartistnamedPierreGrassou，comingfromFougeres，andcalledsimply"Fougeres"amonghisbrother—artists，who，atthepresentmomentholdsaplace，asthesayingis，"inthesun，"andwhosuggestedtheratherbitterreflectionsbywhichthissketchofhislifeisintroduced，——

reflectionsthatareapplicabletomanyotherindividualsofthetribeofartists。

In1832，FougereslivedintheruedeNavarin，onthefourthfloorofoneofthosetall，narrowhouseswhichresembletheobeliskofLuxor，andpossessanalley，adarklittlestairwaywithdangerousturnings，threewindowsonlyoneachfloor，and，withinthebuilding，acourtyard，or，tospeakmorecorrectly，asquarepitorwell。AbovethethreeorfourroomsoccupiedbyGrassouofFougereswashisstudio，lookingovertoMontmartre。Thisstudiowaspaintedinbrick—

color，forabackground；thefloorwastintedbrownandwellfrotted；

eachchairwasfurnishedwithabitofcarpetboundroundtheedges；

thesofa，simpleenough，wascleanasthatinthebedroomofsomeworthybourgeoise。Allthesethingsdenotedthetidywaysofasmallmindandthethriftofapoorman。Abureauwasthere，inwhichtoputawaythestudioimplements，atableforbreakfast，asideboard，asecretary；inshort，allthearticlesnecessarytoapainter，neatlyarrangedandveryclean。ThestoveparticipatedinthisDutchcleanliness，whichwasallthemorevisiblebecausethepureandlittlechanginglightfromthenorthfloodedwithitscoldclearbeamsthevastapartment。Fougeres，beingmerelyagenrepainter，doesnotneedtheimmensemachineryandoutfitwhichruinhistoricalpainters；

hehasneverrecognizedwithinhimselfsufficientfacultytoattempthigh—art，andhethereforeclingstoeaselpainting。

AtthebeginningofthemonthofDecemberofthatyear，aseasonatwhichthebourgeoisofParisconceive，periodically，theburlesqueideaofperpetuatingtheirformsandfiguresalreadytoobulkyinthemselves，PierreGrassou，whohadrisenearly，preparedhispalette，andlightedhisstove，waseatingarollsteepedinmilk，andwaitingtillthefrostonhiswindowshadmeltedsufficientlytoletthefulllightin。Theweatherwasfineanddry。Atthismomenttheartist，whoatehisbreadwiththatpatient，resignedairthattellssomuch，heardandrecognizedthestepofamanwhohaduponhislifetheinfluencesuchmenhaveonthelivesofnearlyallartists，——thestepofElieMagus，apicture—dealer，ausurerincanvas。ThenextmomentElieMagusenteredandfoundthepainterintheactofbeginninghisworkinthetidystudio。

"Howareyou，oldrascal？"saidthepainter。

FougereshadthecrossoftheLegionofhonor，andElieMagusboughthispicturesattwoandthreehundredfrancsapiece，sohegavehimselftheairsofafineartist。

"Businessisverybad，"repliedElie。"Youartistshavesuchpretensions！Youtalkoftwohundredfrancswhenyouhaven’tputsixsous’worthofcoloronacanvas。However，youareagoodfellow，I’llsaythat。Youaresteady；andI’vecometoputagoodbitofbusinessinyourway。"

"TimeoDanaosetdonaferentes，"saidFougeres。"DoyouknowLatin？"

"No。"

"Well，itmeansthattheGreeksneverproposedagoodbitofbusinesstotheTrojanswithoutgettingtheirfairshareofit。Intheoldentimetheyusedtosay，’Takemyhorse。’Nowwesay，’Takemybear。’

Well，whatdoyouwant，Ulysses—Lagingeole—ElieMagus？"

ThesewordswillgiveanideaofthemildnessandwitwithwhichFougeresemployedwhatpainterscallstudiofun。

"Well，Idon’tdenythatyouaretopaintmetwopicturesfornothing。"

"Oh！oh！"

"I’llleaveyoutodoit，ornot；Idon’taskit。Butyou’reanhonestman。"

"Come，outwithit！"

"Well，I’mpreparedtobringyouafather，mother，andonlydaughter。"

"Allforme？"

"Yes——theywanttheirportraitstaken。Thesebourgeois——theyarecrazyaboutart——haveneverdaredtoenterastudio。Thegirlhasa’dot’ofahundredthousandfrancs。Youcanpaintallthree，——perhapsthey’llturnoutfamilyportraits。"

AndwiththattheoldDutchlogofwoodwhopassedforamanandwhowascalledElieMagus，interruptedhimselftolaughanuncannylaughwhichfrightenedthepainter。HefanciedheheardMephistophelestalkingmarriage。

"Portraitsbringfivehundredfrancsapiece，"wentonElie；"soyoucanverywellaffordtopaintmethreepictures。"

"Trueforyou！"criedFougeres，gleefully。

"Andifyoumarrythegirl，youwon’tforgetme。"

"Marry！I？"criedPierreGrassou，——"I，whohaveahabitofsleepingalone；andgetupatcock—crow，andallmylifearranged——"

"Onehundredthousandfrancs，"saidMagus，"andaquietgirl，fullofgoldentones，asyoucall’em，likeaTitian。"

"Whatclassofpeoplearethey？"

"Retiredmerchants；justnowinlovewithart；haveacountry—houseatVilled’Avray，andtenortwelvethousandfrancsayear。"

"Whatbusinessdidtheydo？"

"Bottles。"

"Nowdon’tsaythatword；itmakesmethinkofcorksandsetsmyteethonedge。"

"AmItobringthem？"

"Threeportraits——IcouldputthemintheSalon；Imightgoinforportrait—painting。Well，yes！"

