THE RIVAL PAINTERS.

Wellington Independent, Volume I, Issue 7, 23 April 1845, Page 4

THE RIVAL PAINTERS.

08, THE STRUGGLE ON THE TIBER.

THE PLOT.

Among the many artists who, in the earlier part of the fifteenth century, sought the 'Eternal City ' as their place of study, none seemed more likely to reach the highest pinnacle of fame than Carlo Vincencio, a young Florentine. Nature had heen very bountiful to him, uniting a figure of perfect proportion to a face made up of beautiful features, and expressive of a generous and benevolent mind. He had not been long in Rome before he gained many acquaintances, who highly esteemed and loved him— the first for his great talent as a painter, the second for his worth as a man.

But, notwithstanding, there were those who looked with an evil eye on him, and they were, as it will readily be supposed, men engaged in the same pursuits, but whose consciousness of inferior powers, rendered them Carlo's enemies, and doubly inveterate wherever occasion called, from the lips of others, praises of the young and progressing painter. Two such enemies were walking together near the Pantheon. It was morning, and the patrons of art in Rome were in the first blush of their admiration of a picture, lately painted by Carlo. The looks of the two men spoken of were dark and vengeful, and as they passed along, they continued their converse, the subject of which was their gifted rival.

'So, another picture has been painted by this Carlo Vincencio,' remarked the elder, by name Nicolo Sforza; 'a Madonna and Child, they tell me, and like his previous essays in the art, the theme of admiration. .

'Yes,'said his companioa, Jacoppo Biozzi; ' and this new picture will be followed by others. Since he came among us, nothing has seemed to pass current save Ms works; so much s5?, that when we hear people loud in their praises, we need not ask the cause or object; for a new work, by Carlo Vincencio, is what is immediately suggested. It is most provoking. Trust me, that when this hubbub for the Madonna and Child is passed away, it will be followed by more extravagances, all of which will be lavished on his Eve. ,

' His Eve ! what mean you V asked Nicolo

'What, have you not heard? , inquired Jacoppo.

'Heard what? .

'That the Pope himself has ordered Carlo Vincencioto paint a picture of Eve,' returned Jacoppo. ' Who, after this, shall say years and ong practice makes the painter ? By the Cross I would Rome was rid of this Carlo Vincencio ("■

Think you he is to be prevailed upon to leave the city? , asked Nicolo, something ominous being expressed in his eyes. 'Think I that the triple diadem is on my brow; exclaimed Jacoppo. ' No, friend: here he will live and die; and little doubt, when no more, his name will be added to the list of saints, and his tomb shown to wonder seeking foreigners. , '

But a thought has struck me that he might be made to quit Rome,' said Nicolo, in a whisper. You know the rules of the academy, one of which is the immediate and eternal expulsion of any student who attempts a freedom with a female sitter.'

'This I know well,' said Jacoppo. 'But what application does if bear to Carlo Vincencio? ,

None at present, , returned Nicolo; 'but we may cause it to have one. Listen. To execute tne order of his Holiness, he must take his Eve trom some living subject. Rome offers many to choose from, who are of a class not the most Keen in the perception of right and wrong. It will be an easy matter to ascertain the woman who will be secured for the business, as easy to bribe her, so that— • 'Vincencio may be expelled,' interrupted Jacoppo, catching at the meaning of his companion. I see, I see. A good thought, and one we may act on,' 'But may I rest secure of your secrecy?' asKeu Nicolo.

'You may, , returned Jacoppo. 'Have we not mutual interests ? Let that consideration alone guarantee. , ' Enough,' said the other; and the two friends proceeded towards the academy, where the new picture, painted by Carlo Vincencio, was then thl ITF;- T , heir vi i l did bufc Entail upon tonnJ r VI!? 1 rt!fic ation, for they saw the young artist himself, surrounded by all that was h XtT S ? -™\ Her oWeet nobility, her S?nf eC /u Maßtl dfcnitoriee, and the most Cf, ot . he . r ent I lcs were there, all emulous, of XT ' - bear their testimony to the beauty larlvkvlI P1 f C v re - n . oli nob^e was P articu " Sp tl f h 'l ? ul °Pttnis; he had, perhaps, So iiT ai) y,? f , the addressed himsdf to Carlo, who replied, with becoming dignityv(T° be continued in our next.)