byHonoredeBalzacTranslatedbyKatharinePrescottWormeleyDEDICATION
TotheLieutenant—ColonelofArtillery，Periollas，AsaTestimonyoftheAffectionateEsteemoftheAuthor，DeBalzacPIERREGRASSOU
Wheneveryouhavegonetotakeaseriouslookattheexhibitionofworksofsculptureandpainting，suchasithasbeensincetherevolutionof1830，haveyounotbeenseizedbyasenseofuneasiness，weariness，sadness，atthesightofthoselongandover—crowdedgalleries？Since1830，thetrueSalonnolongerexists。TheLouvrehasagainbeentakenbyassault，——thistimebyapopulaceofartistswhohavemaintainedthemselvesinit。
Inotherdays，whentheSalonpresentedonlythechoicestworksofart，itconferredthehighesthonoronthecreationsthereexhibited。
Amongthetwohundredselectedpaintings，thepubliccouldstillchoose:acrownwasawardedtothemasterpiecebyhandsunseen。Eager，impassioneddiscussionsaroseaboutsomepicture。TheabuseshoweredonDelacroix，onIngres，contributednolesstotheirfamethanthepraisesandfanaticismoftheiradherents。To—day，neitherthecrowdnorthecriticismgrowsimpassionedabouttheproductsofthatbazaar。
Forcedtomaketheselectionforitself，whichinformerdaystheexaminingjurymadeforit，theattentionofthepublicissoonweariedandtheexhibitioncloses。Beforetheyear1817thepicturesadmittedneverwentbeyondthefirsttwocolumnsofthelonggalleryoftheoldmasters；butinthatyear，tothegreatastonishmentofthepublic，theyfilledthewholespace。Historical，high—art，genrepaintings，easelpictures，landscapes，flowers，animals，andwater—
colors，——theseeightspecialtiescouldsurelynotoffermorethantwentypicturesinoneyearworthyoftheeyesofthepublic，which，indeed，cannotgiveitsattentiontoagreaternumberofsuchworks。
Themorethenumberofartistsincreases，themorecarefulandexactingthejuryofadmissionoughttobe。
ThetruecharacteroftheSalonwaslostassoonasitspreadalongthegalleries。TheSalonshouldhaveremainedwithinfixedlimitsofinflexibleproportions，whereeachdistinctspecialtycouldshowitsmasterpiecesonly。Anexperienceoftenyearshasshowntheexcellenceoftheformerinstitution。Now，insteadofatournament，wehaveamob；insteadofanobleexhibition，wehaveatumultuousbazaar；
insteadofachoiceselectionwehaveachaoticmass。Whatistheresult？Agreatartistisswamped。Decamps’\"TurkishCafe，\"\"ChildrenataFountain，\"\"Joseph，\"and\"TheTorture，\"wouldhaveredoundedfarmoretohiscreditifthefourpictureshadbeenexhibitedinthegreatSalonwiththehundredgoodpicturesofthatyear，thanhistwentypicturescould，amongthreethousandothers，jumbledtogetherinsixgalleries。
Bysomestrangecontradiction，eversincethedoorsareopentoeveryonetherehasbeenmuchtalkofunknownandunrecognizedgenius。When，twelveyearsearlier，Ingres’\"Courtesan，\"andthatofSigalon，the\"Medusa\"ofGericault，the\"MassacreofScio\"byDelacroix，the\"BaptismofHenriIV。\"byEugeneDeveria，admittedbycelebratedartistsaccusedofjealousy，showedtheworld，inspiteofthedenialsofcriticism，thatyoungandvigorouspalettesexisted，nosuchcomplaintwasmade。Now，whentheveriestdauberofcanvascansendinhiswork，thewholetalkisofgeniusneglected！Wherejudgmentnolongerexists，thereisnolongeranythingjudged。Butwhateverartistsmaybedoingnow，theywillcomebackintimetotheexaminationandselectionwhichpresentstheirworkstotheadmirationofthecrowdforwhomtheywork。WithoutselectionbytheAcademytherewillbenoSalon，andwithouttheSalonartmayperish。
Eversincethecataloguehasgrownintoabook，manynameshaveappearedinitwhichstillremainintheirnativeobscurity，inspiteofthetenoradozenpicturesattachedtothem。AmongthesenamesperhapsthemostunknowntofameisthatofanartistnamedPierreGrassou，comingfromFougeres，andcalledsimply\"Fougeres\"amonghisbrother—artists，who，atthepresentmomentholdsaplace，asthesayingis，\"inthesun，\"andwhosuggestedtheratherbitterreflectionsbywhichthissketchofhislifeisintroduced，——
reflectionsthatareapplicabletomanyotherindividualsofthetribeofartists。
In1832，FougereslivedintheruedeNavarin，onthefourthfloorofoneofthosetall，narrowhouseswhichresembletheobeliskofLuxor，andpossessanalley，adarklittlestairwaywithdangerousturnings，threewindowsonlyoneachfloor，and，withinthebuilding，acourtyard，or，tospeakmorecorrectly，asquarepitorwell。AbovethethreeorfourroomsoccupiedbyGrassouofFougereswashisstudio，lookingovertoMontmartre。Thisstudiowaspaintedinbrick—
color，forabackground；thefloorwastintedbrownandwellfrotted；
eachchairwasfurnishedwithabitofcarpetboundroundtheedges；
thesofa，simpleenough，wascleanasthatinthebedroomofsomeworthybourgeoise。Allthesethingsdenotedthetidywaysofasmallmindandthethriftofapoorman。Abureauwasthere，inwhichtoputawaythestudioimplements，atableforbreakfast，asideboard，asecretary；inshort，allthearticlesnecessarytoapainter，neatlyarrangedandveryclean。ThestoveparticipatedinthisDutchcleanliness，whichwasallthemorevisiblebecausethepureandlittlechanginglightfromthenorthfloodedwithitscoldclearbeamsthevastapartment。Fougeres，beingmerelyagenrepainter，doesnotneedtheimmensemachineryandoutfitwhichruinhistoricalpainters；
hehasneverrecognizedwithinhimselfsufficientfacultytoattempthigh—art，andhethereforeclingstoeaselpainting。
