| Notes |
--- "Notes and Queries" Oxford Univ. Press, Jan-June 1873 [17 May 1873], page 399:
Mr. P.A. Labouchere ("P.A.L.").
Mr. Peter Anthony Labouchere was born at Nantz, on the 27th of November, 1807.
He was the son of Anthony M. Labouchere, a merchant, and of Cathinka Knudtzon, of Drontheim (Norway). The Labouchere family, of French origin, emigrated at the time of the last religious persecutions in the eighteenth century; some of its members settled in Holland, others in England, and one branch only, after a certain time, returned to its fatherland.
Young Labouchere was brought up with his elder brother at Rodelheim, near Frankfurt-on-the-Main, and at Liverpool. He consequently acquired a complete knowledge of the German and English languages.
The valuable directions and parental affection of his uncle and godfather, Mr. P.C. Labouchere, he ever gratefully acknowledged by showing himself worthy of such a tutor.
Having entered business, he made, in 1827, a most interesting voyage to the United States, as secretary of his excellent friend, Mr. Joshua Bates, and in 1832 (as super-cargo on one of his brother's ships) to China whence he brought back a good many drawings and sketches.
On his way home he stopped at St. Helena, to visit the Emperor's tomb and former residence at Longwood. He RESIded for awhile at Antwerp, then went to Rome, two places where he could admire and study the splendid works of art. About that time he became acquainted wiht Paul Delaroche, who not only was his master for several years, but remained to the last his intimate friend.
P.A. Labouchere married, in 1839, Miss Natalie Mallet, the daughter of Madame Jules Mallet, whose memory as propagator of infant schools and other charitable institutions is justly blessed in France.
Often have I heard my dear father express his gratitude for the perfect happiness which he ever enjoyed since his marriage.
In 1846, Mr. Labouchere exhibited his picture of The Translation of the Bible, which attracted the attention of the King of Holland, and became his property. The author received an order (the Lion Neerlandais) which is seldom bestowed on foreigners.
The same year he accompanied his cousin, Count de Salvandy, Minister of Public Instruction, through a most interesting journey to Algeria and Spain, on the occasion of the wedding, at Algiers, of Marshal Bugeaud's daughter. he, as a painter, found there many scenes to sketch, and also made several good copies from the old masters in the museums of Spain.
In 1848, during the eventful days of the Revolution, Mr. Labouchere was often on duty in the National Guard. On the 15th of May, when the Assembly was invaded by the mob, he was among the first brave citizens who entered the hall and expelled the insurgents. In June, he had to fight for several days, and the next year (13th June, 1849) he escorted, as a staff-officer, General Changarnier, who, on the Boulevards, made a vigorous charge on the rioters; he was sincerely devoted to the gallant general.
The disasters of 1870 overtook Mr. Labouchere and his family when residing in the Valley of Jouy, near Versailles, and this peaceful country soon became one of the chief quarters of the German army surrounding Paris. During five months our village had a garrison of 4,000 men, and was to provide fuel, candles, vehicles, wine and food, for the staff, &c.
My dear father, being able to speak German to the officers, often obtained some alleviation for the suffering and exhasted population. His was a noble task, and our unbidden guests themselves acknowledged it. Hardly had the Prussians left us when the time of the Commune began in Paris, and we soon witnessed, from the terrace of Meudon, the dreadful fire destroying so many public buildings, among which, we then thought, the Louvre itself, with its art treasures, might be numbered!
Having so deeply mourned over our national calamities, Mr. Labouchere highly esteemed M. Thiers's patriotic policy; he was much comforted and rejoiced at the news that a treaty had been signed for the early withdrawal of the foreign troops from the French territory.
On the 19th of March my dear father fell ill, and his weakness at once caused great anxiety. His daughter and son-in-law were called from the country, and were present with us when, on Friday, the 28th, the precious soul was removed from this everlasting life!
How should I express our bereavement? An earnest conscience, enlightened by the Gospel, a warm heart, an open intellect, a meek and cheerful character, -- all who kew him will acknowledge this as a true likeness of my father's moral features. Having travelled and read much, he had gathered much general information, and ever took a lively interest in all that was fine and good. His constant wish was to render service; he did it many times most obligingly and unassumingly; in several Instances he was even so fortunate as to become a peace-maker.
A great number of friends met on Sunday, March 30th, to attend the funeral service performed by the Rev. Pastor Dhombres, who a few days later wrote the following: --
"The Reformed Church of Paris laments the loss of Mr. P.A. Labouchere, a distinguished painter, a faithful Christian, a man of most elevated, refined and amiable character. He had illustrated the principal scenes of the Reformation, and his talent was inspired by a deep religious feeling, and enlightened by conscientious historical studies. His earthly career had a peaceful end, attended with the blessings of Christian faith and hope."
Prinicpal Pictures Exhibited by P.A.L. (1843-69)
1843. The Elector of Saxony, Frederick the Wise, relating a dream to his brother, Duke John, and to his Chancellor.
1844. Charles V., Henry VIII., and Wolsey in London. Henry of Saxony. Marino Saluto.
1846. Luther, Melanchton, Pomeranus, and Cruciger translating the Bible. (This picture belonged to the late King of Holland's collection, and is now the property of Mr. W. Wilson, of Bank-Nock, Glasgow.)
1847. Cardinal Richelieu and Father Joseph.
1850. A Colloque at Geneva, pRESIded over by Calvin, 1549. (Also belongs to Mr. W. Wilson.)
1855. Luther burning the Pope's Bull at Wittemberg, 1520. Erasmus in the House of Sir Thomas More, the Chancellor of Henry VIII. Charles V., Ferdinand, Moritz of Saxony, and the Duke of Alba at the Battle of Muhlberg, 1547.
1857. Luther at the Diet of Worms, 1521.
1859. A Huguenot (his own likeness).
1861. The Translation of the Bible (in water colours).
1863. Luther Praying. M. Guizot's portrait.
1864. A Scene of the War in the Cevennes (Jean Cavalier), 1703.
1865. Luther's Family in Prayer. Lucas Cranach painting the Portrait of Luther, who is composing his Choral at Wittembeer. (Belonged to Lord Taunton)
1866. Deat of Luther at Eisleben in 1546. (Belongs to the Grand Duke of Saxe-Weimar.) Charles V., his son Philip, and Cardinal Granvelle conferring together at Bruges.
1867. Jeanne d'Albret bringing her young son, Henry of Navarre, to the Prince of Conde's Camp near La Rochelle, in 1568.
1869. Olympia Morata at Ferrara. Several portraits and a choice collection of water colours.
LINES
Written at the age of thirteen by Henry Labouchere on the question of being put whether foRESIght contributed to happiness:---
If with an astrologic eye
We could in starts our fate descry,
Could see a parent's final day,
And knowing could prolong his stay;
Sure foRESIght would be perfect bliss,
And who would wish for more than this?
But if we should foresee in vain,
It would inflict but double pain
To see a friend approach the tomb,
Unable to avert his doom;
Sure foRESIght would be far from bliss,
And who would wish for such as this?
A. Alfred Labouchere.
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1807 - 1873 (65 years)
