FLIGHT WITH A KING

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1933, Page 2

FLIGHT WITH A KING

ROMANCE OF AN ARTIST.

EXILE FROM NATIVE LAND.

“1696—Red Indian Chief—bust, bronze.” Behind this announcement in the official list of this year’s works at the Royal Academy exhibition is the story of an amazing and adventurous life. It is the story of a man who fought for his country during the war and refused decorations and medals from his King for his services, who lay in a prison cell for 18 months, who washed dishes in a Chicago hotel for his livelihood, and who has now realised' one of his life’s ambitions by becoming an exhibitor at the Royal Academy.. The artist is Mr. Yanko Brayoviteh, a 44-year-old Montenegrin, • whose .life has been dedicated to “freeing his country.” Most of his art work was conceived while he lay in gaol. “I fought with the army of Montenegro in the Great War, and was attached to the staff of Prince Peter, third son

of our King,” Mr- Brayoviteh said in an interview. “I was offered a position Court and decorations by King Nicholas, but I refused them. I felt I could not accept such honours while so many of my countrymen were practically slaves, although my brother was the Director of the King’s Palace. In 1916, when the Montenegrin Army was captured, I escaped with King Nicholas and managed to get to France on an English steamer.” It was in America that Mr, Brayoviteh launched out as a sculptor and made his name as an artist He later returned to Europe, and because of his political activities was arrested and imprisoned in Serbia. . I

“My wife , died while I lay in my e*UI have a son and a daughter, 17 and 18 years old, hut I have not seen them since they were infants. If I yatumed now I should either ibe imprisoned again or shot-rand all because of my love for my country.” ■ '