debbied001

The Art Treasure

by Debbie D.

Adam and Joe are out in the front yard cleaning the tack for their horses when they hear the sounds of carriage wheels approaching. Wiping their hands dry from their labors, they walk a little ways into the front yard to see who the latest visitor is to the Ponderosa.

A slow whistle escapes from Adam as he notices the elaborate carriage pull up beside them. A very stately looking gentleman clothed in expensive European garb is seated in the back of the carriage. There is even an air of finery around his driver with his top hat and black coat gleaming in the sunlight.

Adam steps forward to welcome the stranger with Joe by his side.

“Welcome to the Ponderosa,” begins Adam. “My name is Adam Cartwright and this is my younger brother Little Joe.” Joe smiles at the gentleman a little in awe over his grand manner.

The stranger steps off the carriage and smiles at the two men.

“Allow me to introduce myself,” states the gentleman. “My card, esteemed sirs” handing his calling card to Adam.

“Count Tellini Radduci, Venice, Italy,“ reads Adam out loud.

“Yes, I am an old friend of your father’s. We met in Italy many years ago when he was with the Merchant Marines. I believe he was working on a ship under Captain Abel Stoddard.”

“Yes, Captain Stoddard was my grandfather.” said Adam. “Well, why don’t you come inside the house and freshen up? Our father is out on the ranch right now but we expect him back by supper.”

“I sure could use a good bath after that long journey via stage and then out here. Would you be so kind as to assist my driver in bringing my things? This journey has thoroughly exhausted me.” stated the Count.

“Not at all.” as Adam reached into the carriage to take one of the bags. “Here younger brother,” Adam teased. “Make yourself useful.”

“Very funny Adam,” laughed Joe. The two were always having fun with each other in this fashion.

The Count, Adam and Joe headed towards the front door, luggage in hand. The driver had begun unloading another very large box that was secured to the back of the carriage.

Stepping into the great room of the ranch house, the Count pauses a moment to let his eyes gaze all around the interior of the ranch house.

“Magnificent!”

“Well, we’re pretty proud of it ourselves,” continued Adam. “Pa and I built this house ourselves. Your room is up these stairs here. I’ll ask our cook Hop Sing to bring up some hot water for your bath.”

Count Raducci requests that they please bring in the last large box and set it up in the room downstairs. He explains that it is a gift he has brought from Italy to present to their father as payment for a favor Ben did for him long ago.

The three ascend the stairs and Adam escorts the Count down the hall to one of the many guest rooms on the second floor of the house. Joe is still following behind carrying some of the luggage. The driver stayed outside to take care of the horse and carriage.

“This will be your room here,” informs Adam as he opens the door and leads the way in.

Raducci follows Adam into the room and walks over to the window to gaze upon the view. Joe has placed the Count’s bag onto the bed beside the one already there.

“We have another guest room for your driver as well,” continued Adam.

“The view from here is simply glorious,” comments Raducci. “These rooms are quite luxurious. Do you have rooms for servants?”

“Well,” drawled Adam, “We treat all our guests as equals here. There is a room right next to yours for your driver.”

“That is very kind of you. However he has errands to run for me in Virginia City. He will need to return to San Francisco when the next stage arrives.”

“Won’t you need him during your stay here?” asked Adam.

“I don’t believe so. I requested to borrow his services from a friend in San Francisco and he needs to return as soon as possible,” explained Count Raducci.

“You planning on staying long, sir?” asks Joe.

“I haven’t made up my mind yet, “begins the Count. “I am not even sure if your father will recognize me after all these years. I didn’t even have my beard and mustache back then.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it Count,” said Adam. “Our father’s got one remarkable memory.”

“Yeah, he sure does Adam,” butted in Little Joe.

Adam turned and smiled his little half grin. Joe must be remembering some of the times Pa could still recount the troubles he had been in when he was a young boy. Their father would on occasion recall these little tidbits as gentle reminders of the lesson he meant to implant when they were growing up. ‘Of course what is real embarrassing is when Pa recalls some of my own escapades as a youth,’ thought Adam.

Shaking himself out of his thoughts and recalling his duties as resident host, Adam waved Joe towards the door.

“Let’s fetch the tub so our guest can get himself cleaned up before dinner,” directed Adam.

The two Cartwrights returned shortly with the metal tub, towels, and soap for their guest to bathe. Hop Sing appeared at the door with the first of two buckets of hot water for the Count’s bath.

Taking the buckets from Hop Sing Adam nodded gratefully. “Thanks Hop Sing.”

“Is no tlouble, Mista Adam. Hop Sing back with more leal quick.”

Adam turned to the Count. “That’s our cook Hop Sing. Best cook and housekeeper in the whole West.”

“Sure seems a lively fellow,” said Raducci.

“That he is and we sure wouldn’t eat as well around here without him,” replied Adam.

“Yeah, that’s why our brother Hoss near eats our Pa out of house and home,” laughed Joe.

Adam softly laughed and explained to the Count that their brother was 6 feet 4 inches. A giant of a man but with the heart of a child as well as the wisdom their middle brother could often show from his inner feelings.

“I’ve seen Hoss take on four rowdy men in the saloon single-handedly,” said Joe. “Then the next day handle a butterfly as gentle as you please.”

“I think that’s enough tales for now younger brother,” interrupted Adam. “Best we leave the Count to freshen up. If you need anything, just let us know.”

With that the two departed the room leaving the Count to his bath. Descending the stairs, Adam snapped his fingers as he remembered.

“Hey Joe,” he started.

“Yeah Adam?”
“Let’s bring in that other box the Count mentioned was a gift for Pa.”

“Okay, Adam. Sure am curious as to what could be in anything that large.”

“Well baby brother, we are just going to have to wait until Pa gets home.”

The two made their way to the front door leaving it ajar so they could bring in the large carton. As they stepped into the front yard, they noticed that the driver had already taken the carton off the carriage and laid it by the posts leading to the house.

“We’ll bring it into the house,” Adam informed the driver. “You can drive the horse over by the barn and we’ll be back out to help you.”

“No need esteemed sirs,” began the driver. “I will be driving back to town and staying there for the duration of the Count’s visit here.”

“There’s no need for that,” began Joe. ““We’ve got plenty of room and you can return to Virginia City tomorrow. The next stage won’t be in tonight.”

“That’s right,” reassured Adam.

“If it’s all the same to you gentlemen, I have errands that need doing in town and it is far easier for me to stay there and tend to those matters,” replied the driver.

“Okay,” said Adam. “The offer stands if you change your mind.”