OldEliedescendedthestaircasetogoinsearchoftheVervellefamily。Toknowtowhatextendthispropositionwouldactuponthepainter，andwhateffectwouldbeproduceduponhimbytheSieurandDameVervelle，adornedbytheironlydaughter，itisnecessarytocastaneyeontheanteriorlifeofPierreGrassouofFougeres。

Whenapupil，FougereshadstudieddrawingwithServin，whowasthoughtagreatdraughtsmaninacademiccircles。AfterthathewenttoSchinner’s，tolearnthesecretsofthepowerfulandmagnificentcolorwhichdistinguishesthatmaster。Masterandscholarswerealldiscreet；atanyratePierrediscoverednoneoftheirsecrets。FromtherehewenttoSommervieux’atelier，toacquirethatportionoftheartofpaintingwhichiscalledcomposition，butcompositionwasshyanddistanttohim。ThenhetriedtosnatchfromDecampsandGranetthemysteryoftheirinterioreffects。Thetwomasterswerenotrobbed。FinallyFougeresendedhiseducationwithDuval—Lecamus。

DuringthesestudiedandthesedifferenttransformationsFougeres’

habitsandwaysoflifeweretranquilandmoraltoadegreethatfurnishedmatterofjestingtothevariousatelierswherehesojourned；buteverywherehedisarmedhiscomradesbyhismodestyandbythepatienceandgentlenessofalamblikenature。Themasters，however，hadnosympathyforthegoodlad；masterspreferbrightfellows，eccentricspirits，drollorfiery，orelsegloomyanddeeplyreflective，whicharguefuturetalent。EverythingaboutPierreGrassousmackedofmediocrity。Hisnickname"Fougeres"（thatofthepainterintheplayof"TheEglantine"）wasthesourceofmuchteasing；but，byforceofcircumstances，heacceptedthenameofthetowninwhichhehadfirstseenlight。

GrassouofFougeresresembledhisname。Plumpandofmediumheight，hehadadullcomplexion，browneyes，blackhair，aturned—upnose，ratherwidemouth，andlongears。Hisgentle，passive，andresignedairgaveacertainrelieftotheseleadingfeaturesofaphysiognomythatwasfullofhealth，butwantinginaction。Thisyoungman，borntobeavirtuousbourgeois，havinglefthisnativeplaceandcometoParistobeclerkwithacolor—merchant（formerlyofMayenneandadistantconnectionoftheOrgemonts）madehimselfapaintersimplybythefactofanobstinacywhichconstitutestheBretoncharacter。Whathesuffered，themannerinwhichhelivedduringthoseyearsofstudy，Godonlyknows。Hesufferedasmuchasgreatmensufferwhentheyarehoundedbypovertyandhuntedlikewildbeastsbythepackofcommonplacemindsandbytroopsofvanitiesathirstforvengeance。

Assoonashethoughthimselfabletoflyonhisownwings，FougerestookastudiointheupperpartoftheruedesMartyrs，wherehebegantodelvehisway。Hemadehisfirstappearancein1819。ThefirstpicturehepresentedtothejuryoftheExhibitionattheLouvrerepresentedavillageweddingratherlaboriouslycopiedfromGreuze’spicture。Itwasrejected。WhenFougeresheardofthefataldecision，hedidnotfallintooneofthosefitsofepilepticself—lovetowhichstrongnaturesgivethemselvesup，andwhichsometimesendinchallengessenttothedirectororthesecretaryoftheMuseum，orevenbythreatsofassassination。Fougeresquietlyfetchedhiscanvas，wrappeditinahandkerchief，andbroughtithome，vowinginhisheartthathewouldstillmakehimselfagreatpainter。Heplacedhispictureontheeasel，andwenttooneofhisformermasters，amanofimmensetalent，——toSchinner，akindandpatientartist，whosetriumphatthatyear’sSalonwascomplete。Fougeresaskedhimtocomeandcriticisetherejectedwork。Thegreatpainterlefteverythingandwentatonce。WhenpoorFougereshadplacedtheworkbeforehimSchinner，afteraglance，pressedFougeres’hand。

"Youareafinefellow，"hesaid；"you’veaheartofgold，andImustnotdeceiveyou。Listen；youarefulfillingallthepromisesyoumadeinthestudios。Whenyoufindsuchthingsasthatatthetipofyourbrush，mygoodFougeres，youhadbetterleavecolorswithBrullon，andnottakethecanvasofothers。Gohomeearly，putonyourcottonnight—cap，andbeinbedbynineo’clock。Thenextmorningearlygotosomegovernmentoffice，askforaplace，andgiveupart。"

"Mydearfriend，"saidFougeres，"mypictureisalreadycondemned；itisnotaverdictthatIwantofyou，butthecauseofthatverdict。"

"Well——youpaintgrayandsombre；youseenaturebeingacrapeveil；

yourdrawingisheavy，pasty；yourcompositionisamedleyofGreuze，whoonlyredeemedhisdefectsbythequalitieswhichyoulack。"

WhiledetailingthesefaultsofthepictureSchinnersawonFougeres’

facesodeepanexpressionofsadnessthathecarriedhimofftodinnerandtriedtoconsolehim。Thenextmorningatseveno’clockFougereswasathiseaselworkingovertherejectedpicture；hewarmedthecolors；hemadethecorrectionssuggestedbySchinner，hetoucheduphisfigures。Then，disgustedwithsuchpatching，hecarriedthepicturetoElieMagus。ElieMagus，asortofDutch—Flemish—Belgian，hadthreereasonsforbeingwhathebecame，——richandavaricious。

CominglastfromBordeaux，hewasjuststartinginParis，sellingoldpicturesandlivingontheboulevardBonne—Nouvelle。Fougeres，whoreliedonhispalettetogotothebaker’s，bravelyatebreadandnuts，orbreadandmilk，orbreadandcherries，orbreadandcheese，accordingtotheseasons。ElieMagus，towhomPierreofferedhisfirstpicture，eyeditforsometimeandthengavehimfifteenfrancs。

