Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-07-29
WILLIAM CARLE BROWNE.
Death Of ThisiCeiebrated Portrait Painter.
His Work.

A telegram received yesterday by
Frnnck Brothers announces the death at
Black Rock. y. Y. of Mr.. William earle
Browne, the celebrated portrait painter.
William earle Browne was native Of
England and the son of a well-known
artist He came to this country when
quite young man. and was in Richmond
when the war with Mexico broke out.
From hero he went to Mexico, where,
under orders from the government, he
painted portraits of General Taylor and
others These he subsequently exhibited
In this city, and remaining here several
years. produced pictures OF number OF
Richmond's best-knOwn citizens. one OF
the most striking Of his Richmond ante
benum portraits is that of the late Gene
yal Dimmock. the cOiors OF which are as
fresh as they were tho day they were
put on.
Leaving Richmond Mr.. Browne lived ana
worked In various sections Of the country,
principally in North Carolina. however.
In the latter State and in Washington,
there are some of the best examples from
his easel
Mr.. Browne made Richmond his perma-
nent homo about eight years ago, and
from that time until few weeks back,
when he became too feeble to pursue his
IL
Among the strongest portraits he painted
during his last residence here are his Davis
and his Lee. which were ordered by the
Westmoreland Club. and now adorn the
walls OF the clubhouse. He painted more
portraits OF southern celebrities than any
artist that ever lived
The Westmoreland Club portraits OF
General bee and President Davis are
companion three-Quarter lengths, and in
NYr high
est development. Another OF his greatest
Ior;raiturcs is that of Or. Hoge.
Mr.. Browne was unquestionably great
portrait painter. Aside from his faculty
for catching the best expression OF his
subject his canrases were works of art.
The art instinct was thoroughly developed
in him. and he painted with strength In
every detail. He was true in every touch.
and his mastery modelling ana drawing
We're only equalled by his exquisite deli
cacy and taste in handling drapery.
Mr.. Browne was most amiable. courte-
GUS, and genial gentleman. and had many
deyotcdly- attached friends here. He leaves
n wife and several children. AT the time
90 his death he was visiting his sister in
New York
Mr.. Browne was devoted to children. lie
was never too busy to entertain them,
and never so happy az when making them
happy. This beautiful trait in his cha
ractcr is strikinSly illustrated In one of
the most remarkable productions that ever
came from his brush.
He had painted an exquisite portrait OF
the little son OF gentleman In this
city, which so pleased the boys I-year-
old sister that she conceived the idea
OF having him paint the portrait of her
doll-baby. and accordingly she draped
Fanny Darling" for that was the doll
baby's name. IN her best bib and tucker,
and. marchi-E herself into Mr.. Brownies
studio. asked him what he would charge
10 take the dol-baby's likeness.
IAN the money you have" said Mr..
Browne
I've got 2 cents" replied the little
tot
Its bargain" said the artist who
had painted portraits Of Lee. Davis. and
other great men, which are recognized by
the beet critics to be the standards.
Fanny Darling was duly posed. and
her portrait painted on "a SKI canvas
The picture puzzles every one who sees
II until It's history Is given. The face
is absolutely expressionless. OF course. but
the likeness Is perfect. and the execution
thoroughly artistic.