Cæsare Arethusi, was invited by the duke of Ferrara, to visit his court,
and received there with extraordinary respect. That prince sat to him
for his portrait, admired the performance highly, gave him evident
proofs not only of his favour, but of his friendship and esteem; and
having, at last, concluded that his generous treatment must inevitably
have secured his gratitude (if not his affection) he freely acquainted
him with his real inducement for inviting him to Ferrara. Confiding in
the integrity of the painter, he told him there was a lady in the city
whose portrait he wished to possess; but that it was to be procured in a
manner so secret, as neither to be suspected by the lady herself, nor
any of her friends. He promised an immense reward to Arethusi, if he was
successful and retentive; he threatened him with the utmost severity of
his resentment, if ever he suffered the secret to transpire.
The artist watched a proper opportunity to sketch the likeness of the
lady, unnoticed by any; and having shewn it to the duke, he seemed
exceedingly struck with the resemblance, as well as the graceful air of
the figure, and ordered Arethusi to paint a portrait from that sketch,
as delicately as he possibly could, but, above all things, recommended
it to him, to keep it from every eye except his own.
When the picture was finished, the painter himself beheld it with
admiration, and thought it would be injurious to his fame to conceal
from the world, a performance which he accounted perfect; and through an
excess of pride and vanity shewed it privately to several of his
friends, who could not avoid commending the work, while they detested
the folly and ingratitude of the artist.
The secret thus divulged, circulated expeditiously; it soon reached the
ears of the lady, and her family, who were exceedingly irritated; and
the duke appeared so highly enraged at the treachery of Arethusi, that
he was almost provoked to put him to death; but he only banished him for
ever from his dominions.
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