A family flight through Spain
Susan Hale
Paperback
(RareBooksClub.com, May 22, 2012)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 Excerpt: ...of immortals, is seen through a vista the cloister of the convent, dark and solemn by contrast with the radiance above. The figure of the Saint occupies about one quarter of the canvas, which, seen from the first, appears harmonious and perfect; but a close examination from the side shows that it has been joined and patched, and that the place occupied by the principal figure must have been at one time empty. This is the painting, which, by a bold theft, was deprived of its most important part. One morning when the custodian of that portion of the Cathedral came to it, Saint Anthony was gone; actually cut out of the can vas, whose ragged edges revealed a barren space. The excitement was intense, not only in the Cathedral, but all over Spain; in fact, all over the world which recognizes the value of Murillo's work, and the daring of such an attempt to convert it into money. Before very long the canvas bearing the Saint was presented at the New York Custom House. It was strictly detained there, and afterwards returned to its proper owners. Saint Anthony has been restored to his place in the picture; the edges are so carefully joined that it cannot be considered injured; and so his unexpected journey to America and back, lends a new interest to the principal figure. The Horners could not begin to see all the wonders of painting, carving, and gilding, at one visit to the Cathedral. Fanny was soon tired, and pleaded to be left to rest on a bench near one of the chapels. The others soon joined her, and Bessie said joyfully: "Come, Fanny, are you rested now? We are all going to the top of the Giralda." Mr. Horner and Miss Lejeune followed, coming away thoughtfully from the study of Zurbaran's pictures in a dark chapel. The boys were hunted up, and they a...