"Withfifteenfrancsayearcomingin，andathousandfrancsforexpenses，"saidFougeres，smiling，"amanwillgofastandfar。"

ElieMagusmadeagesture；hebithisthumbs，thinkingthathemighthavehadthatpictureforfivefrancs。

ForseveraldaysPierrewalkeddownfromtheruedesMartyrsandstationedhimselfatthecorneroftheboulevardoppositetoElie’sshop，whencehiseyecouldrestuponhispicture，whichdidnotobtainanynoticefromtheeyesofthepassersalongthestreet。Attheendofaweekthepicturedisappeared；Fougereswalkedslowlyupandapproachedthedealer’sshopinaloungingmanner。TheJewwasathisdoor。

"Well，Iseeyouhavesoldmypicture。"

"No，hereitis，"saidMagus；"I’veframedit，toshowittosomeonewhofanciesheknowsaboutpainting。"

Fougereshadnotthehearttoreturntotheboulevard。Hesetaboutanotherpicture，andspenttwomonthsuponit，——eatingmouse’smealsandworkinglikeagalley—slave。

Oneeveninghewenttotheboulevard，hisfeetleadinghimfatefullytothedealer’sshop。Hispicturewasnottobeseen。

"I’vesoldyourpicture，"saidElieMagus，seeinghim。

"Forhowmuch？"

"IgotbackwhatIgaveandasmallinterest。MakemesomeFlemishinteriors，alessonofanatomy，landscapes，andsuchlike，andI’llbuythemofyou，"saidElie。

FougereswouldfainhavetakenoldMagusinhisarms；heregardedhimasafather。Hewenthomewithjoyinhisheart；thegreatpainterSchinnerwasmistakenafterall！InthatimmensecityofParisthereweresomeheartsthatbeatinunisonwithPierre’s；histalentwasunderstoodandappreciated。Thepoorfellowoftwenty—sevenhadtheinnocenceofaladofsixteen。Anotherman，oneofthosedistrustful，surlyartists，wouldhavenoticedthediabolicallookonElie’sfaceandseenthetwitchingofthehairsofhisbeard，theironyofhismoustache，andthemovementofhisshoulderswhichbetrayedthesatisfactionofWalterScott’sJewinswindlingaChristian。

Fougeresmarchedalongtheboulevardinastateofjoywhichgavetohishonestfaceanexpressionofpride。Hewaslikeaschoolboyprotectingawoman。HemetJosephBridau，oneofhiscomrades，andoneofthoseeccentricgeniusesdestinedtofameandsorrow。JosephBridau，whohad，tousehisownexpression，afewsousinhispocket，tookFougerestotheOpera。ButFougeresdidn’tseetheballet，didn’thearthemusic；hewasimaginingpictures，hewaspainting。HeleftJosephinthemiddleoftheevening，andranhometomakesketchesbylamp—light。Heinventedthirtypictures，allreminiscence，andfelthimselfamanofgenius。Thenextdayheboughtcolors，andcanvasesofvariousdimensions；hepiledupbreadandcheeseonhistable，hefilledawater—potwithwater，helaidinaprovisionofwoodforhisstove；then，touseastudioexpression，hedugathispictures。HehiredseveralmodelsandMaguslenthimstuffs。

Aftertwomonths’seclusiontheBretonhadfinishedfourpictures。

AgainheaskedcounselofSchinner，thistimeaddingBridautotheinvitation。ThetwopainterssawinthreeofthesepicturesaservileimitationofDutchlandscapesandinteriorsbyMetzu，inthefourthacopyofRembrandt’s"LessonofAnatomy。"

"Stillimitating！"saidSchinner。"Ah！Fougerescan’tmanagetobeoriginal。"

"Yououghttodosomethingelsethanpainting，"saidBridau。

"What？"askedFougeres。

"Flingyourselfintoliterature。"

Fougeresloweredhisheadlikeasheepwhenitrains。Thenheaskedandobtainedcertainusefuladvice，andretouchedhispicturesbeforetakingthemtoElieMagus。Eliepaidhimtwenty—fivefrancsapiece。AtthatpriceofcourseFougeresearnednothing；neitherdidhelose，thankstohissoberliving。Hemadeafewexcursionstotheboulevardtoseewhatbecameofhispictures，andthereheunderwentasingularhallucination。Hisneat，cleanpaintings，hardastinandshinyasporcelain，werecoveredwithasortofmist；theylookedlikeolddaubs。Maguswasout，andPierrecouldobtainnoinformationonthisphenomenon。Hefanciedsomethingwaswrongwithhiseyes。

Thepainterwentbacktohisstudioandmademorepictures。AftersevenyearsofcontinuedtoilFougeresmanagedtocomposeandexecutequitepassablework。Hedidaswellasanyartistofthesecondclass。

ElieboughtandsoldallthepaintingsofthepoorBreton，whoearnedlaboriouslyabouttwothousandfrancsayearwhilehespentbuttwelvehundred。

