The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-12-01
The Artist and the NeWsboY.

If any Of THE independent boys and girls
have never heard Of Henry lnman, the artist,
am very sure that their parents can tell
them something of him. AS man, he was
revered aud beloved by many of the present
generation, and as painter, his name ranks
among the greatest in our land. He has pas
sed from our world into better and brighter
one but his works are treasured in many
household both in Europe and America.
Among his more celebrated pictures, and
one of which many Of my readers have no
doubt seen az engraving, is one called The
Newsboy.' 1t represents a rudy ragged,
but honest-looking little fellow leaning against
the side of the Astor House steps, with bun
die of newspapers under his arm.
No one can look upon that bright intell-
gent face with its glowing cheeks and spark
ling eyes, lit with energy and sturdy purpose,
without feeling that the picture is no fancy
sketch, but veritable portrait of some rare
prince among the newsboys, And a portrait
t really is.
When Mr. Inman first conceived the idea
of painting this picture, he sauntered slowly
along Broadway IN the hope of seeing some
fine specimen of the newsboy race that would
do for subject Many passed him, or,
meeting his attentive eye, pressed eagerly to-
ward him through the crowd with Sun, Her
an-and New Era want NtlO Era, sir -
but the right face was not among them. Some
had squirt; some looked vicious some had
straight red hair sticking out like bristles
some we're badly formed, and some showed a
deformed spirit within. One and all either
offended his artistic eye or fell short Of his
idea of a genuine out-and-out Dewsboy.
Almost in despair of finding what he sought,
our artist was about turning into the Astor
House on Broadway, when suddenly one of
the motley group Of boys collected near its
steps arrested his attention. Here, at last,
was his ideal in living, breathing form In
the stawart, roguish, noble. choking youngster
before him and now, indeed, rushing toward
him with an eager Mornin' paper sir he
felt sure that he behold the original Of his fu-
ture picture. The little fellow was ragged and
dirty enough, but what of that? Health and
cheerfuness fairly cleaned through the dirt,
Though know Dr. Lewis will have me in
dicted for saying SO J and the long, black,
tangled hair, shining where it curIed in spite
of everything, struggling from beneath the
tattered straw hat, made the ruddy faced look
all the handsomer. Then the mans coat that
he wore, with its tails cut off, and its sleeves
shortened by great roll at the wrist, was a
picture in itself; while the trousers full of
.tches--to say nothing Of the places where
patches ought to be- filled the artists heart
with delight
Yes he would paint him, rags, dirt, and
all The grand boy-nature would be there
still. How fortunate thought the happy
artist begrimed though he be, the fellow
looks as if a kings heart were beating in his
bosom
So Mr.. Inman bought paper-of the boy,
and asked him whether he would lie wiling
to be his model in other words, to stand Tor
a picture. The boy looked astonished, but
gave ready assent. After few moments
talk it was agreed that early on the following
morning Joe (for that was the young gentle
mans nancy should appear in the artists
studio to have his portrait taken.
You will certainly be there, said Mr., Ia.
man, cooking searchugIy into the boys face.
J Sir exclaimed Joe, growing very red,
and Strengthening himself up to his full hight.
You won't disappoint me ? reiterated the
artist, at the same time handing the boy a
silver quarter by way Of a retaining fee.