PRINCESS AND SCULPTOR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14223, 20 November 1909, Page 2 (Supplement)

PRINCESS AND SCULPTOR.

DUCHESS OF AOSTA'S MIRACLE. The Duchess of Aosta, who is a Princess of the House of .Orleans and sister to Queen Amelie of Portugal, has performed what may well be regarded as a miracle. There lives in Naples a great Italian sculptor, Vineenzo Gemito., once a disciple and friend of Meissonier, whose later life has been clouded by sadness. Some twenty years to overwork and distress - ing mental suffering, his reason became unhinged. It was a quiet madness, which impelled the poor sufferer to expend all his energy .in the labour of his. craft. . ,

Gemito passed these twenty years working hard at the production of statuettes. These were real masterpieces, which the sculptor modelled and remodelled time after time, bringing them to.the highest degree of perfection. But he refused to leave his studio, as he feared the attacks of.fantastic foes, who were the figments of his disordered brain. He took all his meals, and even slept, in the studio, amidst the-products' of his dexterous hands.

The Duchess of Aosta frequently paid visits to the studio of the afflicted sculptor, and at last has succeeded in inducing him to go to the Royal Palace. For'the first time since his voluntary withdrawal from the outside world, Gemito, accompained by two relatives, left his house and walked along the sunny streets of Naples. As he passed through the thronged thoroughfare he was respectfully saluted by the numerous people who recognised him. At" the Royal Palace Gemito was cheerfully greeted by the Duke and Duchess of Aosta, who entertained him for a considerable time. The effect was magical. Throwing off the depressing gloom of years, the aged sculptor returned home full of joy, declaring that he would come out again and enjoy life. All Italy is rejoicing over the exquisitely tactful victory of the Duchess of Acsta/ the effect of which will, perhaps, be to give back to the world a great artist.