AttheExhibitionof1829，LeondeLora，Schinner，andBridau，whoallthreeoccupiedagreatpositionandwere，infact，attheheadoftheartmovement，werefilledwithpityfortheperseveranceandthepovertyoftheiroldfriend；andtheycausedtobeadmittedintothegrandsalonoftheExhibition，apicturebyFougeres。Thispicture，powerfulininterestbutderivedfromVigneronastosentimentandfromDubufe’sfirstmannerastoexecution，representedayoungmaninprison，whosehairwasbeingcutaroundthenapeoftheneck。Ononesidewasapriest，ontheothertwowomen，oneold，oneyoung，intears。Asheriff’sclerkwasreadingaloudadocument。Onawretchedtablewasameal，untouched。Thelightcameinthroughthebarsofawindowneartheceiling。Itwasapicturefittomakethebourgeoisshudder，andthebourgeoisshuddered。FougereshadsimplybeeninspiredbythemasterpieceofGerardDouw；hehadturnedthegroupofthe"DropsicalWoman"towardthewindow，insteadofpresentingitfullfront。Thecondemnedmanwassubstitutedforthedyingwoman——samepallor，sameglance，sameappealtoGod。InsteadoftheDutchdoctor，hehadpaintedthecold，officialfigureofthesheriff’sclerkattiredinblack；buthehadaddedanoldwomantotheyoungoneofGerardDouw。Thecruellysimpleandgood—humoredfaceoftheexecutionercompletedanddominatedthegroup。Thisplagiarism，verycleverlydisguised，wasnotdiscovered。Thecataloguecontainedthefollowing:——

510。GrassoudeFougeres（Pierre），ruedeNavarin，2。

Death—toiletofaChouan，condemnedtoexecutionin1809。

Thoughwhollysecond—rate，thepicturehadimmensesuccess，foritrecalledtheaffairofthe"chauffeurs，"ofMortagne。Acrowdcollectedeverydaybeforethenowfashionablecanvas；evenCharlesX。

pausedtolookatit。"Madame，"beingtoldofthepatientlifeofthepoorBreton，becameenthusiasticoverhim。TheDucd’Orleansaskedthepriceofthepicture。TheclergytoldMadamelaDauphinethatthesubjectwassuggestiveofgoodthoughts；andtherewas，intruth，amostsatisfyingreligioustoneaboutit。MonseigneurtheDauphinadmiredthedustonthestone—floor，——ahugeblunder，bytheway，forFougereshadpaintedgreenishtonessuggestiveofmildewalongthebaseofthewalls。"Madame"finallyboughtthepictureforathousandfrancs，andtheDauphinorderedanotherlikeit。CharlesX。gavethecrossoftheLegionofhonortothissonofapeasantwhohadfoughtfortheroyalcausein1799。（JosephBridau，thegreatpainter，wasnotyetdecorated。）TheministeroftheInteriororderedtwochurchpicturesofFougeres。

ThisSalonof1829wastoPierreGrassouhiswholefortune，fame，future，andlife。Beoriginal，invent，andyoudiebyinches；copy，imitate，andyou’lllive。Afterthisdiscoveryofagoldmine，GrassoudeFougeresobtainedhisbenefitofthefatalprincipletowhichsocietyowesthewretchedmediocritiestowhomareintrustedinthesedaystheelectionofleadersinallsocialclasses；whoproceed，naturally，toelectthemselvesandwhowageabitterwaragainstalltruetalent。Theprincipleofelectionappliedindiscriminatelyisfalse，andFrancewillsomedayabandonit。

Neverthelessthemodesty，simplicity，andgenuinesurpriseofthegoodandgentleFougeressilencedallenvyandallrecriminations。Besides，hehadonhissideallofhisclanwhohadsucceeded，andallwhoexpectedtosucceed。Somepersons，touchedbythepersistentenergyofamanwhomnothinghaddiscouraged，talkedofDomenichinoandsaid:——

"Perseveranceintheartsshouldberewarded。Grassouhasn’tstolenhissuccesses；hehasdelvedfortenyears，thepoordearman！"

Thatexclamationof"poordearman！"countedforhalfinthesupportandthecongratulationswhichthepainterreceived。Pitysetsupmediocritiesasenvypullsdowngreattalents，andinequalnumbers。

Thenewspapers，itistrue，didnotsparecriticism，butthechevalierFougeresdigestedthemashehaddigestedthecounselofhisfriends，withangelicpatience。

Possessing，bythistime，fifteenthousandfrancs，laboriouslyearned，hefurnishedanapartmentandstudiointheruedeNavarin，andpaintedthepictureorderedbyMonseigneurtheDauphin，alsothetwochurchpictures，anddeliveredthematthetimeagreedon，withapunctualitythatwasverydiscomfortingtotheexchequeroftheministry，accustomedtoadifferentcourseofaction。But——admirethegoodfortuneofmenwhoaremethodical——ifGrassou，belatedwithhiswork，hadbeencaughtbytherevolutionofJulyhewouldnothavegothismoney。

Bythetimehewasthirty—sevenFougereshadmanufacturedforElieMagussometwohundredpictures，allofthemutterlyunknown，bythehelpofwhichhehadattainedtothatsatisfyingmanner，thatpointofexecutionbeforewhichthetrueartistshrugshisshouldersandthebourgeoisieworships。Fougereswasdeartofriendsforrectitudeofideas，forsteadinessofsentiment，absolutekindliness，andgreatloyalty；thoughtheyhadnoesteemforhispalette，theylovedthemanwhoheldit。

"WhatamisfortuneitisthatFougereshastheviceofpainting！"saidhiscomrades。

Butforallthis，Grassougaveexcellentcounsel，likethosefeuilletonistsincapableofwritingabookwhoknowverywellwhereabookiswanting。Therewasthisdifference，however，betweenliterarycriticsandFougeres；hewaseminentlysensitivetobeauties；hefeltthem，heacknowledgedthem，andhisadvicewasinstinctwithaspiritofjusticethatmadethejustnessofhisremarksacceptable。AftertherevolutionofJuly，FougeressentabouttenpicturesayeartotheSalon，ofwhichthejuryadmittedfourorfive。Helivedwiththemostrigideconomy，hishouseholdbeingmanagedsolelybyanoldcharwoman。