AtthebeginningofthemonthofDecemberofthatyear，aseasonatwhichthebourgeoisofParisconceive，periodically，theburlesqueideaofperpetuatingtheirformsandfiguresalreadytoobulkyinthemselves，PierreGrassou，whohadrisenearly，preparedhispalette，andlightedhisstove，waseatingarollsteepedinmilk，andwaitingtillthefrostonhiswindowshadmeltedsufficientlytoletthefulllightin。Theweatherwasfineanddry。Atthismomenttheartist，whoatehisbreadwiththatpatient，resignedairthattellssomuch，heardandrecognizedthestepofamanwhohaduponhislifetheinfluencesuchmenhaveonthelivesofnearlyallartists，——thestepofElieMagus，apicture—dealer，ausurerincanvas。ThenextmomentElieMagusenteredandfoundthepainterintheactofbeginninghisworkinthetidystudio。
\"Howareyou，oldrascal？\"saidthepainter。
FougereshadthecrossoftheLegionofhonor，andElieMagusboughthispicturesattwoandthreehundredfrancsapiece，sohegavehimselftheairsofafineartist。
\"Businessisverybad，\"repliedElie。\"Youartistshavesuchpretensions！Youtalkoftwohundredfrancswhenyouhaven’tputsixsous’worthofcoloronacanvas。However，youareagoodfellow，I’llsaythat。Youaresteady；andI’vecometoputagoodbitofbusinessinyourway。\"
\"TimeoDanaosetdonaferentes，\"saidFougeres。\"DoyouknowLatin？\"
\"No。\"
\"Well，itmeansthattheGreeksneverproposedagoodbitofbusinesstotheTrojanswithoutgettingtheirfairshareofit。Intheoldentimetheyusedtosay，’Takemyhorse。’Nowwesay，’Takemybear。’
Well，whatdoyouwant，Ulysses—Lagingeole—ElieMagus？\"
ThesewordswillgiveanideaofthemildnessandwitwithwhichFougeresemployedwhatpainterscallstudiofun。
\"Well，Idon’tdenythatyouaretopaintmetwopicturesfornothing。\"
\"Oh！oh！\"
\"I’llleaveyoutodoit，ornot；Idon’taskit。Butyou’reanhonestman。\"
\"Come，outwithit！\"
\"Well，I’mpreparedtobringyouafather，mother，andonlydaughter。\"
\"Allforme？\"
\"Yes——theywanttheirportraitstaken。Thesebourgeois——theyarecrazyaboutart——haveneverdaredtoenterastudio。Thegirlhasa’dot’ofahundredthousandfrancs。Youcanpaintallthree，——perhapsthey’llturnoutfamilyportraits。\"
AndwiththattheoldDutchlogofwoodwhopassedforamanandwhowascalledElieMagus，interruptedhimselftolaughanuncannylaughwhichfrightenedthepainter。HefanciedheheardMephistophelestalkingmarriage。
\"Portraitsbringfivehundredfrancsapiece，\"wentonElie；\"soyoucanverywellaffordtopaintmethreepictures。\"
\"Trueforyou！\"criedFougeres，gleefully。
\"Andifyoumarrythegirl，youwon’tforgetme。\"
\"Marry！I？\"criedPierreGrassou，——\"I，whohaveahabitofsleepingalone；andgetupatcock—crow，andallmylifearranged——\"
\"Onehundredthousandfrancs，\"saidMagus，\"andaquietgirl，fullofgoldentones，asyoucall’em，likeaTitian。\"
\"Whatclassofpeoplearethey？\"
\"Retiredmerchants；justnowinlovewithart；haveacountry—houseatVilled’Avray，andtenortwelvethousandfrancsayear。\"
\"Whatbusinessdidtheydo？\"
\"Bottles。\"
\"Nowdon’tsaythatword；itmakesmethinkofcorksandsetsmyteethonedge。\"
\"AmItobringthem？\"
\"Threeportraits——IcouldputthemintheSalon；Imightgoinforportrait—painting。Well，yes！\"
OldEliedescendedthestaircasetogoinsearchoftheVervellefamily。Toknowtowhatextendthispropositionwouldactuponthepainter，andwhateffectwouldbeproduceduponhimbytheSieurandDameVervelle，adornedbytheironlydaughter，itisnecessarytocastaneyeontheanteriorlifeofPierreGrassouofFougeres。
Whenapupil，FougereshadstudieddrawingwithServin，whowasthoughtagreatdraughtsmaninacademiccircles。AfterthathewenttoSchinner’s，tolearnthesecretsofthepowerfulandmagnificentcolorwhichdistinguishesthatmaster。Masterandscholarswerealldiscreet；atanyratePierrediscoverednoneoftheirsecrets。FromtherehewenttoSommervieux’atelier，toacquirethatportionoftheartofpaintingwhichiscalledcomposition，butcompositionwasshyanddistanttohim。ThenhetriedtosnatchfromDecampsandGranetthemysteryoftheirinterioreffects。Thetwomasterswerenotrobbed。FinallyFougeresendedhiseducationwithDuval—Lecamus。
DuringthesestudiedandthesedifferenttransformationsFougeres’
habitsandwaysoflifeweretranquilandmoraltoadegreethatfurnishedmatterofjestingtothevariousatelierswherehesojourned；buteverywherehedisarmedhiscomradesbyhismodestyandbythepatienceandgentlenessofalamblikenature。Themasters，however，hadnosympathyforthegoodlad；masterspreferbrightfellows，eccentricspirits，drollorfiery，orelsegloomyanddeeplyreflective，whicharguefuturetalent。EverythingaboutPierreGrassousmackedofmediocrity。Hisnickname\"Fougeres\"（thatofthepainterintheplayof\"TheEglantine\"）wasthesourceofmuchteasing；but，byforceofcircumstances，heacceptedthenameofthetowninwhichhehadfirstseenlight。
GrassouofFougeresresembledhisname。Plumpandofmediumheight，hehadadullcomplexion，browneyes，blackhair，aturned—upnose，ratherwidemouth，andlongears。Hisgentle，passive，andresignedairgaveacertainrelieftotheseleadingfeaturesofaphysiognomythatwasfullofhealth，butwantinginaction。Thisyoungman，borntobeavirtuousbourgeois，havinglefthisnativeplaceandcometoParistobeclerkwithacolor—merchant（formerlyofMayenneandadistantconnectionoftheOrgemonts）madehimselfapaintersimplybythefactofanobstinacywhichconstitutestheBretoncharacter。Whathesuffered，themannerinwhichhelivedduringthoseyearsofstudy，Godonlyknows。Hesufferedasmuchasgreatmensufferwhentheyarehoundedbypovertyandhuntedlikewildbeastsbythepackofcommonplacemindsandbytroopsofvanitiesathirstforvengeance。
