The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c29.29

v1.c29.29

5. Finally, in January, 1607, the Fathers were allowed to return to Chandragiri, and even to establish a new residence at Vellore, the recently created capital. Fontebona was naturally sent there to be in readiness for the King’s orders 2. He was introduced to Venkata by Fr. Coutinho, who thus describes the audience held on this occasion : “I introduced the Brother (to the King), saying that he had come from far away, by order of our Fr. General, in order to paint before His Highness. He praised this highly, and asked the Brother at once whether he had at that time a good painting to show to him. The Brother had nothing else but the two portraits of our Blessed Fathers (Ignatius and Francis Xavier). The King on seeing them was astonished and could not persuade himself that the Brother had painted them. I told him I had witnessed his work. Hence he (the King) asked him (Fontebona) to paint others like them in his presence. He replied that he would, and began at once by his order to sketch them on a big panel. The King was surprised to see how quickly the Brother worked. In fact the painting was finished in an hour and a half. He retouched the face of Bl. Father Ignatius. The King on seeing that was greatly astonished ; and going back to his lodging, sent him according to his custom a rich golden cloth. He went on with his painting, while we took the opportunity to relate to him the main facts and the miracles and virtues of Bl. Father Ignatius and of Bl. Father Francis (Xavier). The King was much pleased on hearing those things. He (Fontebona) painted also his (the King’s) own portrait. He (the King) is a very grave man: on this occasion however he changed the place where he was sitting and moved to another which was selected by the Brother. He remained there until the portrait was completed. Furthermore, to please the King he painted a panel of the Bl. Virgin, Our Lady, with the child Jesus in her arms and the holy child, the Baptist, at her side, and St. Joseph in the rear, copying it from a small picture. The panel was finished to perfection; and the King ordered it to be hung in a prominent place in the room of the assembly, opposite his royal throne, where he reads with his learned Brahmans. These asked the King why that painting made by the Christians was there, and so on. The King replied:—