The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1828-07-31

DllDert otuAis Wus not Only ono OF thS L's'
painters of III tins, bur must have been ad-
mitted by 81 whc.sr an opportunity Of know
ing him been, even out Of his art, an
extrsosl -; ono who would have
found diatinclioa easy in any other profession
or walk oflife. His mind was of strong and
original cast, his perceptions as clear as they
were just, and in the power of illustration he
has rarely been equalled. On almost every
subject, more especially on such as were con-
necied with his art, his conversation was
marked by wisdom and knowledge; while the
uncommon precision and elegance Of his Ian
guage Seemed ever to receive an additional
grace from his manner, which was that of a
wellbred gentleman.
The variations and anecdotes with which
his knowledge Of men and Of the world had
stored his memory, and which he often gave
with great beauty and dramatic effect, were
not unfrequehtIy employed by Dir. Stuart in
way, and with address, peculiar TO him
self From this store II was his custom TO
draw largely while occupied with bis sitters-
apparently for their amusement but his OBJ
ject was rather, by thus banishing all re-
straint, to call forth if possible some involun.
tary traits Of the natural character - But
these glimpses Of character, mixed as they
are in all men with so much that belongs to-
their age and associates would have been of
little use TO an ordinary observer; for the fac
ulty Of distinguishing between the accidental
and the permanent, in other words, between
the conventional expression which arises from
manners and that more SUBTLE Indication OF
the individual mind, is indeed no common one.
and by no ono with whom We are acquainted
was this faculty possessed in so remarkable
degree 1t was this which enabled him to an
innate his canvas-not with the appearance Of
mere general life--but with that peculiar, dis
tnctiye life which separates the humblest in,
dividual from his kind He seemed to dive in
to the thoughts Of men-for they were made
to rise, and to speak on the surface. Were
other evidences wanting, this talent alono
were sufficient 10 establish bis claims as
man of genins; since il is the privilege of
genius alone to measure at once the highest
and the lowest. In his happier efforts no one
over surpassed him IN embodying Qf we may
so speal) these transient apparitions of the
soul. OF this not the least admirable instance
5 his Portrait (painted within the last four
years. OF the late President Adams; whose
then bodily tenement seemed rather TO pre-
sent the imugc Of some diapidated castle,
than that Of the habitatiop of the :" unbroIlen
mind: but not such is the picture called
forth as from its crumblng recesscs the liv.
ny tenant is thcre-still ennobling the ruin,
and upholding it, as il wGro, by the strength
Of his own life lin this venerable ruin will
he unbendng Portrait, and tho gifted artist
speak to posterity of the first glorious century
of our Republic.
In a word, Gilbert Stuart was, in its widest
sense, philosopher in his art he thoroughly |
it's principles; as his works bear
witness--w whether as to the harmony Of colors,
or Of lines, or of light and shadow - showing
that exquisite sense of a trh0Lc, which only a
man ofgcnius can realize and embody.
We cannot c'ose this brief notice without
a passing rccor9 cs his generous bearing C.
wards his professional bre.hren. He never
suffered the manlincss of his nature to darkco
with the least shadow Of jealousy; but whcrr
praise was due, he gave il freely, and gave j
too with a grace which Showed that, lovirp
excellence for its own sake, he had plcasulc
in praising. To the younger artists he was u
niformly kind and indulgcnt, and most liberia
Of his advice; which no one ever properly ask
cd but he received, and in manner no les
courteous than impressive. The unbroker
kindness and friendship with which he'houor.
ed the writer of this imperfect sketch will
never be forgotten.
In the world of Art, Mr.. Stuart has left
void that will not soon be filled. And well
may his country say, "a great man has pass
ed from amongst us'; but Gilbert Stuart has
bequeathed her what is paramount to po,oer.-
since no power can command it--the rich in
keritance Of bis fame.