Forallamusementhevisitedhisfriends，hewenttoseeworksofart，heallowedhimselfafewlittletripsaboutFrance，andheplannedtogotoSwitzerlandinsearchofinspiration。Thisdetestableartistwasanexcellentcitizen；hemountedguardduly，wenttoreviews，andpaidhisrentandprovision—billswithbourgeoispunctuality。

Havinglivedallhislifeintoilandpoverty，hehadneverhadthetimetolove。Poorandabachelor，untilnowhedidnotdesiretocomplicatehissimplelife。Incapableofdevisinganymeansofincreasinghislittlefortune，hecarried，everythreemonths，tohisnotary，Cardot，hisquarterlyearningsandeconomies。Whenthenotaryhadreceivedaboutthreethousandfrancsheinvestedtheminsomefirstmortgage，theinterestofwhichhedrewhimselfandaddedtothequarterlypaymentsmadetohimbyFougeres。Thepainterwasawaitingthefortunatemomentwhenhispropertythuslaidbywouldgivehimtheimposingincomeoftwothousandfrancs，toallowhimselftheotiumcumdignitateoftheartistandpaintpictures；butoh！whatpictures！

truepictures！eachafinishedpicture！chouette，Koxnoff，chocnosoff！

Hisfuture，hisdreamsofhappiness，thesuperlativeofhishopes——doyouknowwhatitwas？ToentertheInstituteandobtainthegradeofofficeroftheLegionofhonor；tosidedownbesideSchinnerandLeondeLora，toreachtheAcademybeforeBridau，toweararosetteinhisbuttonhole！Whatadream！Itisonlycommonplacemenwhothinkofeverything。

Hearingthesoundofseveralstepsonthestaircase，Fougeresrubbeduphishair，buttonedhisjacketofbottle—greenvelveteen，andwasnotalittleamazedtosee，enteringhisdoorway，asimpletonfacevulgarlycalledinstudioslanga"melon。"Thisfruitsurmountedapumpkin，clothedinblueclothadornedwithabunchoftintinnabulatingbaubles。Themelonpuffedlikeawalrus；thepumpkinadvancedonturnips，improperlycalledlegs。Atruepainterwouldhaveturnedthelittlebottle—vendoroffatonce，assuringhimthathedidn’tpaintvegetables。Thispainterlookedathisclientwithoutasmile，forMonsieurVervelleworeathree—thousand—francdiamondinthebosomofhisshirt。

FougeresglancedatMagusandsaid:"There’sfatinit！"usingaslangtermthenmuchinvogueinthestudios。

HearingthosewordsMonsieurVervellefrowned。Theworthybourgeoisdrewafterhimanothercomplicationofvegetablesinthepersonsofhiswifeanddaughter。Thewifehadafineveneerofmahoganyonherface，andinfiguresheresembledacocoa—nut，surmountedbyaheadandtiedinaroundthewaist。Shepivotedonherlegs，whichweretap—

rooted，andhergownwasyellowwithblackstripes。Sheproudlyexhibitedunutterablemittensonapuffypairofhands；theplumesofafirst—classfuneralfloatedonanover—flowingbonnet；lacesadornedhershoulders，asroundbehindastheywerebefore；consequently，thesphericalformofthecocoa—nutwasperfect。Herfeet，ofakindthatpainterscallabatis，roseabovethevarnishedleatheroftheshoesinaswellingthatwassomeincheshigh。Howthefeetwereevergotintotheshoes，nooneknows。

Followingthesevegetableparentswasayoungasparagus，whopresentedatinyheadwithsmoothlybandedhairoftheyellow—carrotytonethataRomanadores，long，stringyarms，afairlywhiteskinwithreddishspotsuponit，largeinnocenteyes，andwhitelashes，scarcelyanybrows，aleghornbonnetboundwithwhitesatinandadornedwithtwohonestbowsofthesamesatin，handsvirtuouslyred，andthefeetofhermother。Thefacesofthesethreebeingswore，astheylookedroundthestudio，anairofhappinesswhichbespokeinthemarespectableenthusiasmforArt。

"Soitisyou，monsieur，whoaregoingtotakeourlikenesses？"saidthefather，assumingajauntyair。

"Yes，monsieur，"repliedGrassou。

"Vervelle，hehasthecross！"whisperedthewifetothehusbandwhilethepainter’sbackwasturned。

"ShouldIbelikelytohaveourportraitspaintedbyanartistwhowasn’tdecorated？"returnedtheformerbottle—dealer。

ElieMagusherebowedtotheVervellefamilyandwentaway。Grassouaccompaniedhimtothelanding。

"There’snoonebutyouwhowouldfishupsuchwhales。"

"Onehundredthousandfrancsof’dot’！"

"Yes，butwhatafamily！"

"Threehundredthousandfrancsofexpectations，ahouseintherueBoucherat，andacountry—houseatVilled’Avray！"

"Bottlesandcorks！bottlesandcorks！"saidthepainter；"theysetmyteethonedge。"

"Safefromwantfortherestofyourdays，"saidElieMagusashedeparted。

ThatideaenteredtheheadofPierreGrassouasthedaylighthadburstintohisgarretthatmorning。

Whileheposedthefatheroftheyoungperson，hethoughtthebottle—

dealerhadagoodcountenance，andheadmiredthefacefullofviolenttones。Themotheranddaughterhoveredabouttheeasel，marvellingatallhispreparations；theyevidentlythoughthimademigod。ThisvisibleadmirationpleasedFougeres。Thegoldencalfthrewuponthefamilyitsfantasticreflections。

"Youmustearnlotsofmoney；butofcourseyoudon’tspenditasyougetit，"saidthemother。

"No，madame，"repliedthepainter；"Idon’tspendit；Ihavenotthemeanstoamusemyself。Mynotaryinvestsmymoney；heknowswhatI

have；assoonasIhavetakenhimthemoneyIneverthinkofitagain。"

