After the successes abroad Rubens retired to a home in the country, devoting himself more than ever to the work of painting. An alchemist went to him one day, claiming to have discovered the philosopher’s stone, which turned everything it touched into gold. “But,” objected Rubens, “I have discovered it myself.” “The philosopher’s stone?” exclaimed his visitor. “Yes, and you shall see it,” answered the painter. Leading the astonished guest into his studio, Rubens showed his palette. Helena Fourment was still young when Rubens died. She did not remain long in widowhood; but married the Count of Bergeyck, with whom, so far as is known, she lived in peace and happiness. PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, NO. 28, SERIAL NO. 28 [Illustration: SASKIA VAN ULENBURG. BY REMBRANDT] _THE WIFE IN ART_ _Rembrandt and Saskia Van Ulenburg_ FOUR Rembrandt Van Rijn and Saskia Van Ulenburg were married in 1634. Saskia, the daughter of a rather wealthy burgomaster who had died some years before, had been living with one after another of her sisters; for they, were all married except herself. Once when she was in Amsterdam a relative, who was posing for a portrait, took her to Rembrandt’s studio, where she met the sullen Hollander and saw him at his work. He must have been an odd figure in those days, awkward and shy, doing everything in his own queer way. Saskia returned again and again, making a deep impression on the artist. She posed for him several times. Once she was a queen, another time she was a flower girl. Rembrandt centered his whole thought and energy upon her, and as he had just passed the first breathing spell of success they were soon able to marry. Saskia thought only of her husband’s happiness. He in turn was so deeply in love with her that he spent most of his leisure hours painting her portrait and much of his money buying jewels and gold ornaments and rich dresses of every description to adorn her. Up to the time of his marriage Rembrandt had been stubborn and morose, not caring for society nor for ordinary pleasures. He was born on the outskirts of Leyden in 1607. His father, a miller, was hardly able to give the boy that education which is usually needed to become skilful in art. However, Rembrandt did study under Van Swanenburch, who taught him to draw, paint, and make etchings. He set up a studio in the mill, where he painted portrait after portrait of his mother, his sister, and himself. The artist liked better than anything to paint a well known face over and over again, by new lights and with new expressions.