The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-02-20

first Charles Wilson, then James, who
executed several portraits of him-and
finally the formers son. Rembrandt.
/ who had three exclusive sittings, the
first when he was only IL years old.
one day in September. 1895. when
Washington was in his second term.
the artist Stuart. who was probably a
little jealous of his rivals favors, re-
marked to Mrs. Washington, whom he
casually met, that she had better has
ten 10 her husbands protection, as
! Charles Wilson, James, Rembrandt
| and Raphael were 'Pealeing him on the
right side and on the left. behind and
before!'
IL is undoubtedly true that the great
lion of the Revolution was frequently
baited almost Beyond the limit of pa
tience by the knights of the brush. who
were well aware of the value OF ex-
plotting him 10 the utmost. He was IN
dulgent to the Peales on account of the
services and comradeship of Charles
and James in the war but that he was
finally extremely wearied by their i'm
portunities is amply shown in his diary
and some OF his letters. Wherever he
went-at Valley Forge amid the SHOWS
OF winter In camp. i'm New York on in
Philadelphia-he found a detachment
front. flank and rear.
Among those who secured Washing
toms portrait were Pierre Eugene ST.
mtiere. "a Frenehman OF some note as
an artist; William Dunlap and Joseph
Wright. The last named had studied
in Paris under the care OF Benjamin
Franklin. In the autumn of 1888 he
painted three-quarter portrait Of
Washington and aftorward two others
lie was appointed by President Wash
ington chief craftsman and die sinker
TO the United States mint. and the first
coins and medals issued by the nation
al government were his handiwork.
Washington once wrote of Simitieres
portrait that it was the best for which
he had then sat, but Wright secured
what is generally Acknowledged TO be
better profile in 1890 from sketch as
he saw Washington in church, wholly
unconscious OF being drawn.
There are probably 40 authentic por-
traits of Washington and about 20 more
that do not bear the stamp OF authen-
ticity; so it may be supposed that he
was a frequent though not always
willing victim. In 1879. at the request
of his friend. John jay. he sat TO SINH
there while I'm Philadelphia, and the art
ist wrote. The general condescended
with great good nature To sit about
three quarters OF an hour for this like
ness. having but little time TO spend.
this being the last day of his stay I'm
town In January of the same ycac,
while i'm Philadelphia to attend a ban
quet given him by congress. he had sat
10 Captain G. w Pealc for a portrait
which when finished was hung i'm the
council chamber. Two years afterward
it was destroyed by a mob.
To show how the great man was pes
tered IL Is only necessary 10 refer To- his
own writings after the close OF the war;
when he had retired to Mount Vernon.
where he had fondly but vainly hoped
TO enjoy the rest that had so long been
denied him. Among the hosts that i'm
vaded his retreat were artists and
sculptors in droves. all OF whor', how
ever, he accommodated 80 FAR as he
was able. Ia his diary some time ga
i7s5 ne wrote: TO dinner. MI Pine. a
pretty eminent portrait and historical
painter: arrived I'm order 90 take my
picture from lie and place n IN the his
t0rical pieces ne Is about 10 draw. This
gentleman stands IN good estimation as
D painter in England ana comes rec
commended 20 me from Colonel Fairfax.
Mr. Morris Governor Dickinson, Mr.
IIopkinson and others.
IL was OF Artist Pine. a former pupil
OF Sir Joshua Reynolds. who was doml-
ciled for three weeks at Mount Vernon,