With that the two brothers lifted up the box and began carrying it into the house. They had to maneuver the large object through the door to avoid crashing into the credenza just inside the room.

“Boy this thing’s clumsy,” gasped Joe.

“Save your breath Joe and just keep aiming for the space behind the blue chair,” directed Adam. “We’ll lay this against the gun cabinet there.

That chore accomplished, the two stood for a moment to catch their breath.

“I sure could go for something cool to drink after lugging that thing in here,” stated Joe.
“Let’s go see if Hop Sing has some lemonade.”

Adam nodded in agreement and the two made their way to the kitchen to find something cool to quench their thirst.

*******************************

A very cozy scene greets Ben when he walks into house and sees his sons relaxing in the great room. Adam is busy reading one of his beloved books while leaning back in the blue chair. Hoss and Joe are furiously engaged in a rousing game of checkers. Ben doesn’t fail to notice that his youngest has once again decided to sit himself on the table in order to relax.

The boys glance up as Ben begins undoing his holster to lay across the credenza.

“Howdy Pa,” cry out the three heirs almost as one.

“Hi boys,” starts Ben. “What’s that over there behind your chair Adam?”

“It seems an old friend of yours came to visit, Pa and brought this along for the ride,” Adam explained.

“Male or female?” joshed Hoss letting a small chortle escape between his lips.

Ben gave a warning look over to Hoss as Joe and Adam also caught onto the joke and tried hard to contain their own laughter. The bright sparkles in their eyes however gave away the amusement behind the joke.

At the head of the stairs appears the Count amused by the family joviality. As he begins to descend, Ben hears the footsteps on the great stairway. He turns to see who this old friend is of his. Count Raducci momentarily pauses on the second landing laying his hand on the Indian blanket that rests on the railing.

“Ben, my old friend.”

“Tellini? Well, I’ll be...” begins Ben. “Never expected to see you in our corner of the world.”

Ben talks several large strides to the base of the stairs where the Count joins him. The two men raucously place their hands on the upper arms and begin that friendly slapping as is wont when two old male friends met. The Count is dressed as if going out for the evening.

“How long has it been?” Ben asks.

“Oh, I would say almost thirty years now. Your sons told me you would be home for dinner around this time. Hope I’m not overdressed.” The Count looked slightly embarrassed as he realized how his expensive wardrobe seemed out of place amongst the every day wear of his friend.

“Don’t give it another thought,” Ben replied back. “I’m just so glad to see you here.”

At that moment from out of the kitchen appears Hop Sing.
“Dinner all leady,” smiled the most famous cook in all Nevada territory.

“Jest in time too,” started Hoss. “I’m so hungry I could eat a whole pig all by myself.”

“Yeah and then what would be left for the rest of us?” Joe joked back.

Ben turned towards his sons and laughed. “Best we sit down before my sons finish everything and leave the two of us to starve.” The Count laughed in return and with Ben leading the way, the two old friends headed towards the dining room table followed by three hungry young men.

During dinner, Adam, Hoss and Joe are regaled with several tales of their father’s adventures in Italy and how he came to meet the Count during an Art show of some of Rembrandt’s works.

“By the way Ben, do you remember that pretty young lady that you met while we were in Venice? She really tried her best to get you interested in her, didn’t she?” joshed the Count.

“I ...um...don’t remember that story, Pa.” began Adam. “Why don’t you tell us some more about that pretty lady?”

“Never mind about that, Adam”, interrupted Ben. “I must confess I’m a little more than curious as to what is in that large box in the parlor.”

Hop Sing had just brought out the coffee tray and placed it on the dining room table.

“Well, if you really want to know Ben”, began Raducci. “It’s a gift for you. Brought it all the way from Italy. If your sons wouldn’t mind bringing it out and opening it up.”

“No problem,” said Adam. “Hoss, you wanna give me a hand?”

The two rose from their chairs and made their way into the great room where the large box was.

“Joe, take that stuff off the table so we can put this on it.” directed Adam.

Joe quickly removed the bowl of fruit while his brothers carefully lifted the heavy object and placed it on the table in front of the settee.

Now joined by their father and the Count, the boys eagerly stood back anxiously awaiting to see what gift for their father was inside. Raducci made his way over and unlocked the box and out of the shavings and straw used to pack the precious item pulled out a frame containing a sketching. It is a fantastic landscape showing magnificent mountains with trees and fields.

Ben walks over and notices the artist’s signature on the sketch. His eyes widen in amazement and he turns toward Raducci and gasps out, “REMBRANDT?” while pointing towards the valued art piece.

The Count overjoyed at the impact his gift has made nods his head in agreement.

“You traveled this far to bring along such a priceless, valuable artwork?” asked Ben.

“That’s right my friend,” replied the Count. ‘In appreciation for all you have done for me.”

“Well, I appreciate the thought Tellini,” stated Ben. “It’s such an elaborate gift, I’m almost embarrassed to accept it.”

“But you will, won’t you Ben?” joked Tellini. “Wouldn’t want to hurt my feelings now would you?”

The two men laughed quite jovially while Hoss and Joe looked on. Adam had gone up to take a closer inspection of the Chiaroscuro sketch. His Art History classes from college back East came flooding back into his memory. He made a mental note to pull out his books and do some research on this type of art method. Not many artists of Rembrandt’s caliber made many of these types of sketches.

Ben in the meantime had put his hand on Tellini’s shoulder thanking him profusely for this extraordinary gift.

*******************************

During the next week, Ben shows the Count around the Ponderosa showing his lumber operations, the mining camps, the herds of cattle grazing on the lush grassland. Count Raducci marvels at the breathtaking scenery that unfolds before him on these tours.

Meanwhile, the stage has made its regular run into Virginia City. A fine gentleman disembarks and requests that his luggage be brought over to the International Hotel.
He tosses a coin to the stage driver as payment for the services.

After settling into a plush room at the hotel, the unknown gentleman makes his way to the telegraph office. He proceeds to send a telegram to a friend in San Francisco.
That task concluded he heads back for dinner at the hotel.

*******************************

Back at the ranch, Adam had been most curious over the art treasure now proudly displayed in the great room. It has taken some time for him to locate one of his old art history textbooks he brought back from college. Locating the book in a trunk in his room, Adam fondly recalls the time his little brother had found some of his art books. In his haste to not be caught with the forbidden pictures that had some rather revealing examples of ancient art, his younger brother had dropped the book and then kicked it under Adam’s bed. ‘No doubt he hoped to retrieve it later,’ chortled Adam. ‘If Hop Sing hadn’t been cleaning in the bedrooms that week, it might have taken me awhile to recover that art book,’ thought Adam.

