Page:Anecdotes of painters, engravers, sculptors and architects, and curiosities of art (IA anecdotesofpaint01spoo).pdf/203

 *fore, I promote you to be an officer of the Legion of Honor: M. Duroc, give a golden decoration to M. David!" "Sire, I have none with me," answered the grand marshal. "No matter," replied the Emperor, "do not let this day transpire without executing my order." Duroc, although no friend to the painter, was obliged to obey, and on the same evening the insignia were forwarded to M. David.

The King of Wurtemberg, at the suggestion of the Emperor, also waited upon the artist to inspect his labor, who, on contemplating the performance, and in particular, the luminous brightness spread over the group in which are the pope and Cardinal Caprara, his majesty thus expressed himself: "I did not believe that your art could effect such wonders: white and black in painting afford but very weak resources. When you produced this you had, no doubt, a sunbeam upon your pencil."

This compliment, which displayed great knowledge of the art, surprised the painter, who, after offering his thanks, added: "Sire, your conception, and the mode in which you express it, bespeak either the practical artist or the well informed amateur. Your majesty has doubtless learned to paint."—"Yes," said the king, "I sometimes occupy myself with the art, and all my brothers possess a similar taste; that one in particular, who frequently visits you, has acquired some celebrity; for his performances are not like the generality of royal paintings, they are worthy of the artist. M. David" added