, 1886-03-17
MY FIRST SITTER.

had emerged from the Slade school
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 20 and worship at the shrine OF
the old masters in the National gallery,
to see If these high priests could inspire
and rekindle in me the sacred fire that
was dying out. l wandered through that
temple Of art, filled with awe and won
der at the magnificent works that sur
rounded me. Yes; l would try TO copy
one these chefs-d'oeuvre, whichever Of
them Just then most struck my fancy. l
found it difficult to decide; at last l
liked 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.
l began to paint. l 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
,yearer of the boots coughed; it was not
big cough, but a series Of little husky
sDunds that irritated me. / longed for
i'm to choke and expire on the spot; If
80 were TO remain much longer 1 felt l
rust certainly infiict some stains Of
paint on his person.
Admirable, beautiful" exclaimed a
voice with a Scotch ~intonatiorr
| turned round. my face flushing. Was
this individual making fun of my efforts,
OF was he in earnest? If the latter, her
he must in art matters be an ignoramus.
! beheld n stout, elderly man, with n
red, jovial countenance; a large YER
million nose. with a couple of bud OF
noses springing from the main stem,
looking as If later on they might develop
into other f%ull-grown noses; his small
blue eyes twinkled pleasantly; his
whiskers were gray, long and bushy-
the old ~Piccadilly weeper. He was at
tired in a tweed. heather-colored suit,
and looked like a 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 L cannot
refrain from expressing my admiration
Of your clever work. Already l 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? l am rather DESTROYS to
have my old phiz painted for my only
relation, q sister who lives in America
was so taken back by the suddenness
Of this request that l could scarcely
answer; ! had never before received a
commission.
y have never painted a portrait, I
muttered, leaning on my mahl-stick,
palette and brushes in hand; -but I've
been studying art for several years"
We'll, will you make beginning with
meg" ~
What size portrait would you like ?
Head and shoulders, or one with the
hands includedY'
Down as far as the knees he an
5wered, stroking his trowser. while l
Am about it, | may as well go in for a big
picture. Now, business is business; may
| ask what your terms are for a portrait Z
| wish / was younger and better-looking,
but that is no fault OF mine;" he said this
with a genial smile which improved his
plain countenance.
MY terms for a portrait Allow me
to.consider.T
Yes, take your time. I've been look
ing round the gallery, and l really don't
much like the old masters-they are 80
dark. Now, just look at this old woman
by Rembrandt. | am u r 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 a clean white shirt, and all my or
naments neatly painted; my coral studs,
and"-taking of a bright yellow kid
glove--this ring; it is a carbuncle with
associations. l want it painted-in fact,
represent me just as l am. so that all my
friends may know me-
l felt this picture would give me
trouble, and never could enhance my
artistic reputation. But l was an orphan
with small means; and this Scotchman
looked prosperous.
III you wish the hands included, it will
,e 80 guineas." said this with aplomh
while feeling like a tradesman.
very well. | am willing TO give this
sum for a good likeness. When shall |
come to silt The sooner the better; l
am a bird OF passage, and am in London
only for a short time"
He fumbled his pocket and handed me
his card;