Flipping through the book, Adam found the chapter that he was looking for. It seems this was truly an example of an art technique called Chiaroscuro. Rembrandt, it turns out was one of the masters of this ability to create what appeared to be three-dimensional forms. It was an art method that evolved out of the Italian Renaissance and had even been used by one of the great masters Leonardo da Vinci. This particular method of art has been a highly prized collector’s item in the art world. This and other works of Rembrandt lead to his nickname “The Prince of Shadows”.

Adam eagerly devoured all the information he could regarding the great master, his works and the various art methods employed by Rembrandt.

Later that evening, he gave his family a rather detailed explanation in regards to the Rembrandt sketch now gracing the famous Ponderosa ranch house.

“That’s quite a tale, Adam,” stated Ben. “Are you telling me that this is a valued collector’s item?”

“More than likely, Pa,” responded the tall dark figure who stood gazing at the sketch.

“That’s all very interesting older brother, but what does that have to do with this piece of art?” inquired Little Joe.

“Maybe nothing,” replied Adam. “Then again, this could be worth a small fortune. I’ve heard a lot of tales when I was in Boston about art thieves and forgeries and such.”

“Ya mean folks would steal sumthin like this?” asked Hoss.

“Yep. Sure would. Even worse, there are some out there who make copies and then try to pass them off as originals. One person wound up paying over $10,000 for a forgery of a Da Vinci,” informed Adam.

“Well, all this talk has made me tired. I’m heading to bed,” as Joe stood up and yawned.

“Good idea, why don’t we all get to bed. Plenty of work for us tomorrow boys.”

*******************************

Once more the stage rolls into the dusty streets of Virginia City. The rousing cries of the stagecoach driver ring out as he drove the four-in-hand to a stop in front of the stage office. A gentleman bounds down off the stage pausing to dust himself off before heading to the International Hotel with his carpet bag clutched in his hand.

“Good afternoon, my good sir,” as the gentleman addresses the hotel clerk. “My name is David Young from San Francisco. I’ll be needing a room for a few days.”

“Certainly sir,” replied the clerk.

“Per chance do you know if a gentleman by the name of Mr. William J. Gidels is staying here? I received a wire from him about a week ago,” asked Mr. Young.

“Yep. Been here about a week now, I reckon.”

Unbeknownst to either of them, Mr. Gidels has come down the stairs from his room for lunch when he notices David Young at the clerk’s desk. Stepping up to the desk, he extends his hand out “Mr. Young?” asks Gidels. “I’m William J. Gidels. I’ve been expecting you.”

Mr.Young grasps the other’s hand. “I’ve been most anxious to meet you, sir and to go over the business that you discussed so briefly in your telegram.”

“Why don’t we go upstairs to my room, then?” Gidels replied.

The two ascend the stairs and proceed down a hallway to the room being occupied by William Gidels. Gidels directs Young to sit in a chair by the window.

“I really can’t wait to see what it is you have asked me to come out to this forbidden part of the west,” stated Young.

Without a word, Gidels goes to a large square box propped up along the one wall. He swiftly removes the latches and opens the drop down lid. Mr. Young’s eyes almost pop out of his head as he stands and moves closer to the box for a closer look.

“Well, guess it was more than worth my trip out here after all”, Gidels said. “I never thought I would ever see a real life Rembrandt! And such a fine example of a chiaroscuro.”

What both of the gentleman have yet to realize is that the art treasure that they are so longingly gazing out looks exactly like the art treasure that Count Raducci presented to Ben Cartwright.

*******************************

The next day Ben offers to take his friend the Count into town for dinner and a play that just opened up. Just outside the Opera House, Ben and Raducci run into Gidels and Young. William Gidels eyes flare at the sight of the Count.

“YOU!” exclaims Gidels. “You’re the one that tried to sell a forgery of my original art work back in New York!”

“How dare you sir!” the Count angrily replies back. “I say you are the one who had my original copied!”

“I trusted you Raducci!” snaps Gidels. “It won’t be the first time I caught you pulling off selling fakes of the originals. I know you brought that fake copy out here to pass off. Just when I am in the middle of negotiating a deal to sell the original!”

The two men argue back and forth as the tone of their argument gets nastier and louder.

Ben finally manages to pull the Count away from Gidels.

“Come on,” Ben tells the Count. “This is no place for this. Let’s go back to the ranch.”

With that, Ben leads the Count away from the front of the Opera House. An angry Gidels still calling out to them.

“If I catch you selling forgeries of my originals, I’ll make you pay!”

Ben, still holding onto the Count’s arms, heads for the livery stable to retrieve the buggy and head back to the Ponderosa.

The two men are settled in the great room discussing the evening’s events. Ben paces back and forth obviously agitated over the heated discussion between his friend and the other man.

“I swear to you Ben. I’m innocent of any wrongdoing,” begins the Count.

“Those were pretty strong accusations that man was throwing at you,” replied Ben. “Who is he anyway?”

“A former friend I met in Europe. Name is Gidels,” said Raducci. “We used to go to various museums and art showings collecting various artworks. I met up with him again in New York when I first came to America.”

“Well, what is all this about him accusing you of selling fakes?” Ben interjected. “Is he saying that this sketch is a copy and he has the original?”

“Let me fetch something from my room to prove my innocence, Ben”.

The Count quickly goes up the stares and in a few minutes’ returns with an envelope in his hand. Holding it out for Ben to take he proceeds “That is the bill of sale for that art work I gave you Ben. I bought it at an art auction back East.”

Ben takes the envelope, opens it and reads the bill of sale. As he ponders over it, he is still not quite sure although the bill of sale looks genuine.

“I have an idea to put a stop to this Gidels for making up these lies about you.” Ben was going to make sure that his friend was not going to be falsely accused of such heinous acts that Gidels claimed.

“Ben,” started Raducci. “It’s not worth the effort. Gidels is probably passing by on his way to San Francisco or something.”

“Nevertheless, I am going to wire an art expert I know from San Francisco. We’ll get him to look over this sketch and get his written authority that it is genuine.”

“If it will make you feel better, Ben,” the Count relented.

*******************************

In the hotel room of William Gilders, he is swearing to David Young that his sketch is the genuine one.

Gilders pulls out one of his smaller bags and rustles through it looking for something.
Triumphantly, he pulls out the piece of paper and thrusts it in the direction of Young.

“There!” exclaims Gilders. “That is the bill of sale that states this is the original sketch of Rembrandt brought over from Italy.”

David Young looks over the bill of sale and is satisfied that this one is the original. Still with a fake out there, it could ruin the sale price of the one in their possession. Gilders agrees. The two men then sit down and work out a plan to meet up with the Count and offer him a sum for his supposed art treasure. This way, they would be able to destroy the fake and make up the loss of money paid to the Count when the original is sold.

The next morning finds a glaring sun in the sky as Ben arrives in Virginia City. He heads straight for the telegraph office to wire for an art expert in San Francisco to come out to Virginia City.

During this time, David Young arrives at the Ponderosa to carry out the plan he and Gidels put together the night before. Knocking on the large, wooden front door, he is greeted by Count Raducci. Adam, Hoss and Joe are out on the ranch moving the herd to another section of pastureland.

“Who are you? What do you want?” shouts the Count angrily. He had recognized this man as being with Gidels in front of the Opera House and figured if he was a friend of Gidels, he was no one to trust.

“Patience, my friend, patience”, Young replied soothingly. “I’m not here to make any accusations or anything. I only came out here to see a Rembrandt. If yours is the original…”

“IF!! IIF!!” bellowed the Count. “Of course mine is the original. I have the documents to prove it.”

“Fine. That’s fine,” said Young. “You have no objection to my looking at this particular art treasure of the master Rembrandt, do you? A chiaroscuro of his is quite an addition for any collector such as myself. I’ll pay a handsome price for it.”

The Count pondered this for a minute. His eyes going up and down this gentleman standing in front of him. ‘Should he take him at his word?’ thought Raducci. Figuring he had nothing to lose since he was innocent, the Count invited Young inside to view the precious Rembrandt.

After careful examination of the sketch, Young acknowledges that it is one of the finest sketches of Rembrandt he has ever seen.

“I’ll offer you $50,000 for that sketch Count Raducci,” offered Young.

‘$50,000!’ The large sum echoed within the Count’s mind. ‘That’s a large amount. I knew it was valuable, but never did I think anyone would pay that much.’

The Count played with his goatee as he glanced first to the sketch and then to Young nervously considering the offer versus what Ben would say if he sold it.
He had brought this sketch as a present for Ben, but his current financial situation sure could use a boost with $50,000. If he explained his monetary predicament, Count Raducci was sure his old friend Ben would understand if he sold this art sketch.

Count Raducci turned to face Young before replying, “You have a deal sir. I will hand over the bill of sale and the sketch to you for the sum of $50,000.”

“Excellent,” beamed Young. “If you could bring the sketch over to the hotel….’

“I am not sure if that is a good idea,” interrupted the Count. “With such an expensive art treasure, I wouldn’t want someone to try to purloin it away from me in this rough town.”

“There’s an abandoned homestead about 5 miles from Virginia City. What say we meet there in 2 nights? That will give me enough time to pull together the payment.”

“As long as you provide me with directions on how to reach this place,” said Raducci.

“I’ll draw it out for you.”

Their business for the time being concluded the two parted company.

*******************************

Ben arrives back home and tells Count Raducci that he has wired for the art expert. It should take about two weeks for him to get here due to other commitments.

The Count looks concerned that it will take that long for this art expert to arrive at the Ponderosa. Especially since he has already agreed to sell the sketch to Young.

“Well, I don’t know if that will work Ben,” explained the Count. “I was hoping to head back to San Francisco so that I could sail back to Italy.”

Adam pipes in and says that there is another art expert he knows of in Reno. It would only be a three day ride there and three days back. The Count is looking concerned now.

Keeping his thoughts to himself Raducci wonders what Ben will think when he finds his friend has sold the Rembrandt sketch and then disappear back to San Francisco.

“All right Adam,” agrees Ben. “You can leave in the morning. Stop at the telegraph office in Virginia City and wire Mr. Thomas Arto that he doesn’t have to come out here after all.” Ben walks over to his desk and taking quill pen in hand, writes out the message for Adam to take to the telegraph office.

Ben hands the paper over to Adam who carefully tucks it in his pants pockets.

“Don’t worry Pa,” says Adam. ‘I’ll get this off first thing when I reach Virginia City.”

After another excellent supper, Ben is sitting in his red leather chair smoking his pipe.
The coffee pot and fixings are on the table in front of the settee. Adam has retired for the night since he has to be up prior to dawn to ride into Virginia City. Hoss and Joe are relaxing on the settee. Hoss is eagerly devouring his third piece of apple pie while Joe gingerly sips his hot coffee. Count Raducci is in the blue chair by the fireplace smoking his thin cigar.

“Ben that was another superb meal,” starts the Count. “Your cook is one of the finest it has ever been in my experience to come across. And believe me I have dined in some of the finest homes in all of Europe and Great Britain.”

“Ole Hop Sing’s the best dang cook I ever cumed acrost too,” said Hoss between mouthfuls of pie. Peering just barely around the corner in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room is Hop Sing. A smile wider than the Mississippi brightens up the faithful cook’s face as he hears the praises of his culinary art. With a deep, satisfied sigh, he turns back to the kitchen to finish cleaning up the supper dishes and making the kitchen sparkle like new.

“Not only that, but he sure makes better coffee than you do big brother”, put in Little Joe as he snickered. Hoss curled up his face into an angry pout.

“Jest fer that little brother, next time Hop Sing takes a vacation, you kin do the cooking,” Hoss replied back as the expression on his face changed to one of sneering.

“Do they always joke like that Ben?” asked Raducci.

“Yep. They sure do. But it’s all harmless. Just so long as they don’t wreck the place if their joking gets a bit out of hand.” Ben laughed as he remembered a number of times Hoss and Joe turned the inside of the house practically upside down with a few of their adventures. They never meant any harm but it still amazed him that on occasion his grown sons could still act like five year olds when they started horsing around.

Count Raducci stifled a yawn and slightly stretched his arms. The big grandfather clock was loudly chiming 9 0’clock as if to prod the group of men in front of it to bed already.

“9 o’clock already?” Ben asked as he gazed towards the old grandfather clock. It was one of his treasured possessions that he had managed to bring all the way out here from Boston many years ago.

“Well boys, we got a busy day tomorrow so what say we get some sleep. Joe, you check in at the lumber camp and see how things are going there. If any of those men ask, they’ll get paid the end of the month same as usual, ya hear?”

“Got it Pa”

“Hoss, I’ll need you to check that East fence line. Tippy Greens said there were some spots that needed mending before we lose any of our herds out that way.”

“No problem, Pa. I’ll look into it,” replied Hoss.

“So much activity to keep track of with this ranch isn’t there Ben?” asked Raducci.

“Sure is and never enough hours in the day neither.” Ben replied back.

“Look if there’s things that you need to do tomorrow, I’d just as soon enjoy a nice quiet, relaxing day here in the house,” the Count informed Ben. “No need to stay around on my account.”

“Well if you feel that way. I sure don’t want to be neglecting my guest. Especially one that’s come all the way from Italy.” Ben laughed.

The Count was hoping that Ben would go off and handle whatever ranch chores needed doing. His eldest son would be gone before the rest of them woke up and it looked like Hoss and Joe would be kept busy. Raducci was figuring he needed to get Ben away from the house so’s he could sneak out with the priceless Rembrandt art treasure. He made a mental note to leave a letter of explanation as to why he had to leave and hoped that Ben wouldn’t follow after him for taking the rare chiaroscuro sketch.

Hoss and Joe had already made their way to their rooms to retire. Ben decided he might as well go to bed too.

“Well, think I’ll turn in for the night.” Ben yawned and arched his tired back. “I’ll see you for breakfast in the morning.”

“I might as well get a good night’s sleep.” The Count rose from his chair and began walking towards the stairs. “This mountain air of yours sure does wonders for a restful sleep.”

The grandfather clock’s pendulum gently swayed back and forth in its cabinet ticking away the time as the two old friends climbed the stairs to their respective bedchambers.

*******************************

The following morning Hoss and Joe are adjusting the tack on their steeds, preparing to go forth and perform the tasks for the day. The great wooden front door opens and Ben steps onto the porch towards his two sons. It is a calm day with a bright yellow sun sailing through a blue sky. Only wisps of clouds can be seen dotting the heavens above the ranch house and the tall Ponderosa Pines that serve as silent sentinels.

Ben claps Hoss on the back in a warm fatherly manner.

“After you finish checking that fence line, Hoss,” begins Ben, “Let me know how bad the damage is and how long you think it’ll take to repair.”

“Sure enuff, Pa,” replied Hoss. “I reckon it shouldn’t be too bad. Tweren’t that long ago that we fixed up a large patch of that section of fence.”

Ben smiled confidently back at Hoss. He knew Hoss would be able to size up the job. Each of his boys had their own special talents for certain areas that went with running a ranch as large as the Ponderosa.

“Joe, you run into any trouble at that lumber camp you be sure to let me know. You hear?” Ben was perhaps a little over protective of his youngest son. Though the youth had grown into manhood and had certainly handled his share of adult responsibilities in the running of the ranch, Ben still showed concern whenever he thought Joe might face something just a little over his head. The fact that Joe had the quickest and hottest temper amongst his three sons may have lent some weight to the patriarch’s mindset.

‘Well, he’ll never learn and grow if I don’t give him some leeway and trust in his abilities,‘ thought Ben. ‘Adam had his growing pains too although he doesn’t seem to want to be reminded of it at his age.’

Ben stepped back into the dusty yard as he watched his two sons mount up.

“Bye Pa,” called Hoss as he gently kneed his big black horse Chubb towards the East fence. The big horses hooves clattered as Hoss put his mount into a gentle lope.

Joe now mounted on his flashy black and white pinto, turned Cochise in the opposite direction where the lumber camp would be.

“Be back before supper Pa.”

“Take care Little Joe,” responded Ben. Ben laid his hands on his hips as he watched Joe dig his heels into Cochise to propel him into a fast gallop.

‘Just like his mother,’ Ben thought fondly as he recalled his third beloved wife. ‘High spirited and always racing along with his horse.’

Turning on his heels, Ben made his way into the house in the hopes of being able to relax with a treasured second cup of coffee which to him was worth more than that priceless Rembrandt sketch his friend had brought him.

*******************************

Adam arrives in Virginia City along the main street. A breeze gently blows the dust around the towns folks going about their business. Walking Sport towards the telegraph office, the animal kept gingerly tossing his head around and almost prancing while Adam kept the bright red sorrel under control.

Dismounting and wrapping the rails around the hitching post, Adam stepped lively towards the telegraph office. As he walked along, he pulled out the piece of paper his father had handed him the night before with the message to wire Mr. Arto. A momentary pause as the tall dark man glanced in the direction of a lovely young lady walking in the opposite direction. He smiled in appreciation of the beauty of the maiden and touched the brim of his hat in greeting. The young woman bashfully smiled and continued walking away.

Sighing to himself, Adam continues over to the window of the telegraph office.

“Morning Paul,” calls out Adam.

“Morning Adam,” replies Paul the telegraph operator. “You’re up mighty early.”

“Yep. Pa sent me into town to have this message wired to a gent in San Francisco.”
Adam hands the paper to Paul so the message can be sent.

“And who is this going to?” asks Paul.

“To a Mr. Thomas Arto, San Francisco.” Adam replied back.

“That’ll be a dollar and a quarter.”

“Here ya go Paul,” as Adam placed the money on the counter. “I’m gonna head over to the saloon to get me something to wash this dust out of my mouth. Take care.”

“Stop by any time Adam. Some days a feller gets mighty bored. Needs someone to talk to now and agin.”

Adam laughed in reply and giving a short wave headed for the Silver Dollar Saloon down the street.

As Adam walks into the saloon, he gives a cursory glance around the room to see if he recognizes anyone. Noting only one or two men at some of the tables as well as two more finely dressed gentlemen engaged in discussion at another table, he makes his way to the bar.

“Morning Sam”, greets Adam.

“Morning Adam”, replies Sam. “Up and about early ain’t ya?”

“Had to come into town to do some errands.” Adam places his one elbow on the bar and leans over. “Gimme a beer.”

Sam places a large mug of the frothy liquid in front of Adam who then places a coin in payment. Taking the mug, Adam makes his way over to one of the tables and sits himself down. Taking a large drought of the refreshing drink, Adam lets out a sigh of satisfaction. Taking the mug in both hands, he leans ever so slightly back in his chair.

He can’t help but overhear the discussion between the two gentlemen sitted at the table a short distance from him.

“It’ll go like clockwork,” says Gidels.

“I don’t know,” replies Young. “Seems like an awful lot of money to offer that scoundrel.”

“That’s the whole point, “interjected Gidels. “With an offer like that I knew that old goat would be willing to sell.”

“Yeah but meeting the Count after dark at an abandoned homestead to get that sketch of his…” Young was starting to lose his confidence in this whole scheme that seemed such a good idea only a few days before.

At the mention of the Count, Adam’s ears perked up. Now he couldn’t help but overhear.

‘Wonder what these fellows have to do with Count Raducci?’ Adam asked himself. 'And what’s this about selling them a sketch? They couldn’t mean the one that the Count gave Pa?’

