Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-01-28
| WILL TRY.

lhere Is society IN London known as
the Society of Arts Its object is the en-
couragcment of talent in the various depart
ments Of art. Prizes are awarded by the So
ciety, sometimes to painters for their pictures
and sometimes to humber artisans for i'm
provements in weaving, or in the manufacture
Of bonnets, lace, or artificial flowers.
More than half a century ago, little fell
low, named William Ross, not twelve years
Of age, was walking with his mother about
an exhibition of paintings at the society's
rooms. William was very fond Of paintings,
and could himself draw and color with re-
markable skin. Look you, William said
his mother; II saw some paintings in the
exhibition which did not seem to me to be
half as good as yours"
"Do you really think so, mother :" asked
he
Il am sure of it," she replied. Il saw
some paintings inferior, both in color and
drawing, to some that are hanging in your
little chamber"
William knew that his mother was no fiat
terer, AMI he said, II have mind to ask per-
mission to hang one or two of my pa ntings
on the walls at the next exhibition"
why not try for one of the prizes :" ask
ed his mother.
80 mother dear, do you think should
stand any chance of success :"
Nothing venture, nothing have, said his
mother 'you can but try.
"And will try, mother dear, said Will
lam IL have historical subject in my
head. out of which think | can make pic
ture."
"What is it, William :"
The death of Wat Tyler. You have
heard of him he led mob in the time Of
of Richard the Second. Having behaved in
solently before the king at Smithfeld, Tyler
was struck down by Walworth, Mayor OF
/ London and then dispatched by the king 5
attendants.
alt is a bold subject, William, but will
say nothing to deter you from trying it.
"If fail mother, where will be the harm
| / can try again
"To be sure you can. William So we will
not be disappointed should you not succeed
in winning the silver palette offered by the
society for the best historical painting
] Without more ado little William went to
work. He first acquainted himself with the
various costumes of the year 1881 he learn-
ed how the king and nobleman used to dress,
and what sort of clothes were worn by the
poor people and laborers, to which class Wat
Tyler belonged He also learned what sort
of weapons were carried in those days.
After having given some time to the study
of these things, he acquainted himself tho
roughly with the historical incidents attend
ing the death of the bold rioter. He group
cd ia Imagination, the persons who were
present at the scene-the king and his atten-
dants. Walworth, the Mayor, Wat Tyler
himself. and in the background some of his
ruifianly companions
The difficulty now was to select that period
of the action best fitted for picture and tc
group the figure in attitudes the most natura
and expressive Many times did little Will
lam make sketch of the scene on paper, and
then obiterate it, dissatisfied with his work.
At times he almost despaired of accomplish.
ing anything that should do justice to the
conception of his mind. But after many
trials and many failures, he completed q
sketch which he decided to transfer to can
vas.
He now labored diligently at his task, and
took every opportunity to improve himself in
a knowledge of colors and their effects. Al
length the day for handing in pictures arrived
He then had to wait a month before there
was any decision as to its merits. On the
day appointed for the announcement of the
decision, many persons of distinction were
present, including ladies, The meeting was
presided over by the Duke of Norfolk.
Williams mother was present, of course
She sat waiting the result with beating
heart What proud mother she was wher
after the transaction of some uninterestng
business. it was announced that the prize o
silver palette for the best historical picture
was awarded to the painter Of the piece en-
titled "The Death Of Wat Tyler
When it was found that little William
Ross was the successful artist, the appaus,
Of the audience broke forth with enthusiasm
To see such little fellow gain prize oyei
competitors of mature age was novelty anC
surprise. William was summoned, with hii
picture, to the Dukes chair, and there he re
ceived such counsel and encouragement a
were of great service to him in his future ca
reer. He is pow Sir William Ross, miniature
painter to the queen. having risen to fortun
and to fame by carrying out. with determine
ton and perseverance, his simple promise t.
his mother of II will ry."--Sargents Sehoc
Monthly.
DOMESTIC ScENE.-"l wish, said a beau
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