"I’vealwaysbeentold，"criedoldVervelle，"thatartistswerebasketswithholesinthem。"

"Whoisyournotary——ifitisnotindiscreettoask？"saidMadameVervelle。

"Agoodfellow，allround，"repliedGrassou。"HisnameisCardot。"

"Well，well！ifthatisn’tajoke！"exclaimedVervelle。"Cardotisournotarytoo。"

"Takecare！don’tmove，"saidthepainter。

"Doprayholdstill，Antenor，"saidthewife。"Ifyoumoveaboutyou’llmakemonsieurmiss；youshouldjustseehimworking，andthenyou’dunderstand。"

"Oh！whydidn’tyouhavemetaughtthearts？"saidMademoiselleVervelletoherparents。

"Virginie，"saidhermother，"ayoungpersonoughtnottolearncertainthings。Whenyouaremarried——well，tillthen，keepquiet。"

DuringthisfirstsittingtheVervellefamilybecamealmostintimatewiththeworthyartist。Theyweretocomeagaintwodayslater。AstheywentawaythefathertoldVirginietowalkinfront；butinspiteofthisseparation，sheoverheardthefollowingwords，whichnaturallyawakenedhercuriosity。

"Decorated——thirty—sevenyearsold——anartistwhogetsorders——putshismoneywithournotary。We’llconsultCardot。Hein！MadamedeFougeres！notabadname——doesn’tlooklikeabadmaneither！Onemightpreferamerchant；butbeforeamerchantretiresfrombusinessonecanneverknowwhatone’sdaughtermaycometo；whereasaneconomicalartist——andthenyouknowweloveArt——Well，we’llsee！"

WhiletheVervellefamilydiscussedPierreGrassou，PierreGrassoudiscussedinhisownmindtheVervellefamily。Hefounditimpossibletostaypeacefullyinhisstudio，sohetookawalkontheboulevard，andlookedatallthered—hairedwomenwhopassedhim。Hemadeaseriesoftheoddestreasoningstohimself:goldwasthehandsomestofmetals；atawnyyellowrepresentedgold；theRomanswerefondofred—

hairedwomen，andheturnedRoman，etc。Aftertwoyearsofmarriagewhatmanwouldevercareaboutthecolorofhiswife’shair？Beautyfades，——butuglinessremains！Moneyisone—halfofallhappiness。ThatnightwhenhewenttobedthepainterhadcometothinkVirginieVervellecharming。

WhenthethreeVervellesarrivedonthedayofthesecondsittingtheartistreceivedthemwithsmiles。Therascalhadshavedandputoncleanlinen；hehadalsoarrangedhishairinapleasingmanner，andchosenaverybecomingpairoftrousersandredleatherslipperswithpointedtoes。Thefamilyrepliedwithsmilesasflatteringasthoseoftheartist。Virginiebecamethecolorofherhair，loweredhereyes，andturnedasideherheadtolookatthesketches。PierreGrassouthoughttheselittleaffectationscharming，Virginiehadsuchgrace；

happilyshedidn’tlooklikeherfatherorhermother；butwhomdidshelooklike？

Duringthissittingtherewerelittleskirmishesbetweenthefamilyandthepainter，whohadtheaudacitytocallpereVervellewitty。

Thisflatterybroughtthefamilyonthedouble—quicktotheheartoftheartist；hegaveadrawingtothedaughter，andasketchtothemother。

"What！fornothing？"theysaid。

PierreGrassoucouldnothelpsmiling。

"Youshouldn’tgiveawayyourpicturesinthatway；theyaremoney，"

saidoldVervelle。

AtthethirdsittingpereVervellementionedafinegalleryofpictureswhichhehadinhiscountry—houseatVilled’Avray——Rubens，GerardDouw，Mieris，Terburg，Rembrandt，Titian，PaulPotter，etc。

"MonsieurVervellehasbeenveryextravagant，"saidMadameVervelle，ostentatiously。"Hehasoveronehundredthousandfrancs’worthofpictures。"

"IloveArt，"saidtheformerbottle—dealer。

WhenMadameVervelle’sportraitwasbegunthatofherhusbandwasnearlyfinished，andtheenthusiasmofthefamilyknewnobounds。Thenotaryhadspokeninthehighestpraiseofthepainter。PierreGrassouwas，hesaid，oneofthemosthonestfellowsonearth；hehadlaidbythirty—sixthousandfrancs；hisdaysofpovertywereover；henowsavedabouttenthousandfrancsayearandcapitalizedtheinterest；

inshort，hewasincapableofmakingawomanunhappy。Thislastremarkhadenormousweightinthescales。Vervelle’sfriendsnowheardofnothingbutthecelebratedpainterFougeres。

ThedayonwhichFougeresbegantheportraitofMademoiselleVirginie，hewasvirtuallyson—in—lawtotheVervellefamily。ThethreeVervellesbloomedoutinthisstudio，whichtheywerenowaccustomedtoconsiderasoneoftheirresidences；therewastothemaninexplicableattractioninthisclean，neat，pretty，andartisticabode。Abyssusabyssum，thecommonplaceattractsthecommonplace。

Towardtheendofthesittingthestairwayshook，thedoorwasviolentlythrustopenbyJosephBridau；hecamelikeawhirlwind，hishairflying。Heshowedhisgrandhaggardfaceashelookedabouthim，castingeverywherethelightningofhisglance；thenhewalkedroundthewholestudio，andreturnedabruptlytoGrassou，pullinghiscoattogetheroverthegastricregion，andendeavouring，butinvain，tobuttonit，thebuttonmouldhavingescapedfromitscapsuleofcloth。

"Woodisdear，"hesaidtoGrassou。

"Ah！"

"TheBritishareafterme"（slangtermforcreditors）"Gracious！doyoupaintsuchthingsasthat？"

"Holdyourtongue！"

"Ah！tobesure，yes。"

TheVervellefamily，extremelyshockedbythisextraordinaryapparition，passedfromitsordinaryredtoacherry—red，twoshadesdeeper。

"Bringsin，hey？"continuedJoseph。"Anyshotinyourlocker？"

"Howmuchdoyouwant？"

"Fivehundred。I’vegotoneofthosebull—dogdealersafterme，andifthefellowoncegetshisteethinhewon’tletgowhilethere’sabitofmeleft。Whatacrew！"

"I’llwriteyoualineformynotary。"

"Haveyougotanotary？"

"Yes。"

"Thatexplainstomewhyyoustillmakecheekswithpinktoneslikeaperfumer’ssign。"

Grassoucouldnothelpcoloring，forVirginiewassitting。

"TakeNatureasyoufindher，"saidthegreatpainter，goingonwithhislecture。"Mademoiselleisred—haired。Well，isthatasin？Allthingsaremagnificentinpainting。Putsomevermilliononyourpalette，andwarmupthosecheeks；touchinthoselittlebrownspots；

come，butteritwellin。DoyoupretendtohavemoresensethanNature？"

"Lookhere，"saidFougeres，"takemyplacewhileIgoandwritethatnote。"

VervellerolledtothetableandwhisperedinGrassou’sear:——

"Won’tthatcountryloutspoiltit？"

"IfhewouldonlypainttheportraitofyourVirginieitwouldbeworthathousandtimesmorethanmine，"repliedFougeres，vehemently。

Hearingthatreplythebourgeoisbeataquietretreattohiswife，whowasstupefiedbytheinvasionofthisferociousanimal，andveryuneasyathisco—operationinherdaughter’sportrait。

"Here，followtheseindications，"saidBridau，returningthepalette，andtakingthenote。"Iwon’tthankyou。Icangobacknowtod’Arthez’chateau，whereIamdoingadining—room，andLeondeLorathetopsofthedoors——masterpieces！Comeandseeus。"

Andoffhewentwithouttakingleave，havinghadenoughoflookingatVirginie。

"Whoisthatman？"askedMadameVervelle。

"Agreatartist，"answeredGrassou。

Therewassilenceforamoment。

"Areyouquitesure，"saidVirginie，"thathehasdonenoharmtomyportrait？Hefrightenedme。"

"Hehasonlydoneitgood，"repliedGrassou。

"Well，ifheisagreatartist，Ipreferagreatartistlikeyou，"

saidMadameVervelle。

Thewaysofgeniushadruffleduptheseorderlybourgeois。

Thephaseofautumnsopleasantlynamed"SaintMartin’ssummer"wasjustbeginning。Withthetimidityofaneophyteinpresenceofamanofgenius，VervelleriskedgivingFougeresaninvitationtocomeouttohiscountry—houseonthefollowingSunday。Heknew，hesaid，howlittleattractionaplainbourgeoisfamilycouldoffertoanartist。

"Youartists，"hecontinued，"wantemotions，greatscenes，andwittytalk；butyou’llfindgoodwines，andIrelyonmycollectionofpicturestocompensateanartistlikeyoufortheboreofdiningwithmeremerchants。"

Thisformofidolatry，whichstrokedhisinnocentself—love，wascharmingtoourpoorPierreGrassou，solittleaccustomedtosuchcompliments。Thehonestartist，thatatrociousmediocrity，thatheartofgold，thatloyalsoul，thatstupiddraughtsman，thatworthyfellow，decoratedbyroyaltyitselfwiththeLegionofhonor，puthimselfunderarmstogoouttoVilled’Avrayandenjoythelastfinedaysoftheyear。Thepainterwentmodestlybypublicconveyance，andhecouldnotbutadmirethebeautifulvillaofthebottle—dealer，standinginaparkoffiveacresatthesummitofVilled’Avray，commandinganobleviewofthelandscape。MarryVirginie，andhavethatbeautifulvillasomedayforhisown！

HewasreceivedbytheVervelleswithanenthusiasm，ajoy，akindliness，afrankbourgeoisabsurditywhichconfoundedhim。Itwasindeedadayoftriumph。Theprospectiveson—in—lawwasmarchedaboutthegroundsonthenankeen—coloredpaths，allrakedastheyshouldbeforthestepsofsogreataman。Thetreesthemselveslookedbrushedandcombed，andthelawnshadjustbeenmown。Thepurecountryairwaftedtothenostrilsamostenticingsmellofcooking。Allthingsaboutthemansionseemedtosay:

"Wehaveagreatartistamongus。"

LittleoldVervellehimselfrolledlikeanapplethroughhispark，thedaughtermeanderedlikeaneel，themotherfollowedwithdignifiedstep。ThesethreebeingsneverletgoforonemomentofPierreGrassouforsevenhours。Afterdinner，thelengthofwhichequalleditsmagnificence，MonsieurandMadameVervellereachedthemomentoftheirgrandtheatricaleffect，——theopeningofthepicturegalleryilluminatedbylamps，thereflectionsofwhichweremanagedwiththeutmostcare。Threeneighbours，alsoretiredmerchants，anolduncle（fromwhomwereexpectations），anelderlyDemoiselleVervelle，andanumberofotherguestsinvitedtobepresentatthisovationtoagreatartistfollowedGrassouintothepicturegallery，allcurioustohearhisopinionofthefamouscollectionofpereVervelle，whowasfondofoppressingthemwiththefabulousvalueofhispaintings。Thebottle—merchantseemedtohavetheideaofcompetingwithKingLouis—

PhilippeandthegalleriesofVersailles。

Thepictures，magnificentlyframed，eachborelabelsonwhichwasreadinblacklettersonagoldground:

RubensDanceoffaunsandnymphsRembrandtInteriorofadissectingroom。ThephysicianvanTrompinstructinghispupils。

Inall，therewereonehundredandfiftypictures，varnishedanddusted。Somewerecoveredwithgreenbaizecurtainswhichwerenotundrawninpresenceofyoungladies。

PierreGrassoustoodwitharmspendent，gapingmouth，andnoworduponhislipsasherecognizedhalfhisownpicturesintheseworksofart。

HewasRubens，hewasRembrandt，Mieris，Metzu，PaulPotter，GerardDouw！Hewastwentygreatmastersallbyhimself。

"Whatisthematter？You’veturnedpale！"

"Daughter，aglassofwater！quick！"criedMadameVervelle。ThepaintertookpereVervellebythebuttonofhiscoatandledhimtoacorneronpretenceoflookingataMurillo。Spanishpictureswerethentherage。

"YouboughtyourpicturesfromElieMagus？"

"Yes，alloriginals。"

"Betweenourselves，tellmewhathemadeyoupayforthoseIshallpointouttoyou。"

Togethertheywalkedroundthegallery。Theguestswereamazedatthegravityinwhichtheartistproceeded，incompanywiththehost，toexamineeachpicture。

"Threethousandfrancs，"saidVervelleinawhisper，astheyreachedthelast，"butItelleverybodyfortythousand。"

"FortythousandforaTitian！"saidtheartist，aloud。"Why，itisnothingatall！"

"Didn’tItellyou，"saidVervelle，"thatIhadthreehundredthousandfrancs’worthofpictures？"

"Ipaintedthosepictures，"saidPierreGrassouinVervelle’sear，"andIsoldthemonebyonetoElieMagusforlessthantenthousandfrancsthewholelot。"

"Proveittome，"saidthebottle—dealer，"andIdoublemydaughter’s’dot，’forifitisso，youareRubens，Rembrandt，Titian，GerardDouw！"

"AndMagusisafamouspicture—dealer！"saidthepainter，whonowsawthemeaningofthemistyandagedlookimpartedtohispicturesinElie’sshop，andtheutilityofthesubjectsthepicture—dealerhadrequiredofhim。

Farfromlosingtheesteemofhisadmiringbottle—merchant，MonsieurdeFougeres（forsothefamilypersistedincallingPierreGrassou）

advancedsomuchthatwhentheportraitswerefinishedhepresentedthemgratuitouslytohisfather—in—law，hismother—in—lawandhiswife。

Atthepresentday，PierreGrassou，whonevermissesexhibitingattheSalon，passesinbourgeoisregionsforafineportrait—painter。Heearnssometwentythousandfrancsayearandspoilsathousandfrancs’

worthofcanvas。Hiswifehassixthousandfrancsayearindowry，andheliveswithhisfather—in—law。TheVervellesandtheGrassous，whoagreedelightfully，keepacarriage，andarethehappiestpeopleonearth。PierreGrassouneveremergesfromthebourgeoiscircle，inwhichheisconsideredoneofthegreatestartistsoftheperiod。NotafamilyportraitispaintedbetweenthebarrierduTroneandtherueduTemplethatisnotdonebythisgreatpainter；noneofthemcostslessthanfivehundredfrancs。Thegreatreasonwhichthebourgeoisfamilieshaveforemployinghimisthis:——

"Saywhatyouwillofhim，helaysbytwentythousandfrancsayearwithhisnotary。"

AsGrassoutookacreditablepartontheoccasionoftheriotsofMay12thhewasappointedanofficeroftheLegionofhonor。HeisamajorintheNationalGuard。TheMuseumofVersaillesfeltitincumbenttoorderabattle—pieceofsoexcellentacitizen，whothereuponwalkedaboutParistomeethisoldcomradesandhavethehappinessofsayingtothem:——

"TheKinghasgivenmeanorderfortheMuseumofVersailles。"

MadamedeFougeresadoresherhusband，towhomshehaspresentedtwochildren。Thispainter，agoodfatherandagoodhusband，isunabletoeradicatefromhisheartafatalthought，namely，thatartistslaughathiswork；thathisnameisatermofcontemptinthestudios；andthatthefeuilletonstakenonoticeofhispictures。Buthestillworkson；heaimsfortheAcademy，where，undoubtedly，hewillenter。

And——oh！vengeancewhichdilateshisheart！——hebuysthepicturesofcelebratedartistswhoarepinchedformeans，andhesubstitutesthesetrueworksofartsthatarenothisownforthewretcheddaubsinthecollectionatVilled’Avray。

TherearemanymediocritiesmoreaggressiveandmoremischievousthanthatofPierreGrassou，whois，moreover，anonymouslybenevolentandtrulyobliging。

ADDENDUM

ThefollowingpersonagesappearinotherstoriesoftheHumanComedy。

Bridau，JosephThePurseABachelor’sEstablishmentADistinguishedProvincialatParisAStartinLifeModesteMignonAnotherStudyofWomanLettersofTwoBridesCousinBettyTheMemberforArcisCardot（Parisiannotary）

TheMuseoftheDepartmentAManofBusinessJealousiesofaCountryTownTheMiddleClassesCousinPonsGrassou，PierreABachelor’sEstablishmentCousinBettyTheMiddleClassesCousinPonsLora，LeondeTheUnconsciousHumoristsABachelor’sEstablishmentAStartinLifeHonorineCousinBettyBeatrixMagus，ElieTheVendettaAMarriageSettlementABachelor’sEstablishmentCousinPonsSchinner，HippolyteThePurseABachelor’sEstablishmentAStartinLifeAlbertSavarusTheGovernmentClerksModesteMignonTheImaginaryMistressTheUnconsciousHumoristsEnd