Assoonashethoughthimselfabletoflyonhisownwings，FougerestookastudiointheupperpartoftheruedesMartyrs，wherehebegantodelvehisway。Hemadehisfirstappearancein1819。ThefirstpicturehepresentedtothejuryoftheExhibitionattheLouvrerepresentedavillageweddingratherlaboriouslycopiedfromGreuze’spicture。Itwasrejected。WhenFougeresheardofthefataldecision，hedidnotfallintooneofthosefitsofepilepticself—lovetowhichstrongnaturesgivethemselvesup，andwhichsometimesendinchallengessenttothedirectororthesecretaryoftheMuseum，orevenbythreatsofassassination。Fougeresquietlyfetchedhiscanvas，wrappeditinahandkerchief，andbroughtithome，vowinginhisheartthathewouldstillmakehimselfagreatpainter。Heplacedhispictureontheeasel，andwenttooneofhisformermasters，amanofimmensetalent，——toSchinner，akindandpatientartist，whosetriumphatthatyear’sSalonwascomplete。Fougeresaskedhimtocomeandcriticisetherejectedwork。Thegreatpainterlefteverythingandwentatonce。WhenpoorFougereshadplacedtheworkbeforehimSchinner，afteraglance，pressedFougeres’hand。
\"Youareafinefellow，\"hesaid；\"you’veaheartofgold，andImustnotdeceiveyou。Listen；youarefulfillingallthepromisesyoumadeinthestudios。Whenyoufindsuchthingsasthatatthetipofyourbrush，mygoodFougeres，youhadbetterleavecolorswithBrullon，andnottakethecanvasofothers。Gohomeearly，putonyourcottonnight—cap，andbeinbedbynineo’clock。Thenextmorningearlygotosomegovernmentoffice，askforaplace，andgiveupart。\"
\"Mydearfriend，\"saidFougeres，\"mypictureisalreadycondemned；itisnotaverdictthatIwantofyou，butthecauseofthatverdict。\"
\"Well——youpaintgrayandsombre；youseenaturebeingacrapeveil；
yourdrawingisheavy，pasty；yourcompositionisamedleyofGreuze，whoonlyredeemedhisdefectsbythequalitieswhichyoulack。\"
WhiledetailingthesefaultsofthepictureSchinnersawonFougeres’
facesodeepanexpressionofsadnessthathecarriedhimofftodinnerandtriedtoconsolehim。Thenextmorningatseveno’clockFougereswasathiseaselworkingovertherejectedpicture；hewarmedthecolors；hemadethecorrectionssuggestedbySchinner，hetoucheduphisfigures。Then，disgustedwithsuchpatching，hecarriedthepicturetoElieMagus。ElieMagus，asortofDutch—Flemish—Belgian，hadthreereasonsforbeingwhathebecame，——richandavaricious。
CominglastfromBordeaux，hewasjuststartinginParis，sellingoldpicturesandlivingontheboulevardBonne—Nouvelle。Fougeres，whoreliedonhispalettetogotothebaker’s，bravelyatebreadandnuts，orbreadandmilk，orbreadandcherries，orbreadandcheese，accordingtotheseasons。ElieMagus，towhomPierreofferedhisfirstpicture，eyeditforsometimeandthengavehimfifteenfrancs。
\"Withfifteenfrancsayearcomingin，andathousandfrancsforexpenses，\"saidFougeres，smiling，\"amanwillgofastandfar。\"
ElieMagusmadeagesture；hebithisthumbs，thinkingthathemighthavehadthatpictureforfivefrancs。
ForseveraldaysPierrewalkeddownfromtheruedesMartyrsandstationedhimselfatthecorneroftheboulevardoppositetoElie’sshop，whencehiseyecouldrestuponhispicture，whichdidnotobtainanynoticefromtheeyesofthepassersalongthestreet。Attheendofaweekthepicturedisappeared；Fougereswalkedslowlyupandapproachedthedealer’sshopinaloungingmanner。TheJewwasathisdoor。
\"Well，Iseeyouhavesoldmypicture。\"
\"No，hereitis，\"saidMagus；\"I’veframedit，toshowittosomeonewhofanciesheknowsaboutpainting。\"
Fougereshadnotthehearttoreturntotheboulevard。Hesetaboutanotherpicture，andspenttwomonthsuponit，——eatingmouse’smealsandworkinglikeagalley—slave。
Oneeveninghewenttotheboulevard，hisfeetleadinghimfatefullytothedealer’sshop。Hispicturewasnottobeseen。
\"I’vesoldyourpicture，\"saidElieMagus，seeinghim。
\"Forhowmuch？\"
\"IgotbackwhatIgaveandasmallinterest。MakemesomeFlemishinteriors，alessonofanatomy，landscapes，andsuchlike，andI’llbuythemofyou，\"saidElie。
FougereswouldfainhavetakenoldMagusinhisarms；heregardedhimasafather。Hewenthomewithjoyinhisheart；thegreatpainterSchinnerwasmistakenafterall！InthatimmensecityofParisthereweresomeheartsthatbeatinunisonwithPierre’s；histalentwasunderstoodandappreciated。Thepoorfellowoftwenty—sevenhadtheinnocenceofaladofsixteen。Anotherman，oneofthosedistrustful，surlyartists，wouldhavenoticedthediabolicallookonElie’sfaceandseenthetwitchingofthehairsofhisbeard，theironyofhismoustache，andthemovementofhisshoulderswhichbetrayedthesatisfactionofWalterScott’sJewinswindlingaChristian。
Fougeresmarchedalongtheboulevardinastateofjoywhichgavetohishonestfaceanexpressionofpride。Hewaslikeaschoolboyprotectingawoman。HemetJosephBridau，oneofhiscomrades，andoneofthoseeccentricgeniusesdestinedtofameandsorrow。JosephBridau，whohad，tousehisownexpression，afewsousinhispocket，tookFougerestotheOpera。ButFougeresdidn’tseetheballet，didn’thearthemusic；hewasimaginingpictures，hewaspainting。HeleftJosephinthemiddleoftheevening，andranhometomakesketchesbylamp—light。Heinventedthirtypictures，allreminiscence，andfelthimselfamanofgenius。Thenextdayheboughtcolors，andcanvasesofvariousdimensions；hepiledupbreadandcheeseonhistable，hefilledawater—potwithwater，helaidinaprovisionofwoodforhisstove；then，touseastudioexpression，hedugathispictures。HehiredseveralmodelsandMaguslenthimstuffs。
Aftertwomonths’seclusiontheBretonhadfinishedfourpictures。
AgainheaskedcounselofSchinner，thistimeaddingBridautotheinvitation。ThetwopainterssawinthreeofthesepicturesaservileimitationofDutchlandscapesandinteriorsbyMetzu，inthefourthacopyofRembrandt’s\"LessonofAnatomy。\"
\"Stillimitating！\"saidSchinner。\"Ah！Fougerescan’tmanagetobeoriginal。\"
\"Yououghttodosomethingelsethanpainting，\"saidBridau。
\"What？\"askedFougeres。
\"Flingyourselfintoliterature。\"
Fougeresloweredhisheadlikeasheepwhenitrains。Thenheaskedandobtainedcertainusefuladvice，andretouchedhispicturesbeforetakingthemtoElieMagus。Eliepaidhimtwenty—fivefrancsapiece。AtthatpriceofcourseFougeresearnednothing；neitherdidhelose，thankstohissoberliving。Hemadeafewexcursionstotheboulevardtoseewhatbecameofhispictures，andthereheunderwentasingularhallucination。Hisneat，cleanpaintings，hardastinandshinyasporcelain，werecoveredwithasortofmist；theylookedlikeolddaubs。Maguswasout，andPierrecouldobtainnoinformationonthisphenomenon。Hefanciedsomethingwaswrongwithhiseyes。
Thepainterwentbacktohisstudioandmademorepictures。AftersevenyearsofcontinuedtoilFougeresmanagedtocomposeandexecutequitepassablework。Hedidaswellasanyartistofthesecondclass。
ElieboughtandsoldallthepaintingsofthepoorBreton，whoearnedlaboriouslyabouttwothousandfrancsayearwhilehespentbuttwelvehundred。
AttheExhibitionof1829，LeondeLora，Schinner，andBridau，whoallthreeoccupiedagreatpositionandwere，infact，attheheadoftheartmovement，werefilledwithpityfortheperseveranceandthepovertyoftheiroldfriend；andtheycausedtobeadmittedintothegrandsalonoftheExhibition，apicturebyFougeres。Thispicture，powerfulininterestbutderivedfromVigneronastosentimentandfromDubufe’sfirstmannerastoexecution，representedayoungmaninprison，whosehairwasbeingcutaroundthenapeoftheneck。Ononesidewasapriest，ontheothertwowomen，oneold，oneyoung，intears。Asheriff’sclerkwasreadingaloudadocument。Onawretchedtablewasameal，untouched。Thelightcameinthroughthebarsofawindowneartheceiling。Itwasapicturefittomakethebourgeoisshudder，andthebourgeoisshuddered。FougereshadsimplybeeninspiredbythemasterpieceofGerardDouw；hehadturnedthegroupofthe\"DropsicalWoman\"towardthewindow，insteadofpresentingitfullfront。Thecondemnedmanwassubstitutedforthedyingwoman——samepallor，sameglance，sameappealtoGod。InsteadoftheDutchdoctor，hehadpaintedthecold，officialfigureofthesheriff’sclerkattiredinblack；buthehadaddedanoldwomantotheyoungoneofGerardDouw。Thecruellysimpleandgood—humoredfaceoftheexecutionercompletedanddominatedthegroup。Thisplagiarism，verycleverlydisguised，wasnotdiscovered。Thecataloguecontainedthefollowing:——
510。GrassoudeFougeres（Pierre），ruedeNavarin，2。
Death—toiletofaChouan，condemnedtoexecutionin1809。
Thoughwhollysecond—rate，thepicturehadimmensesuccess，foritrecalledtheaffairofthe\"chauffeurs，\"ofMortagne。Acrowdcollectedeverydaybeforethenowfashionablecanvas；evenCharlesX。
pausedtolookatit。\"Madame，\"beingtoldofthepatientlifeofthepoorBreton，becameenthusiasticoverhim。TheDucd’Orleansaskedthepriceofthepicture。TheclergytoldMadamelaDauphinethatthesubjectwassuggestiveofgoodthoughts；andtherewas，intruth，amostsatisfyingreligioustoneaboutit。MonseigneurtheDauphinadmiredthedustonthestone—floor，——ahugeblunder，bytheway，forFougereshadpaintedgreenishtonessuggestiveofmildewalongthebaseofthewalls。\"Madame\"finallyboughtthepictureforathousandfrancs，andtheDauphinorderedanotherlikeit。CharlesX。gavethecrossoftheLegionofhonortothissonofapeasantwhohadfoughtfortheroyalcausein1799。（JosephBridau，thegreatpainter，wasnotyetdecorated。）TheministeroftheInteriororderedtwochurchpicturesofFougeres。
ThisSalonof1829wastoPierreGrassouhiswholefortune，fame，future，andlife。Beoriginal，invent，andyoudiebyinches；copy，imitate，andyou’lllive。Afterthisdiscoveryofagoldmine，GrassoudeFougeresobtainedhisbenefitofthefatalprincipletowhichsocietyowesthewretchedmediocritiestowhomareintrustedinthesedaystheelectionofleadersinallsocialclasses；whoproceed，naturally，toelectthemselvesandwhowageabitterwaragainstalltruetalent。Theprincipleofelectionappliedindiscriminatelyisfalse，andFrancewillsomedayabandonit。
Neverthelessthemodesty，simplicity，andgenuinesurpriseofthegoodandgentleFougeressilencedallenvyandallrecriminations。Besides，hehadonhissideallofhisclanwhohadsucceeded，andallwhoexpectedtosucceed。Somepersons，touchedbythepersistentenergyofamanwhomnothinghaddiscouraged，talkedofDomenichinoandsaid:——
\"Perseveranceintheartsshouldberewarded。Grassouhasn’tstolenhissuccesses；hehasdelvedfortenyears，thepoordearman！\"
Thatexclamationof\"poordearman！\"countedforhalfinthesupportandthecongratulationswhichthepainterreceived。Pitysetsupmediocritiesasenvypullsdowngreattalents，andinequalnumbers。
Thenewspapers，itistrue，didnotsparecriticism，butthechevalierFougeresdigestedthemashehaddigestedthecounselofhisfriends，withangelicpatience。
Possessing，bythistime，fifteenthousandfrancs，laboriouslyearned，hefurnishedanapartmentandstudiointheruedeNavarin，andpaintedthepictureorderedbyMonseigneurtheDauphin，alsothetwochurchpictures，anddeliveredthematthetimeagreedon，withapunctualitythatwasverydiscomfortingtotheexchequeroftheministry，accustomedtoadifferentcourseofaction。But——admirethegoodfortuneofmenwhoaremethodical——ifGrassou，belatedwithhiswork，hadbeencaughtbytherevolutionofJulyhewouldnothavegothismoney。
Bythetimehewasthirty—sevenFougereshadmanufacturedforElieMagussometwohundredpictures，allofthemutterlyunknown，bythehelpofwhichhehadattainedtothatsatisfyingmanner，thatpointofexecutionbeforewhichthetrueartistshrugshisshouldersandthebourgeoisieworships。Fougereswasdeartofriendsforrectitudeofideas，forsteadinessofsentiment，absolutekindliness，andgreatloyalty；thoughtheyhadnoesteemforhispalette，theylovedthemanwhoheldit。
\"WhatamisfortuneitisthatFougereshastheviceofpainting！\"saidhiscomrades。
Butforallthis，Grassougaveexcellentcounsel，likethosefeuilletonistsincapableofwritingabookwhoknowverywellwhereabookiswanting。Therewasthisdifference，however，betweenliterarycriticsandFougeres；hewaseminentlysensitivetobeauties；hefeltthem，heacknowledgedthem，andhisadvicewasinstinctwithaspiritofjusticethatmadethejustnessofhisremarksacceptable。AftertherevolutionofJuly，FougeressentabouttenpicturesayeartotheSalon，ofwhichthejuryadmittedfourorfive。Helivedwiththemostrigideconomy，hishouseholdbeingmanagedsolelybyanoldcharwoman。
Forallamusementhevisitedhisfriends，hewenttoseeworksofart，heallowedhimselfafewlittletripsaboutFrance，andheplannedtogotoSwitzerlandinsearchofinspiration。Thisdetestableartistwasanexcellentcitizen；hemountedguardduly，wenttoreviews，andpaidhisrentandprovision—billswithbourgeoispunctuality。
Havinglivedallhislifeintoilandpoverty，hehadneverhadthetimetolove。Poorandabachelor，untilnowhedidnotdesiretocomplicatehissimplelife。Incapableofdevisinganymeansofincreasinghislittlefortune，hecarried，everythreemonths，tohisnotary，Cardot，hisquarterlyearningsandeconomies。Whenthenotaryhadreceivedaboutthreethousandfrancsheinvestedtheminsomefirstmortgage，theinterestofwhichhedrewhimselfandaddedtothequarterlypaymentsmadetohimbyFougeres。Thepainterwasawaitingthefortunatemomentwhenhispropertythuslaidbywouldgivehimtheimposingincomeoftwothousandfrancs，toallowhimselftheotiumcumdignitateoftheartistandpaintpictures；butoh！whatpictures！
truepictures！eachafinishedpicture！chouette，Koxnoff，chocnosoff！
Hisfuture，hisdreamsofhappiness，thesuperlativeofhishopes——doyouknowwhatitwas？ToentertheInstituteandobtainthegradeofofficeroftheLegionofhonor；tosidedownbesideSchinnerandLeondeLora，toreachtheAcademybeforeBridau，toweararosetteinhisbuttonhole！Whatadream！Itisonlycommonplacemenwhothinkofeverything。
Hearingthesoundofseveralstepsonthestaircase，Fougeresrubbeduphishair，buttonedhisjacketofbottle—greenvelveteen，andwasnotalittleamazedtosee，enteringhisdoorway，asimpletonfacevulgarlycalledinstudioslanga\"melon。\"Thisfruitsurmountedapumpkin，clothedinblueclothadornedwithabunchoftintinnabulatingbaubles。Themelonpuffedlikeawalrus；thepumpkinadvancedonturnips，improperlycalledlegs。Atruepainterwouldhaveturnedthelittlebottle—vendoroffatonce，assuringhimthathedidn’tpaintvegetables。Thispainterlookedathisclientwithoutasmile，forMonsieurVervelleworeathree—thousand—francdiamondinthebosomofhisshirt。
FougeresglancedatMagusandsaid:\"There’sfatinit！\"usingaslangtermthenmuchinvogueinthestudios。
HearingthosewordsMonsieurVervellefrowned。Theworthybourgeoisdrewafterhimanothercomplicationofvegetablesinthepersonsofhiswifeanddaughter。Thewifehadafineveneerofmahoganyonherface，andinfiguresheresembledacocoa—nut，surmountedbyaheadandtiedinaroundthewaist。Shepivotedonherlegs，whichweretap—
rooted，andhergownwasyellowwithblackstripes。Sheproudlyexhibitedunutterablemittensonapuffypairofhands；theplumesofafirst—classfuneralfloatedonanover—flowingbonnet；lacesadornedhershoulders，asroundbehindastheywerebefore；consequently，thesphericalformofthecocoa—nutwasperfect。Herfeet，ofakindthatpainterscallabatis，roseabovethevarnishedleatheroftheshoesinaswellingthatwassomeincheshigh。Howthefeetwereevergotintotheshoes，nooneknows。
Followingthesevegetableparentswasayoungasparagus，whopresentedatinyheadwithsmoothlybandedhairoftheyellow—carrotytonethataRomanadores，long，stringyarms，afairlywhiteskinwithreddishspotsuponit，largeinnocenteyes，andwhitelashes，scarcelyanybrows，aleghornbonnetboundwithwhitesatinandadornedwithtwohonestbowsofthesamesatin，handsvirtuouslyred，andthefeetofhermother。Thefacesofthesethreebeingswore，astheylookedroundthestudio，anairofhappinesswhichbespokeinthemarespectableenthusiasmforArt。
\"Soitisyou，monsieur，whoaregoingtotakeourlikenesses？\"saidthefather，assumingajauntyair。
\"Yes，monsieur，\"repliedGrassou。
\"Vervelle，hehasthecross！\"whisperedthewifetothehusbandwhilethepainter’sbackwasturned。
\"ShouldIbelikelytohaveourportraitspaintedbyanartistwhowasn’tdecorated？\"returnedtheformerbottle—dealer。
ElieMagusherebowedtotheVervellefamilyandwentaway。Grassouaccompaniedhimtothelanding。
\"There’snoonebutyouwhowouldfishupsuchwhales。\"
\"Onehundredthousandfrancsof’dot’！\"
\"Yes，butwhatafamily！\"
\"Threehundredthousandfrancsofexpectations，ahouseintherueBoucherat，andacountry—houseatVilled’Avray！\"
\"Bottlesandcorks！bottlesandcorks！\"saidthepainter；\"theysetmyteethonedge。\"
\"Safefromwantfortherestofyourdays，\"saidElieMagusashedeparted。
ThatideaenteredtheheadofPierreGrassouasthedaylighthadburstintohisgarretthatmorning。
Whileheposedthefatheroftheyoungperson，hethoughtthebottle—
dealerhadagoodcountenance，andheadmiredthefacefullofviolenttones。Themotheranddaughterhoveredabouttheeasel，marvellingatallhispreparations；theyevidentlythoughthimademigod。ThisvisibleadmirationpleasedFougeres。Thegoldencalfthrewuponthefamilyitsfantasticreflections。
\"Youmustearnlotsofmoney；butofcourseyoudon’tspenditasyougetit，\"saidthemother。
\"No，madame，\"repliedthepainter；\"Idon’tspendit；Ihavenotthemeanstoamusemyself。Mynotaryinvestsmymoney；heknowswhatI
have；assoonasIhavetakenhimthemoneyIneverthinkofitagain。\"
\"I’vealwaysbeentold，\"criedoldVervelle，\"thatartistswerebasketswithholesinthem。\"
\"Whoisyournotary——ifitisnotindiscreettoask？\"saidMadameVervelle。
\"Agoodfellow，allround，\"repliedGrassou。\"HisnameisCardot。\"
\"Well，well！ifthatisn’tajoke！\"exclaimedVervelle。\"Cardotisournotarytoo。\"
\"Takecare！don’tmove，\"saidthepainter。
\"Doprayholdstill，Antenor，\"saidthewife。\"Ifyoumoveaboutyou’llmakemonsieurmiss；youshouldjustseehimworking，andthenyou’dunderstand。\"
\"Oh！whydidn’tyouhavemetaughtthearts？\"saidMademoiselleVervelletoherparents。
\"Virginie，\"saidhermother，\"ayoungpersonoughtnottolearncertainthings。Whenyouaremarried——well，tillthen，keepquiet。\"
DuringthisfirstsittingtheVervellefamilybecamealmostintimatewiththeworthyartist。Theyweretocomeagaintwodayslater。AstheywentawaythefathertoldVirginietowalkinfront；butinspiteofthisseparation，sheoverheardthefollowingwords，whichnaturallyawakenedhercuriosity。
\"Decorated——thirty—sevenyearsold——anartistwhogetsorders——putshismoneywithournotary。We’llconsultCardot。Hein！MadamedeFougeres！notabadname——doesn’tlooklikeabadmaneither！Onemightpreferamerchant；butbeforeamerchantretiresfrombusinessonecanneverknowwhatone’sdaughtermaycometo；whereasaneconomicalartist——andthenyouknowweloveArt——Well，we’llsee！\"
WhiletheVervellefamilydiscussedPierreGrassou，PierreGrassoudiscussedinhisownmindtheVervellefamily。Hefounditimpossibletostaypeacefullyinhisstudio，sohetookawalkontheboulevard，andlookedatallthered—hairedwomenwhopassedhim。Hemadeaseriesoftheoddestreasoningstohimself:goldwasthehandsomestofmetals；atawnyyellowrepresentedgold；theRomanswerefondofred—
hairedwomen，andheturnedRoman，etc。Aftertwoyearsofmarriagewhatmanwouldevercareaboutthecolorofhiswife’shair？Beautyfades，——butuglinessremains！Moneyisone—halfofallhappiness。ThatnightwhenhewenttobedthepainterhadcometothinkVirginieVervellecharming。
WhenthethreeVervellesarrivedonthedayofthesecondsittingtheartistreceivedthemwithsmiles。Therascalhadshavedandputoncleanlinen；hehadalsoarrangedhishairinapleasingmanner，andchosenaverybecomingpairoftrousersandredleatherslipperswithpointedtoes。Thefamilyrepliedwithsmilesasflatteringasthoseoftheartist。Virginiebecamethecolorofherhair，loweredhereyes，andturnedasideherheadtolookatthesketches。PierreGrassouthoughttheselittleaffectationscharming，Virginiehadsuchgrace；
happilyshedidn’tlooklikeherfatherorhermother；butwhomdidshelooklike？
Duringthissittingtherewerelittleskirmishesbetweenthefamilyandthepainter，whohadtheaudacitytocallpereVervellewitty。
Thisflatterybroughtthefamilyonthedouble—quicktotheheartoftheartist；hegaveadrawingtothedaughter，andasketchtothemother。
\"What！fornothing？\"theysaid。
PierreGrassoucouldnothelpsmiling。
\"Youshouldn’tgiveawayyourpicturesinthatway；theyaremoney，\"
saidoldVervelle。
AtthethirdsittingpereVervellementionedafinegalleryofpictureswhichhehadinhiscountry—houseatVilled’Avray——Rubens，GerardDouw，Mieris，Terburg，Rembrandt，Titian，PaulPotter，etc。
\"MonsieurVervellehasbeenveryextravagant，\"saidMadameVervelle，ostentatiously。\"Hehasoveronehundredthousandfrancs’worthofpictures。\"
\"IloveArt，\"saidtheformerbottle—dealer。
WhenMadameVervelle’sportraitwasbegunthatofherhusbandwasnearlyfinished，andtheenthusiasmofthefamilyknewnobounds。Thenotaryhadspokeninthehighestpraiseofthepainter。PierreGrassouwas，hesaid，oneofthemosthonestfellowsonearth；hehadlaidbythirty—sixthousandfrancs；hisdaysofpovertywereover；henowsavedabouttenthousandfrancsayearandcapitalizedtheinterest；
inshort，hewasincapableofmakingawomanunhappy。Thislastremarkhadenormousweightinthescales。Vervelle’sfriendsnowheardofnothingbutthecelebratedpainterFougeres。
