The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1886-04-15
MY FIRST SITTER.

4 IdQ 11O141 I44C O1ct0C bCAAOO
after several years of art study, which
chiefly consisted of drawing and paint
ing the human form in every conceiva
BILE position. One day made up my
mind to go and worship at the shrine o.
the old masters in the National gallery
to see if these high priests could inspire
and rekindle in me the sacred fire thai
was dying out. wandered through that
temple of art, filed with awe and won
der at the magnificent works that sur
rounded me. Yes; would try to cop,
one these chefs-d' 'oeuvre, whichever OF
them just then most struck my fancy.
found it difficult to decide; at last
fixed on the portrait of Andrea de
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.
1 began to paint. soon became
conscious of the presence of some
one behind me, and through the
corners of my eyes 1 saw
clumsy pair of muddy boots evidently
belonging to the mascdline gender. The
,yearer of the boots coughed; it was not
big cough, but series of little husky
;ounds that irritated me. / longed foI
i'm to choke and expire on the spot; il
.e were to remain much longer l felt
aust certainly infiict some stains of
'aint on his person.
admirable, beautiful" exclaimed a
.oice with Scotch intonation.
[ turned round, my face flushing. Was
This individual making fun of my efforts,
3r was he in earnest? If the latter, then
he must in art matters be an ignoramus.
1 beheId 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
whiskers were gray, long and bushy-
the old Piccadiliy weeper. He was at
tired in a tweed, heather-colored suit,
and looked like Scotch tourist out on a
holiday.
Excuse me for interrupting 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 80 dark,
and it is smoother; you are a gifted
lassie Now, would you mind undertake
ing a portrait? / am rather desirous to
have my old phiz painted for my only
relation, sister who lives in America. :"
was 50 taken back by the suddenness
of this request that 1 could scarcely
answer; l had meyer before received a
commission.
Il have never painted a portrait,
muttered, leaning ON my mahl-stick,
palette and brushes in hand; "but I've
been 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 ?n
"Dowp as far as the knees" he an
swered, stroking his trowsers. while
am about it, may as well go in for big
picture. Now, business is business; may
ask what your terms are for portrait !?
wish was younger and better-loOking,
but that is no fault of mine;" he said this
with genial smile which improved his
plain countenance.
MY terms for portrait? Allow me
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 50
dark. Now, just look at this old woman
by Rembrandt. 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 clean white shirt, and all my or
naments neatly painted; my.coral studs,
and"-taking off bright yellow kid
glove-"this ring; it is carbuncle with
associations. want it painted-in fact,
me just as am, so that all my
friends may know me-"
I felt this picture would give me
trouble, and never could enhance my
artistic reputation. But 1 was an orphan
with small means; and this Scotchman
looked prosperous.
IF you wish the hands included, it will
be so guineas." 1 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;
am bird of passage, and am in London
only for short time.T
He fumbled his pocket and handed me
his card: