'Oom Faul' as an Art Patron.

Evening Post, Volume LV, Issue 125, 28 May 1898, Page 4 (Supplement)

'Oom Faul ' as an Art Patron.

There is a story just now current in Rome (says a London journal) to the effect that a sculptor in that city, in an evil hour for hia reputation as an* artist, undertook some time ago to produce 'to order ' a bronze statue cf President Kruger. One of the conditions impo'ed was that no liberties were to bo taken with Oom Paul. He was to be represented in all hia native heaviness of features with the fidelity which Oliver Cromwell exacted ; and for peraonal decoration ho was to be depicted in hia ordinary frock-coat and tall hat. The most trying stipulation of all was, however, that made by Madame Kruger. Oom Paul's amiable lady insisted that the crown of the hat should be made concave so that it might catch and hold rain-water for the refreshment of little bircl.s ! Tho artist has succeeded in doiug the bidding of his patrons ; aud the statue is now almost ready for transmission to Pretoria. This concern for tho welfare of the harmless littlo birds is creditable to Madame Kruger'a maternal heart, but humauitarianism of this kiud is certainly not conducive to the production of a keen (esthetic seune.