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[417]
Dore, which came about on this wise.
An English clergyman whom we had met in London happened to be in Paris at this time, and one day informed us that he had had some correspondence with Dore, and had suggested to the latter a painting of the Resurrection from a new point of view.
This should represent, not the opening grave, but the gates of heaven unclosing to receive the ascending form of the Master.
The artist had promised to illustrate this subject, and our new friend invited us to accompany him to the studio, where he hoped to find the picture well advanced.
Accordingly, on a day appointed, we knocked at the artist's door and were admitted.
The apartment was vast, well proportioned to the unusual size of many of the works of art which hung upon the walls.
Dore received us with cordiality, and showed Mr.——the picture which he had suggested, already nearly completed.
He appeared to be about forty years of age, in figure above medium height, well set up and balanced.
His eyes were blue, his hair dark, his facial expression very genial.
After some conversation with the English visitor, he led the way to his latest composition, which represented the van of a traveling showman, in front of which stood its proprietor, holding in his arms the body of his little child, just dead, in the middle of his performance.
Beside
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