FLIGHT WITH A KING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 164, 14 July 1933, Page 6

FLIGHT WITH A KING

ROMANCE OF AN ARTIST i EXILE FROM NATIVE LAND “1696 —Red Indian Chief —bust, bronze.” Behind this announcement in the ofiK-ial list of tho year’s works at the Royal Academy exhibition is tho 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 bis King for his services, who lay ia a prison cell for 18 months, who washed dishes in a Chicago hotel for bis livelihood, and who has now realised one of his life’s ambitions by becoming on exhibitor at tho Royal Ata demy. The artist is Mr. Yanko Bhayovitch. a 44-year-old Montenegrin, whose life has been dedicated to “freeing his country.” Most of his art work was conceived while ho lay in gaol.. “I fought with the army of Monte- ! negro in the Great War. and was attached to tho staff of Prince Peter, third son of our king,” Mr. Brayoviteh said at an interview. ”£ was offered a position at Court and decorations by King Nivliohis, but I refused them. I. felt I could nut accept such honours while so many of my countrymen were practically slaves, although my brother was director of the King’s Palave. In 1916, when the Montenegrin Army was captured, L escaped with King Nicholas, and managed to get to France on an Hnglish steamer.” It was in America that Air. Brayovitch launched out as an artist. He later returned to Europe, and because of his political activities was arrested and imprisoned in Serbia. ”My wife died while 1 lay in my (•ell. I have a son and :t daughter. 17 and 18 years old, but I have not seen them since they were infants. If I returned now.” Air. Brayoviteh said, ”1 should either bo imprisoned again or shot—and all because of my love tor