The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1873-09-06
81 viii Try.p

Ahere ID Doclety IN Alonuon, known
as the Society Of Arts. It's object is the
encouragement of taleut in the depart
ments of art Prizes are awarded BY
the society, sometimes TO painters for
tier pictures, and sometimes to humb-
Ter artisans for improvements in weaving,
or in the manufacture OF bonnets, lace,
etc.
More than half a ceutnry ago, a little
fellow named William Ross, not twelve
years of age, was talking with his
mother about exhibition of paintings at
the so,iety's rooms. William was very
fond of paintings, and could himself
draw and color with remarkable skill.
"Look you, William" said his
mother, 81 saw some paintings in the
exhibition, which did not secru to me
half as good as some of yours
"Do you really think 50, mother ?"
he asked
81 am sure ofit," shereplicd !"I saw
some paintings, inferior, both in colo r
aud drawing, to some that are hanging
in your chamber"
William knew that his mother was n,
aatterer, and he said ~ have mind to
ask permission to hang nbo or two of my
paintings on the walls at the next
exL oition."
"Why not try for one CT the prizes p
asked his mother.
"Oh! mother, do you think should
stand any chlnce ofsuccess 2"
Nothing venture, nothing have "
said his mother yoa can but try"
"And | will try, mother, DEAR" said
William. IL have u historical subiec,
in my head, out of which think can
made picture"
"What is it, William 2"
"lhe death of Wat Tyler. You have
heard Of him? He led mob in til e
time of Richard the Second H. be-
haved insolcntly before the king at
SmitEfeld, and was struck down by
alworth, Mayor OF London, and then
despatched by the ki~g 8 attendants >
at is bold subject, William but
will say nothing to deter you from trying
it,"
"If I fail, mother, where will be the
harm ? can try again"
ITO be sure you CAP, William. So
we will not be. disappointed should YOU
not succeed in winning the silver palette,
offered Dy the society for the best histor-
ical painting.
Without moro ado, littlc William
went to work. He first acquainted him
self with the various costum, of he
year 1871 he learned how tho king and
the noblemen used to dress and what
sort of clothes were worn by the poor
people and workmen, 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 tl.ese things, he acquainted him
self thoroughly with the historical
incidents attending the death Of the
bold rioter. He grouped, in imagination,
the pers obs present at the scene the
king and his attendants Walworth, the
Mayor; Wat Tyler himself, and in the
background some of his ruffanly
companions.
The difficulty now was to.selcct that
period of the action best fitted for q
picture, and to group the figures, in
attitudes the most natural and express
W.. Many times did little William
make a sketch on paper, and oblitcrat,
it, dissatisfied with his work. At tipes
h. almot despsired of accomplishing
any thing that should do justice to thl
conception in his mind. But after many
failures, he completed sketch which he
decided to transfer to canvas.
He now laboFed diligently at his task
and took every opportunity to improv,
himself In knowledge OF colors and theil
effects. At length ths day for handing
10 his. picture arrived. He then had ts
wait month before there was anJ
!! decision as to It's merits.