The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1873-03-21
81 VIII TrY.v

81 VIII Try"
There is society in London, known
as the Society of Arts. It's object is the
encouragement of talent in the depart
ments of art Prizes are awarded by
the society, sometimes to thepainters for
their pictures, and sometimes to hum
bier artisans for improvements in weav-
ing, or III the manufacture OF bonnets,
lace, etc.
More than half IL century ago, n little
fellow, named William Ross, not twelve
years of age, was talking with his mother
about IN exhibition of paintings mt the
society's rooms. William was very fond
OF paintings, and could himself draw and
color with remarkable skill. "Look
You, William, said his mother, " | saw
some painting i'll the exhibition which
did not seem to Inc half as good as some
of yours.
Do you really think 50, mother 2"
asked he.
q am sure of it" she replied.
saw some paintings inferior, both in color
and drawings, to some that are hanging
in your chamber.
William knew that his mother was no
flatterer, and he said, q have mind
to ask permission to hang one or two of
my paintings on the walls at the next ex-
hibition.
"Why not try for one of the prizes ?"
asked his mother.
80 mother, do you think | should
stand any chance of success ?''
So Nothing venture, nothing have, &"
said his mother. You can but try"
And L will try, mother DEAR" said
William. 81 have historical subject
in my head out of which / think | can
make a picture.
What is it, William %
1.-The death of Wat Tyler. You have
heard him q? He led mob III the time
solently before the King at Smithfield,
and was struck down by Walworth,
Mayor of London, and then dispatched
by the Kings attendants.
e" 1t is bold subject, William but
will say nothing to deter you from try
ing it..
Z" 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 his
torical painting"
Without more ado, little William went
to work. He first acquainted himself
with the various costumes of the year
1881 he learned how the 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 these things, he acquainted
himself thoroughly with the historical
incidents attending the death of the bold
rioter. He grouped, in Imagination, the
persons present ut the scene-the King
and his attendent Walworth the Mayor
Wat Tyler himself, and in the back
ground some of his ruffianly companions.
The difficulty now was to select that
period of the action best fitted for pic
ture, and to group the figures in atti-
tudes the most natural and expressive.
Many times did little William make n
sketch on paper, and obliterate it, dis
satisfied with his work. At times he al
most despaired of accomplishing any
thing that should do justice to the CON
ception in his mind. But after many
failures, he completed sketch in which
he decided to transfer to canvas.
He now labored diligently ut his task,
and took every opportunity to improve
himself i'll n knowledge of colors and
their effects. At length the day foi
handing in his picture arrived He then
had to wait a month before there was
any decision as to it's 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 a gratifed mother
she was, when, after the transaction Of
some uninteresting business, it was an
nounced that the prize of silver palette
for the best historical picture wa:
awarded to the painter of the piece en-
titled, 1.-The Death of Wat Tyler.
When it was found that William Ross
was the successful artist, the applaus,
of the audience broke forth with en-
thusiasm. To see such little fellow
gain prize over competitors of matur,
age was novelty and surprise. William
was summoned with his picture to tn,
Dukes chair, and here he received sucl