Literary cadet, and Saturday evening bulletin. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1826-1827, 1826-06-24
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
,F DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN ARTISTS and POETS NOW
IN ELROPE-No l.

There can be no task more pleasing, or more
gratifying to the pride of the lover Of hi, country.
and her institutions and her fame, than that which
shall proceed to perform. in giving to the pa
irons of the LITERARY CADET, sketches Of diSin-
guished American artists in Europe elicting by the
display of their genius, the admiratian and ap-
pause of the best critics of the arts and sciences.
Although we have been sneered at, scofed, and
derded by British reviewers and basely traluced
by her tourists, yet Britain aud British subjects, are
now compelled to acknowledge the variety and the
mghtncss Of American genius. They have DONG
homage to our west and our RUMponc, and
have acknowledged, that the inventive genius Of
our Fulton discovered and reduced to practical
operation, that which Engiishmen had vainly
sought to draw from the hidden resources of me-
chanism. And whilst we have proved to them, in
the thunderings of our artillery that in arms WE
have no superiors, orr favored now teach
ing them, that as artists well warriors they
will find US their powerful ompettors-succe ssfif
| rivals.
Among those who have done much in esiab-
fishing these propositions, Mr.. EDWARD WEST, OF
Lexington Kentucky, deserves to be particularly
mentioned. This gentleman, who is now about
thirty five years Of age, is the son Of MIR. EDWARD
WEST, of Lexington, man remarkable for his me.
chanical ingenuity, well Us respectable for h-
many virtues, and upright character. The young
| er WEST, at u very early age, evinced uncom-
mon taen. for painting, but as it was designed he
should learn a mechanical profession, no attention
was paid to the first emenations Of his pencil and
he was rather disheartened that encouraged by
those who beheld the dawning of talent which
was destined to establish his future fame and 20 add
a new light TO the character of American genius.
Thus, unnoticed, and neglected, when he should
have been cherished and assisted, nothing daunted
by the obstruction. and impediments, which reared
themselves to retsrd his progress he continued to
study the att until he finally succeeded in paintiag
correct miniature Of youthful friend. when,
elated with his success, he determined TO enter
the wide world and to buffet its frowns, and reap
its honors.
Buoycl up with faint hope yet succeeding in
his profession he proceeded as far rs Natchez. Mis-.
sissippi, where he established himselfas painter of
Miniatures. His great in that city,
that soon after his return to Kentucky he concluded
TO try his talents in Philadelphia: and it was whilst
in that city that he attracted the attention of the
LIBERATED SuLLY; who, admiring his genius, kindly
instructed him in the art, and brought him into far
ther notice. 1t here that he first attempted full
portraits, and succeed so WELL that he was induced
to enter wider field; and he painted for citi.
of No -Oria N full for wh
he received one thousand dolla,s Soon after, he
returned to Lexington, where he spent some months
with his friends, but believing that his talents II
cultivated to the extent of susceptibility, would
gain for him unlading honors, he resolved to visit
Europe and the schools of Italy.
In conformity to the suggestions his own mind.
to which were added those of DIR. SAMUEL BRowE.
Professor of Materia Medca in Transylvania Uni
yersty, and brother to the Hon. JoBS Brown,
Minister to the Court of st. Cloud, (irom which
latter gentleman he has received many kindnesses,
since his residence in Europe, he embarked for Italy,
and on landing, Immediately proceeded to Flo
renee.
Ia th. city, so celebrated in the history Of the fine
arts, Mr.. WEST spent a year, studying under the
most famous masters, before he attempted any thing
himself, and reached the head Of the professon.--
About this period he became acquainted with Lord
BYRON, who sat to him fora portrait, and was SO
we'll pleased with it, that he honored him with his
confidence and at once established his reputation as
one of the ablest artists Of the Florenne school,
MIR. WEsr has the portrait Of his Lordshp, now IN
his possession and although he has been offered I'm
mense sums for il, he declines the acceptance oi any
| offer that can be made.
After thi. eveniful period, he went to London
where he now is enjoying the confidence and re-
.pect Of the first society of the British Metropolis
and living in the full possession Of wel.esrnsa
fame.