Adam’s mind was abuzz over this development. He casually placed his elbows on the table and leaned over a bit. Acting as nonchalantly as possible, Adam strained to hear the continued conversation.

“Stop your worrying. It’s all set up.” Gidels was beginning to lose patience with Young. This was no time to pull out now. Not when he had come this far.

“Well…” relented Young. “I’ll be glad when it’s all over with and we have both sketches.”

Adam couldn’t quite comprehend the meaning of these two when they mentioned two sketches. His brows curled over this new puzzlement.

“Come on,” ordered Gidels. “We got things to do before nightfall.”

The two men rose up from their table and pushing their chairs aside proceeded to the door of the saloon and outside.

Adam glanced over his left shoulder and decided to wait a few minutes to give those two time to work their way down the street. He figured he better tell his father about this rather than head to Reno for that art expert as originally planned.

The minutes ticked away. Adam pulled out his pocket watch and figuring that enough time had passed got up to leave. He placed his half-drunken glass of beer on the table and swiftly walked in large strides outside the saloon. Stopping just outside the swinging doors, he glanced in both directions. Not seeing any sign of either of the two gentlemen, Adam began walking up the street where his horse Sport was still tied up.

Reaching the highly spirited animal, Adam undid the reins from around the hitching post and lithely leaped into his saddle and sped towards home.

*******************************

Ben is observing the latest batch of mustangs that his hands are in the process of breaking in. He hears a horse riding in from the distance. He turns away from the corral and tries to make out who is coming. Ben notices the tall black figure of a man astride his bright red steed and recognizes his son Adam. Curious as to why Adam would return to the ranch instead of heading to Reno, Ben starts walking away from the corral.

Adam rides up and pulls his horse up to a dusty stop. In one cat-like motion, he dismounts and leading the horse by the loose reins, starts towards his father.

“What are you doing here son?” asked Ben. “I figured you’d be well on your way to Reno by now. Did you send the telegram like I asked?”

Adam paused a moment trying to catch his breath after the long ride from Virginia City to the area of the ranch where the horse breaking corral was.
“I sent the telegram like you said, Pa, but there’s something else I gotta talk to you about.”

Seeing Adam in a slightly disconcerted state, Ben raised his eyes towards his first born. His brows bent down over his eyes as his face appeared a mixture of curiosity and full of questions. He waited patiently for Adam to catch his breath in order to hear what was so important.

“I think we might have a bit of trouble with the Count,” Adam began. “How well do you really know him?”

“Trouble?” asked Ben. “What kind of trouble?” Ben leaned his large frame over and placed his thumbs in his belt as he drew out the word in a slightly higher pitched voice.

“I’m not sure Pa. But I overheard these two men talking in the saloon about meeting the Count tonight after dark. Something about selling them a sketch,” continued Adam.

“Did you happen to get the names of these men?” Ben still could not believe that Count Raducci would be up to anything underhanded.

“No. I had gone into the saloon for a beer and these two were already seated there having a discussion about paying the Count for some sketch.” Adam seemed concerned that his father acted like he didn’t think this was important. “One of them seemed kinda nervous. Almost like he wanted to pull out of the deal.”

“And that gives you cause to think the Count is dealing in stolen art or something?” asked Ben in an annoying tone.

“I don’t know what to think,” continued Adam. “All I know is I got me a feeling that something is not quite right.”

Ben looked at the ground and deeply pondered what his son had just told him. Adam had very good instincts for sniffing out trouble. As Ben shifted his weight, he began weighing the various factors. He wanted to know if one of the two men in the saloon had been Gilders. The one the Count had that heated argument with at the Opera House. Problem was Adam had never seen Gilders and wouldn’t be able to recognize him.

“Not much to go on Adam,” began Ben. As he noticed the disgusted look in his son’s face, Ben placed his hand on Adam’s shoulder and continued…

“Look son, if it will make you feel better I’ll have a talk with Count Raducci tonight at supper.”

“I’m afraid that will be too late,” stated Adam.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that these two are supposed to meet the Count just after dark. If you are going to talk to him about it, now is a better time.” Adam was getting slightly antsy and kept shifting his weight between his two feet.

“I tell you what Adam,” replied Ben. “You round up Hoss and Joe and meet me back at the house. I’ll finish up here and then we can all sit down with the Count and discuss this. I’d like to get some facts before I make any false accusations.”

Adam knew that his father was a stickler for proof. He reasoned the best thing was to get his two brothers and have the whole family together to go over this. That way if there was going to be any trouble, it would be the four of them together to handle it.

Adam nodded his agreement and mounted up on Sport.

“I’ll see you back at the house,” Adam called as he turned and headed first for the lumber camp which was closer to his respective position.

Ben watched his son heading away and turned back to review the status of the horses and determine what stages of being broken in the various animals were in. He reasoned he had more than enough time to discuss the details of the latest batch of horses with his foreman and go over the plans to get them ready for the cattle drive coming up.

Adam first found Joe at the lumber camp and after explaining what happened in town, the two made their way towards the East fence to track down their brother. Hoss didn’t seem to think that anything was really amiss.

After going through all the details of what happened in Virginia City and how Adam suspected the Count might try to sell the sketch he had give their father, Hoss relented and agreed to head back to the house.

*******************************

Dusk was starting to cover the vistas on the great ranch. Adam, Hoss and Joe rode up towards the front of the house. Taking their horses into the barn first, the three quickly untacked, rubbed down and fed and watered the animals. As they headed back to the front of the house, the door opened. Out stepped Ben half walking, half running towards his sons.

“What’s up Pa?” asked Adam. “Did you talk to the Count already?”

“He’s not here Adam,” replied Ben.

“Not here? It isn’t even dark yet.” Adam was puzzled why the Count would have left so early.

“You know, Adam,” interrupted Little Joe. “Maybe the Count left early because he wasn’t sure exactly where this meeting place was and wanted to be sure he got there in time.”

As Adam heard Joe’s possible explanation, it made sense. Even if the Count had a map, the area and landmarks would not be familiar to him. Either that or he just didn’t want to take any chances of missing his secret meeting.

“Not only that Adam,” continued Ben. “That priceless art treasure is missing along with its case.”

“Well if that don’t beat all,” said Hoss. Hoss and Joe exchanged glances between them almost reading each other’s minds. Adam kept his hard gaze on his father.

“Pa.“ started Adam. “We better head after him. He’s probably gonna meet those buyers some where along the way to Virginia City. From the talk I overheard, there could be trouble.”

“Adam’s right Pa.” piped in Joe. His eyes almost sparkled with a mixture of anger and disgust at seeing his father being used as a patsy.