ThedayonwhichFougeresbegantheportraitofMademoiselleVirginie，hewasvirtuallyson—in—lawtotheVervellefamily。ThethreeVervellesbloomedoutinthisstudio，whichtheywerenowaccustomedtoconsiderasoneoftheirresidences；therewastothemaninexplicableattractioninthisclean，neat，pretty，andartisticabode。Abyssusabyssum，thecommonplaceattractsthecommonplace。
Towardtheendofthesittingthestairwayshook，thedoorwasviolentlythrustopenbyJosephBridau；hecamelikeawhirlwind，hishairflying。Heshowedhisgrandhaggardfaceashelookedabouthim，castingeverywherethelightningofhisglance；thenhewalkedroundthewholestudio，andreturnedabruptlytoGrassou，pullinghiscoattogetheroverthegastricregion，andendeavouring，butinvain，tobuttonit，thebuttonmouldhavingescapedfromitscapsuleofcloth。
\"Woodisdear，\"hesaidtoGrassou。
\"Ah！\"
\"TheBritishareafterme\"（slangtermforcreditors）\"Gracious！doyoupaintsuchthingsasthat？\"
\"Holdyourtongue！\"
\"Ah！tobesure，yes。\"
TheVervellefamily，extremelyshockedbythisextraordinaryapparition，passedfromitsordinaryredtoacherry—red，twoshadesdeeper。
\"Bringsin，hey？\"continuedJoseph。\"Anyshotinyourlocker？\"
\"Howmuchdoyouwant？\"
\"Fivehundred。I’vegotoneofthosebull—dogdealersafterme，andifthefellowoncegetshisteethinhewon’tletgowhilethere’sabitofmeleft。Whatacrew！\"
\"I’llwriteyoualineformynotary。\"
\"Haveyougotanotary？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Thatexplainstomewhyyoustillmakecheekswithpinktoneslikeaperfumer’ssign。\"
Grassoucouldnothelpcoloring，forVirginiewassitting。
\"TakeNatureasyoufindher，\"saidthegreatpainter，goingonwithhislecture。\"Mademoiselleisred—haired。Well，isthatasin？Allthingsaremagnificentinpainting。Putsomevermilliononyourpalette，andwarmupthosecheeks；touchinthoselittlebrownspots；
come，butteritwellin。DoyoupretendtohavemoresensethanNature？\"
\"Lookhere，\"saidFougeres，\"takemyplacewhileIgoandwritethatnote。\"
VervellerolledtothetableandwhisperedinGrassou’sear:——
\"Won’tthatcountryloutspoiltit？\"
\"IfhewouldonlypainttheportraitofyourVirginieitwouldbeworthathousandtimesmorethanmine，\"repliedFougeres，vehemently。
Hearingthatreplythebourgeoisbeataquietretreattohiswife，whowasstupefiedbytheinvasionofthisferociousanimal，andveryuneasyathisco—operationinherdaughter’sportrait。
\"Here，followtheseindications，\"saidBridau，returningthepalette，andtakingthenote。\"Iwon’tthankyou。Icangobacknowtod’Arthez’chateau，whereIamdoingadining—room，andLeondeLorathetopsofthedoors——masterpieces！Comeandseeus。\"
Andoffhewentwithouttakingleave，havinghadenoughoflookingatVirginie。
\"Whoisthatman？\"askedMadameVervelle。
\"Agreatartist，\"answeredGrassou。
Therewassilenceforamoment。
\"Areyouquitesure，\"saidVirginie，\"thathehasdonenoharmtomyportrait？Hefrightenedme。\"
\"Hehasonlydoneitgood，\"repliedGrassou。
\"Well，ifheisagreatartist，Ipreferagreatartistlikeyou，\"
saidMadameVervelle。
Thewaysofgeniushadruffleduptheseorderlybourgeois。
Thephaseofautumnsopleasantlynamed\"SaintMartin’ssummer\"wasjustbeginning。Withthetimidityofaneophyteinpresenceofamanofgenius，VervelleriskedgivingFougeresaninvitationtocomeouttohiscountry—houseonthefollowingSunday。Heknew，hesaid，howlittleattractionaplainbourgeoisfamilycouldoffertoanartist。
\"Youartists，\"hecontinued，\"wantemotions，greatscenes，andwittytalk；butyou’llfindgoodwines，andIrelyonmycollectionofpicturestocompensateanartistlikeyoufortheboreofdiningwithmeremerchants。\"
Thisformofidolatry，whichstrokedhisinnocentself—love，wascharmingtoourpoorPierreGrassou，solittleaccustomedtosuchcompliments。Thehonestartist，thatatrociousmediocrity，thatheartofgold，thatloyalsoul，thatstupiddraughtsman，thatworthyfellow，decoratedbyroyaltyitselfwiththeLegionofhonor，puthimselfunderarmstogoouttoVilled’Avrayandenjoythelastfinedaysoftheyear。Thepainterwentmodestlybypublicconveyance，andhecouldnotbutadmirethebeautifulvillaofthebottle—dealer，standinginaparkoffiveacresatthesummitofVilled’Avray，commandinganobleviewofthelandscape。MarryVirginie，andhavethatbeautifulvillasomedayforhisown！
HewasreceivedbytheVervelleswithanenthusiasm，ajoy，akindliness，afrankbourgeoisabsurditywhichconfoundedhim。Itwasindeedadayoftriumph。Theprospectiveson—in—lawwasmarchedaboutthegroundsonthenankeen—coloredpaths，allrakedastheyshouldbeforthestepsofsogreataman。Thetreesthemselveslookedbrushedandcombed，andthelawnshadjustbeenmown。Thepurecountryairwaftedtothenostrilsamostenticingsmellofcooking。Allthingsaboutthemansionseemedtosay:
\"Wehaveagreatartistamongus。\"
LittleoldVervellehimselfrolledlikeanapplethroughhispark，thedaughtermeanderedlikeaneel，themotherfollowedwithdignifiedstep。ThesethreebeingsneverletgoforonemomentofPierreGrassouforsevenhours。Afterdinner，thelengthofwhichequalleditsmagnificence，MonsieurandMadameVervellereachedthemomentoftheirgrandtheatricaleffect，——theopeningofthepicturegalleryilluminatedbylamps，thereflectionsofwhichweremanagedwiththeutmostcare。Threeneighbours，alsoretiredmerchants，anolduncle（fromwhomwereexpectations），anelderlyDemoiselleVervelle，andanumberofotherguestsinvitedtobepresentatthisovationtoagreatartistfollowedGrassouintothepicturegallery，allcurioustohearhisopinionofthefamouscollectionofpereVervelle，whowasfondofoppressingthemwiththefabulousvalueofhispaintings。Thebottle—merchantseemedtohavetheideaofcompetingwithKingLouis—
