Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-12-13
II VIII Try

There is a society in London known
as the Society of Arts. Its object Is
! the encouragement Of talent in the
departments of AIT. Prizes are q
warded by the society, sometimes 10
painters for their pictures, and some
times to humber artisans for improve
ments IN weaving, or in the manufact-
/ ure of bOnnets, lace, etc.
/ More than half a century ago, a lit
tie fellow named VIM. Ross, not twelve
years of age, was talking with his
mother about an exhibition of paint
I ings at the society's rooms. William
was very fond of painting, and could
himself draw and color with remarka-
4 bic skill.
Look you, William" said his
mother, Il saw some paintings in
| the exhibition which did not seem
to me half as good as some of yours. I"
'.Do you really think 50, mother"
said he.
Il am sure of it, she replied. 81
saw some paintings inferior, both in
color and drawing, TO some that are
hanging i'll your chamber"
William knew that his mother was
no hatterer. and he said:
Il have mind to ask permission
to hang one of my paintings on the
walls at the next exhibition
Why not try for one of the pri-
zes?" asked the mother.
''Oh, mother, do you think L should
stend any chance of sUceess?'
Nothing venture, nothing haveI"
said his mother. "YOu can but try. "
''And will try, mother, DEAR" said
William. 81 have an historical sub
lect in my head, out of which I think
1 can make picture,
''What is it, William:"
'The death of Wat Tyler. You
have heard of him? He led n mob in
the time of Richard the second. He
behaved insolently before the king at
Smithfield, and was struck down by
Walworth, Mayor of London, and
then despatched by the kings attend
ants"
'It is a bold subject, William; but
| will say nothing 10 deter you from
trying 1t"
eff I fail, mother, where will be the
harm: l can try again"
''Io be sure you can, William. So
we viii not be disappointed should
you not succeed in winning the silver
palette offered by the society for the
best historical painting"
Without more ado, William went
to work. He first acquainted himself
with the various costumes of the year
1871 ; 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 10
the study of these things, he acquaint-
ed himself thoroughly with the histor-
ical incidents attending the death of
the bold rioter. He grouped, in im-
agination the persons present, at the
scene-the king and his attendants;
WalwOrth, the mayor; Wat Tyler
himself, and in the background some
rufiianly companions.
The difficulty was now to select that
period of the action best fitted for
picture, and to group the figures, in
attitudes the most natural and express
size. Many times did little William
make sketch on paper, and Obliterate
it, dissatisfied with his work. At
times, he almost despaired of accom-
plislling anything that should do JUS
tlce to the conception in his mind. /
But after many failures, he completed !
a sketch which he decided to transfer
to canvas.
He now labored diligently at his
task, and took every opportunity to
improve himself III knowledge of col
ors and their effects. At length the
day for handing in his picture arrived.
He then had to wait month before
Unere was any decision as to lts mer-
its.
On the day appointed for the al
nouncing of the decision, many persons |
of distinction were present, including
ladies. The meeting was presided O.
yer by the Duke of Norfolk.
Williams mother was present, of /
course. She sat waiting the result /
with beating heart. What n graft |
fed mother she was when, after the |
transaction of some uninteresting /
business it was announced that the |
prize of silver palette for the best |
historical painting was awarded to |
the painter of the picture entitled, /
''The Death of Wat Tyler"
When it was found that William |
Ross was the successful artist, the /
of the audience broke forth /
with enthusiasm. To see such a little 4
fellow gain a prize over competitors |
Of mature age was novelty and sur |
prise. William was summoned with /
his picture, to the Dukes chair, and |
here he received such encouragement |
as was of great service to him IN his |
future career. He became length
Sir William Ross, miniature painter |
to the Queen, having risen to fortune |
and to fame by carrying ont, with /
determination and perseverance, his /
simple promise to his mother, of 81 !
lCW try."