“All right, go saddle the horses,” replied Ben. “I’ll go and get some lanterns.”

The three boys went back into the barn to awaken their steeds. From the various snorts and whickers, it was obvious Chubb, Sport and Cochise didn’t like being taken out of their nice cozy stalls at this late hour. One could almost put words in the horse’s mouths as they were resaddled. Adam being the quickest finished with Sport and then put the bridle and saddle onto his father’s horse, Buck. Adam led the way out of the barn with both Buck and Sport followed by Hoss and Joe with their mounts.

Ben came out of the house with their rifles. Hop Sing was only a few inches behind with two lanterns in case they would have to split up into two separate parties to search for the Count.

“Let’s go boys” said Ben, mounting Buck.

Adam, Hoss and Joe put their rifles in their holders and climbed aboard. The four then rode off towards Virginia City. Fortunately a bright moon was out and no clouds in the sky to afford the Cartwright men a great deal of light on the path.

About 5 miles down the road, Hoss noticed a set of buggy wheels that had turned off onto a side road. The tracks looked very fresh, as if they were made within the past several hours.

“Hey Pa!!” exclaimed Hoss. “Looks like he turned off here!”

Ben, Adam and Joe pulled up their horses to turn around to take a look. Ben leaned over the side of Buck to get a closer look. Adam glanced at the tracks and then directed his attention to the road. If memory served, Adam recalled an abandoned homestead belonging to the Barkstons down that road. The Barkstons had returned back East after their farm failed from the last drought.

“Pa, remember the Barkstons?” asked Adam.

“Yes, what does that have to do with finding the Count?” queried Ben of his eldest.

“Their farm was down this road wasn’t it? Remember when we helped cut this road for them?”

“What are you trying to tell me Adam?” asked Ben. He didn’t understand where this line of discussion was going in relation to finding the Count and the priceless sketch.

“Well, it seems to me that if someone was gonna hold a secret meeting to sell such a priceless art treasure as a Rembrandt wouldn’t an abandoned homestead be an excellent place for such a clandestine activity?” explained Adam in his most logical, analytical manner.

“There goes Big Brother with them big words again Little Brother,” started Hoss. “You understand anything he said?”

“Nope, but one of these days that education of his will get him into some real trouble.” Joe replied back.

The two younger brothers began giggling and chortling between themselves looking in each other’s direction with mischief in their eyes.

Adam turned to his two younger brothers with a bit of a scowl on his face. Before Adam could reply, Ben got a word in edgewise.

“All right boys, that’s enough,” said Ben. “Your brother may have a point. Let’s ride down and check out that homestead.”

Ben and Adam turned their horses down the side path with Hoss and Joe behind them. The two younger brothers couldn’t help exchange amusing glances between them.

*******************************

The abandoned homestead was brightly lit inside as the Count pulled up with his buggy. He noticed the rented rig on the side and another horse still saddled up. As Tellini disembarked, he heard the creaks from the front door of the house. Quickly turning around, he noticed David Young come out of the house.

“So good you could make it Count,” began Young. His manner was just a tad too friendly for Count Raducci’s taste. “I promise you this trip will not have been a waste for you.”

“I sure hope not,” coldly replied Raducci.

“You have the Rembrandt with you?” asked Young.

“Well, it would have been unprofitable if I didn’t, now wouldn’t it?” flared Raducci.

“I can’t fault you for being just a wee bit suspicious of me,” began Young. “I hope that you won’t hold it against me for knowing Mr. Gidels. I received a telegram from him at my home in San Francisco regarding an artwork for sale. Little did I realize that yours was the true copy at the time.” Young was doing his very best at trying to relief the Count’s suspicions. “Can I give you a hand with that large box? Must be awful heavy.”

“It’s not heavy for me.” Count Raducci said even icier than before. He untied the box with the Rembrandt and hoisting it in his arms followed Young into the house.

“Just set it right there on that chair, so’s I can take a look at it,” said Young.

The Count placed the heavy box on the chair and turned around to face Young.

Staring down at the man, Count Raducci very casually crossed his arms so one was folded across his chest while his other hand began caressing his chin in a thoughtful manner.

“Before I do that, I would like to ask one question,” said Tellini.

“What’s that?” asked Young.

“Who else is in here with you?” asked Tellini.

“What makes you think there is anyone else here?” replied Young.

“I was expecting to meet only you,” snorted Tellini. “I noticed one rig and one saddled horse by the side of the house.”

With that William Gidels steps out from the back room. Count Raducci is taken aback by this development. Here he had made plans to meet David Young alone and he finds both Gidels and Young. This is getting more and more complicated.

“What are you doing here!!” yelled out Raducci.

Gidels pulls out his gun and aims it at the Count.

“I aim to kill two birds with one bullet, old friend,” sneered Gidels.

David Young is greatly disturbed over this latest change of plans. He hadn’t figured on murder.

*******************************

In the meantime, the Cartwrights arrive at the homestead. Quietly walking their horses up, Ben notices the Count’s carriage. Adam points out the rig and other horse on the side of the house. The four quickly and quietly dismount from their animals. Ducking low to the ground, they sneak up to the front window on the porch. They can hear the loud arguments from within.

“This wasn’t part of the deal Gidels!!” yelled Young. “You didn’t say anything about murder!”

“Keep quiet you!” yelled back Gidels. “Don’t you understand that it has to be this way?”

“Why? I coulda bought that other drawing,” replied Young.

“Yeah but this way we don’t lay out any money, we get both sketches and no witnesses,” stated Gidels.

“I’m getting out of here,” started Young. “This wasn’t part of our understanding and I am not about to get hung for murder.” Young begins walking towards the door.

“Stop right there!” exclaimed Gidels.

Young turned around and found himself facing an agitated Gidels and a gun barrel aimed at him.

Gidels starts walking towards Young with the gun still pointed in his direction. He had momentarily forgotten about the Count in his anger. As Gildels moves closer to Young, the Count reaches out to grab the gun away from him.

A struggle over the gun ensues. The two men fall against the round table in the middle of the room knocking the lamp over. The rug catches fire and moves along the path of the kerosene towards the curtains and other furniture in the front room. Seeing the fire, David Young runs out of the front door not even noticing the Cartwrights on the porch. All he can think of is that he wants to be as far away from this as possible.

Joe leaps over the porch railing and takes off after Young. Joe grabs the man by his legs and the two fall to the ground rolling over several times. With Young on the ground, Joe pulls himself up slightly above David Young. His hand was grasping the other’s shirt.

