228 THE FEMALE SCULPTOR. 



in the arts of imitation ; and as she greedily sought every impression 

 which could enable her to airive at great results, she did not lose a 

 single word. One day, when a banquet was celebrated on the occa 

 sion of the birth-day of her master, there arose a serious dispute 

 among the guests, on the subject of the pre-eminence of Sculpture 

 over Painting. Maria, who served at table, was present at this 

 interesting discussion, which contributed not a little to her instruc- 

 tion. Her zeal particularly redoubled, when they spoke in her 

 presence of the power of study, and of the high qualities which dis- 

 tinguish the opposite talents of Michael Angelo, and of Raphael. 



Some one has said, that genius is only a greater or less aptness 

 for patience. IVIaria had an uncommon perseverance in that which 

 she undertook, and all the hours which she could steal from her 

 occupations were employed in the composition of that beautiful piece 

 of workmanship, which was about to astonish all connoisseurs. At 

 length, after two years of concealed but incessant labour, Maria 

 completed a statue of Minerva, which one might believe to be 

 animate. This production had not all that art could give, but all 

 that the soul communicates, — every thing expressive in the ideal 

 world, — all the majesty of celestial life. 



Some time afterwards, the judges assembled in order to pronounce 

 their judgment, and to decree the palm in the midst of the multitude 

 of rival artists. A circumstance of particular interest in this anecdote 

 is, that the master of Maria presided at this memorable jury". All 

 the suffrages were decreed to this statue of Minerva, which had been 

 secretly conveyed to the assembly, and which discovered the germ of 

 me most remarkable talent: but no one had the least idea that it 

 could be the work of a woman. Maria, under the veil of incognito, 

 with the modest dress which became her humble condition, had 

 penetrated just into the gallery, where her master-piece was exposed 

 to the view of the curious. Astonished at herself, intoxicated with 

 glory and happiness, she enjoyed in the highest degree the eulogiums 

 which were lavishly bestowed upon her production. Not even a 

 critic came to disturb her triumph. All the spectators were charmed : 

 besides, we allow much to genius that conceals itself. 



Let us add, that Maria experienced joy still more sweet, when, 

 being returned to the house of her master, she heard him, in the 

 presence of her friends, bestow the highest eulogiums on the crowned 