PhilippeandthegalleriesofVersailles。
Thepictures，magnificentlyframed，eachborelabelsonwhichwasreadinblacklettersonagoldground:
RubensDanceoffaunsandnymphsRembrandtInteriorofadissectingroom。ThephysicianvanTrompinstructinghispupils。
Inall，therewereonehundredandfiftypictures，varnishedanddusted。Somewerecoveredwithgreenbaizecurtainswhichwerenotundrawninpresenceofyoungladies。
PierreGrassoustoodwitharmspendent，gapingmouth，andnoworduponhislipsasherecognizedhalfhisownpicturesintheseworksofart。
HewasRubens，hewasRembrandt，Mieris，Metzu，PaulPotter，GerardDouw！Hewastwentygreatmastersallbyhimself。
\"Whatisthematter？You’veturnedpale！\"
\"Daughter，aglassofwater！quick！\"criedMadameVervelle。ThepaintertookpereVervellebythebuttonofhiscoatandledhimtoacorneronpretenceoflookingataMurillo。Spanishpictureswerethentherage。
\"YouboughtyourpicturesfromElieMagus？\"
\"Yes，alloriginals。\"
\"Betweenourselves，tellmewhathemadeyoupayforthoseIshallpointouttoyou。\"
Togethertheywalkedroundthegallery。Theguestswereamazedatthegravityinwhichtheartistproceeded，incompanywiththehost，toexamineeachpicture。
\"Threethousandfrancs，\"saidVervelleinawhisper，astheyreachedthelast，\"butItelleverybodyfortythousand。\"
\"FortythousandforaTitian！\"saidtheartist，aloud。\"Why，itisnothingatall！\"
\"Didn’tItellyou，\"saidVervelle，\"thatIhadthreehundredthousandfrancs’worthofpictures？\"
\"Ipaintedthosepictures，\"saidPierreGrassouinVervelle’sear，\"andIsoldthemonebyonetoElieMagusforlessthantenthousandfrancsthewholelot。\"
\"Proveittome，\"saidthebottle—dealer，\"andIdoublemydaughter’s’dot，’forifitisso，youareRubens，Rembrandt，Titian，GerardDouw！\"
\"AndMagusisafamouspicture—dealer！\"saidthepainter，whonowsawthemeaningofthemistyandagedlookimpartedtohispicturesinElie’sshop，andtheutilityofthesubjectsthepicture—dealerhadrequiredofhim。
Farfromlosingtheesteemofhisadmiringbottle—merchant，MonsieurdeFougeres（forsothefamilypersistedincallingPierreGrassou）
advancedsomuchthatwhentheportraitswerefinishedhepresentedthemgratuitouslytohisfather—in—law，hismother—in—lawandhiswife。
Atthepresentday，PierreGrassou，whonevermissesexhibitingattheSalon，passesinbourgeoisregionsforafineportrait—painter。Heearnssometwentythousandfrancsayearandspoilsathousandfrancs’
worthofcanvas。Hiswifehassixthousandfrancsayearindowry，andheliveswithhisfather—in—law。TheVervellesandtheGrassous，whoagreedelightfully，keepacarriage，andarethehappiestpeopleonearth。PierreGrassouneveremergesfromthebourgeoiscircle，inwhichheisconsideredoneofthegreatestartistsoftheperiod。NotafamilyportraitispaintedbetweenthebarrierduTroneandtherueduTemplethatisnotdonebythisgreatpainter；noneofthemcostslessthanfivehundredfrancs。Thegreatreasonwhichthebourgeoisfamilieshaveforemployinghimisthis:——
\"Saywhatyouwillofhim，helaysbytwentythousandfrancsayearwithhisnotary。\"
AsGrassoutookacreditablepartontheoccasionoftheriotsofMay12thhewasappointedanofficeroftheLegionofhonor。HeisamajorintheNationalGuard。TheMuseumofVersaillesfeltitincumbenttoorderabattle—pieceofsoexcellentacitizen，whothereuponwalkedaboutParistomeethisoldcomradesandhavethehappinessofsayingtothem:——
\"TheKinghasgivenmeanorderfortheMuseumofVersailles。\"
MadamedeFougeresadoresherhusband，towhomshehaspresentedtwochildren。Thispainter，agoodfatherandagoodhusband，isunabletoeradicatefromhisheartafatalthought，namely，thatartistslaughathiswork；thathisnameisatermofcontemptinthestudios；andthatthefeuilletonstakenonoticeofhispictures。Buthestillworkson；heaimsfortheAcademy，where，undoubtedly，hewillenter。
And——oh！vengeancewhichdilateshisheart！——hebuysthepicturesofcelebratedartistswhoarepinchedformeans，andhesubstitutesthesetrueworksofartsthatarenothisownforthewretcheddaubsinthecollectionatVilled’Avray。
TherearemanymediocritiesmoreaggressiveandmoremischievousthanthatofPierreGrassou，whois，moreover，anonymouslybenevolentandtrulyobliging。
ADDENDUM
ThefollowingpersonagesappearinotherstoriesoftheHumanComedy。
Bridau，JosephThePurseABachelor’sEstablishmentADistinguishedProvincialatParisAStartinLifeModesteMignonAnotherStudyofWomanLettersofTwoBridesCousinBettyTheMemberforArcisCardot（Parisiannotary）
TheMuseoftheDepartmentAManofBusinessJealousiesofaCountryTownTheMiddleClassesCousinPonsGrassou，PierreABachelor’sEstablishmentCousinBettyTheMiddleClassesCousinPonsLora，LeondeTheUnconsciousHumoristsABachelor’sEstablishmentAStartinLifeHonorineCousinBettyBeatrixMagus，ElieTheVendettaAMarriageSettlementABachelor’sEstablishmentCousinPonsSchinner，HippolyteThePurseABachelor’sEstablishmentAStartinLifeAlbertSavarusTheGovernmentClerksModesteMignonTheImaginaryMistressTheUnconsciousHumoristsEnd