Ben, Adam and Hoss rushed into the house. A second lamp has fallen continuing to spread the fire towards the back of the house. Glancing around towards the sound of a struggle, they hear a gun go off before even finishing turning in the direction of the fight.

Ben sees Count Raducci in pain pushing Gidels away from him. The Count limbs toward Ben with his hand holding his side with blood oozing from the wound. As he reaches Ben, the Count falls into Ben’s arms.

Gidels still holding his gun looks at the Count now practically helpless from the gunshot and cradled in Ben Cartwrights arms. Adam has already pulled out his gun and had it trained on Gidels since hearing the first shot.

“Drop it you!” warns Adam.

Gidels looks towards Adam with a look of resignation and then drops his head as if to imply submission. The gun is still in his hand and Gidels acts like he is gonna drop his weapon. He raises his one arm above his head as if to indicate surrender. At the last second, he points his gun at Adam to shoot.

Adam fires first when he realizes that Gidels is intending to kill him. The shot rings out in the small house. A look of surprise and pain washes over Gidels face. With his eyes half closed, Gidels slowly drops to the floor still holding the gun.

The flames are spreading furiously through the house now. The fire has begun crawling towards the Cartwrights and the heat drives them out. Ben half carries the Count with Adam’s help. As Ben glances backward towards the inside of the house. He notices flames have started licking the one box with his sketch in it. As his eyes move slightly, Ben happens to see a second, identical sketch in the back room as the flames begin reaching for it as well.

Outside, Ben and Adam have laid the Count down on the ground. Ben takes his kerchief from around his neck and begins to apply pressure to the bullet wound.

“Don’t move Tellini,” Ben says softly. “We’ll get you to a doctor.”

“Ben, I swear to you that mine was the original,” replied Tellini. “I’m sorry Ben. I had no right to take that sketch.”

“Don’t worry about that now my friend,” said Ben.

Adam and Hoss went to move the animals away from the burning house. It was no easy task as they were greatly spooked by the flames consuming the small homestead. Their own horses were already a safe distance away.

The two boys came to their father’s side and kneeled down beside him and the Count. Joe moved closer still holding onto Young.

“Ben,” coughed the Count. “I am truly sorry about taking that sketch. Guess I lost my head when Young offered me $50,000 for it. Never got that much for any artwork.”

“Keep still Tellini. That wound is still bleeding.” Ben was showing great concern now.

Young piped in. “Don’t blame me. I didn’t know nothing about Gidels wanting to kill the Count here. I came out this way to buy a priceless Rembrandt.”

“Likely story,” snorted Joe.

“It’s true,” continued Young. “Gidels said he had a Rembrandt to sell me. Then we found out the Count here had an identical sketch. We was just gonna knock him unconscious and then take the sketch.”

“Well you can tell your story to the sheriff,” gruffly responded Adam.

The flames are devouring all sides of the house now and is burning out of control.

Ben drags the Count further away from the fire. “Boys, get some buckets of water so that fire doesn’t spread to far.”

Adam, Hoss and Joe grab some buckets near the well and begin drawing the water up. They knew the house was a loss but they didn’t want half the territory to burn.

As Ben is watching his boys fight the fire, he hears a murmur from the Count still in his arms. Ben turns to see the Count trying to say something and then Count Tellini Raducci breathed his last still in Ben’s arms. Ben looked down with a wealth of sadness in his eyes. He pointed his head up to the stars as if asking what was the point of all this fuss over a sketch.

*******************************

Several fellow homesteaders had seen the flames and had come rushing out to help with the fire. Sheriff Roy Coffee was there too as he had been visiting one of the neighbors regarding some earlier trouble with cattle rustlers.

Roy took custody of David Young from Joe Cartwright.

“Ben,” began Roy. “I’m really sorry about the loss of your friend.”

“Thanks Roy,” weakly replied Ben.

“Do you suppose you and your boys could come in to my office tomorrow to give me an account of what you know of all this?”

“Sure Roy,” Ben didn’t like being very curt with Roy but his mind couldn’t handle a million questions at this time. Roy lead David Young away. He knew that Ben was having a hard time dealing with the death of his friend the Count. Several of the homesteaders had already taken the bodies of Gidels and the Count and placed them in the rig. Another volunteered to return the carriage to Virginia City.

Ben stood there with Adam on his right side and Joe and Hoss on his left. Hoss with a very puzzled look began asking how could such a thing happen over a simple sketch?

“Well, Hoss, I know it doesn’t make much sense,” responded Adam, “but some people will pay an awful lot of money to own something they consider priceless even if you and I don’t.”

“Sure don’t make sense to me no how,” answered Hoss.

“What I wonder,” began Joe “is which was the real one and which was the fake?”

“Guess we’ll never know now,” said Ben. His face was quite serious and his tone was very flat. “Besides does it matter? Were these sketches really worth the lives of 2 men?”

The three Cartwright boys looked first at their father and then at each other as their father's words struck a cord of what was truly valuable and priceless in this world. Each of them knew that family and friends were more important than any material or wordly goods.

With that bit of wisdom imparted, the Cartwrights mount their horses and begin riding back to the ranch.

The End
December, 2001

The Art Treasure Bibliograpy

Reference:
Materials regarding the art method of Chiaroscuro, and artists Rembrandt and Da Vinci can be found at:
http://www.rembrandthuis.nl/index_eng.html The Rembrandt House Museum
http://www.rembrandthuis.nl/index2.php The Rembrandt House Museum
http://arthistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa112700b.htm Great Moments in Art History Part Two – Middle Ages to Impressionism

http://arthistory.about.com/ References and additional links for Baroque art.

http://arthistory.about.com/cs/baroqueartists/ References to Baroque Artists including Rembrandt
http://metalab.unc.edu/wm/paint/auth/rembrandt/ Small Biography of Rembrandt
http://arthistory.about.com/msubren2.htm
http://www.kipar.org/ Contains link to Art Gallery of late 1600 art works.
http://www.artchive.com/rembrandt/rembrandt.html Examples of Rembrandt
http://sunsite.auc.dk/cgfa/rembrand/ Another biography of Rembrandt and some details of his art works and style of painting.
Definition: http://www.saumag.edu/art/studio/chalkboard/s-chiaro.html
chi•a•ro•scu•ro

Pronunciation: (kE-är"u-skyoor'O), [key]
—n.,
—pl. -ros.
1. the distribution of light and shade in a picture.
2. Painting.the use of deep variations in and subtle gradations of light and shade, esp. to enhance the delineation of character and for general dramatic effect: Rembrandt is a master of chiaroscuro.
3. a woodcut print in which the colors are produced by the use of different blocks with different colors.
4. a sketch in light and shade.

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