The Blind Sculptor
Directed by Émile ChautardThe story of the play opens in the studio, showing Arden feverishly at work on a large block of marble, still shapeless, whence, however, an adorable woman's head is discerned for which the master's daughter has sat. Now and then the artist halts in his work and gazes upon his handiwork with great emotion. Notwithstanding the joy he feels on beholding the gradual appearance from the chaos in the features of his beloved child, a strange feeling of impending danger passes over him. A mist passes before his eyes and he is compelled to stop work. After reassuring his daughter, who has become solicitous for his welfare, he again attacks the block of marble, but suddenly halts, experiencing the agonizing premonition of approaching blindness. The arrival of Robert, the favorite pupil of the master, brings the timely diversion. While the master's back is turned, Robert makes an avowal of love to Jane, and the two are discovered in a fond embrace. The father drives Robert out of the house and breaks his rough cast. Resuming work, a new attack seizes him and, tragically extending his arms, realizes that the light has gone out of his eyes. Jane, realizing the ambition of her father has been unfulfilled, sends for Robert and asks him to complete the work that has been begun by the master. He comes, and in the stillness of the night, carries on the work begun by the master. This goes on for several nights and the old man, lying in his bed, hears, as in a dream, the incessant chiseling. He grabs a knife to attack the marauder; lurching into the room, he lifts his arm to strike, but, in so doing, touches the polished marble and his hands tremulously wander over the harmonious form and he cries out with unmistakable joy. He grasps the statue with infinite tenderness, murmuring, "Take my Jane, Robert, let us exchange masterpieces and be happy."
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