A Mad Artist. — The following anecdote is related by Alexander Dumas :— " The folly of one of the inmates of Charenton consisted in the belief that he was a painter of great merit. The first object which attracted attention on entering his cell, was a large canvas placed on an easel, and carefully covered by a veil. If the countenance of a visitor inspired the madman with confidence, he would mysteriously disclose to him the fact of his having executed a chef d'ceuvre, and slowly uncovering the supposed picture, he would exhibit to the astonished visitor a perfectly naked canvas, on which not the slightest trace of even a drawing could be discerned. ' Well ?' he would inquire. ' But I can see nothing.' ' You see nothing ? Nonsense 1 It is the crossing of the Eed Sea.' ' But where is the sea?' 'The sea has retired.' 'And the Hebrews?' 'They have crossed.' 'And the Egyptians?' • ' They have not yet arrived.' "
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Bibliographic details
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 76, 2 April 1869, Page 3
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157Untitled Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 76, 2 April 1869, Page 3
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