Tale of a Painting by Schenck

1895

A wealthy American bought for $8,000 a picture the history of which is impressive. This picture, signed Schenck, represents asses deliberating gravely around a cloth covered table. It was exhibited at the Salon, at the close of the empire. The Figaro gave to it an appreciative article, in which it was insinuated that the painter doubtless had the intention of representing the privy council of the emperor. This information caused a scandal and prevented Princess Mathilde from buying the picture, as was her intention.

A few years later the canvas was exhibited at Munich. The empress of Austria wished to buy it. Her guide, Baron Ranberg, who was a friend of Schenck, told her the peculiar circumstance that had prevented the purchase of the work by Princess Mathilde. The empress said, "I cannot buy a picture which contains a political allusion." — Echo de Paris.