The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1886-04-29
MY FIRST SITTER.

I had emerged from the Slade school
after several years 81 art study, which
chiefly consisted of drawing and paint
| ing the human form in every conceiva-
bic position. One day 1 made up my
mind to go and worship at the shrine of
the old masters III the National gallery,
to see if these high priests could inspire
and relxindle in me the sacred fire that
was dying out. wandered through that
temple of art, filled with awe and Won
der at the magnificent works that sur
rounded me. Yes; would try to copy
one these chefs-d' ouvre, whichever of
them just then most struck my fancy.
found it difficult to decide; at last ]
fixed on the portrait of Andrea del
Sarto, painted by himself; the melan-
choly, handsome face with the sad eyes
fascinated me; of all this splendid collec-
ton it was the portrait that attracted
me most.
began to paint. soon became
conscious of the presence Of some
one behind me, and through the
corners of my eyes saw
clumsy pair of muddy boots evidently
belonging to the masculine gender. The
wearer of the boots coughed; it was not
big cough, but series of little husky
sounds that irri1ated me. longed for
aim to choke and expire on the spot: if
&c We're to remain much longer L felt /
must certainly infict some stains OF
paint on his person.
Admirable beautiful" exclaimed a
voice with u Scotch information.
turned round, my face flushing. Was
g., 3
or was he in earnest? If the latter, then
he must III art matters be an ignoramus.
l beheld a stout, elderly man, with a
red, jovial cOuntenance; a large YER
million nose, with a couple of buds of
noses springing from the main stem,
looking as if later on they might develop
into other full-grown noses; his small
blue eyes twinkled pleasantly; his
whisiers We're gray, long and bushy-
the old Piccadilly ~eeper. He was at
tired in a tweed, heather-colored suit,
and looked like Scotch tourist out ON a
holiday.
Excuse me for interruptmg you," he
exclaimed, taking off his hat, and dis
playing a bald head with a fringe of
gray hair that stood erect; "but cannot
refrain from expressing my admiration
of your clever work. Already like it
better than the original; it is not so dark,
and it is smoother; you are a gifted
lassie. Now, would you mind undertake
ing a portrait? ana rather DESTROYS to
have my old phiz painted for my only
relation, u sister who lives in America"
1 was so taken back by the suddenness
of this request that l could scarcely
answer; l had never before received a
commission.
Il have never painted a portrait,
muttered, leaning on my mahl-stick,
palette and brushes in hand; but I've
Eeen studying art for several years"
well, will you make beginning with
me?"
What size portrait would you like ?
Head and shoulders, or one with the
hands included?"
"Down as far as the knees" he an
swered, strol1ing his trowsers. while
am about it, may as well go in for a big
picture. Now, business is business; may
/ ask what your terms are for portrait =?
wish 1 was younger and better-looking,
but that is no fault of mine;" he said this
with a genial smile which improved his
plain coumtenance.
NY GSIIhS AOH pOELIdlI! Allow HE
to consider"
Yes, take your time. I've been look
ing round the gallery, and really don't
much like the old masters-they are SO
dark. Now, just look at this old woman
by Rembrandt. l am sure you paint bet
ter than that. Your work is nice and
smooth and shiny; this is thick and
dull. My picture must be smooth, shiny,
with q clean white shirt, and all my or
naments neatly painted; my coral ssuds,
and"-taking off a bright yellow kid
glove-"this ring; it is carbuncle with
associations. want it painted--in fact,
represent me just as am, so that all my
friends may know me-"
1 felt this picture would give me
trouble, and never could enhance my
artistic reputation. But was an orphan
with small means; and this Scotchman
| looked prosperous.
If you wish the hands included, it will
| be 60 guineas." said this with aplomb
while feeling like tradesman.
Very well, am willing to give this
sum for good likeness. When shall /
come to sit? The sooner the better; 1
am bird of passage, and am in London
only for a short time"
He fumbled his pocket and handed me
his card: