1826.] Painters— Painting. 149 
W.S., but I’d swear to the likeness now—swear éo it, even while others 
were \swearing at it.* 
‘VANDERLYN—a noble artist in the historical department; half spoilt 
by the French school, in which he studied some years ago and acquired 
a considerable reputation—that workshop of marble painting or painted 
marble—of coloured statuary—of dramatic sculpture (of actors in marble; 
I mean); of all things that men should avoid, except in drawing. Mr. V. 
was born (I believe) in New York. 
_ » Morse—a young man of great vigour in portraits, and celebrated for 
hisifree, firm handling. If he were encouraged, he would make a figure 
in historical painting. He was born in Massachusetts, and got a prize 
or two inthe Royal Academy some years ago. He is now “ located” 
here (in New York) ‘ He shewed me the beginning he had made of 
La Fayette,” says a brother artist in a letter to me, on the subject of 
painting here. ‘It is a striking resemblance, and he will be liberally 
paid— 1000 dolls. (200 guineas) is the price the corporation have agreed 
topay.” You see, my dear P., that xa-tzve artists here will soon have 
the reward which men covet—and covet, not so much because they re- 
quire it for their support, as because it proves how they and their art are 
estimated. I speak of a good price—the true reward, after all, for your 
man of genius. But my friend proceeds in the following strain: ‘ Morse 
is designed to shed light and honour on his profession; to the ability 
ofa clever artist he joins the manners, feeling, and accomplishments of 
a gentleman. He has been appointed by the Athenzum of New York to 
give aseries of lectures on painting, and he is now preparing himself for 
the work.” He was a pupil of the late President West. 
Sutty, Robert ;—a mere boy, but a boy of superior genius, nephew 
of Mr. T. Sully. He was born in Virginia (you observe that almost 
every state of the Union has produced a good painter now). If he 
should live ten years, and work as hard as he did when I left him in 
London, he will assuredly be in the foremost rank of his profession. 
He is full ef poetry—but so full, that you cannot depend upon his work. 
It may be very fine—it may be execrable. His portrait of Mr. Beloe 
(Secretary of your British Institution), and his portrait of Mr. Northcote, 
are wonderful pictures for a youth like him.—Mr. Northcote says that he 
has never been so well painted before, and that he never shall sit again, 
except for Mr. R. S., who intending the original for the academy at 
Philadelphia, wishes to make a copy before it goes, and finish it from 
life. Stop—I have given you two or three anecdotes already: let me 
give you another, which I would not overlook for my little finger. I 
have it from the best authority—out of his own mouth. Such things 
are delightful and ought to be preserved, even though it be in this way, 
by the head and ears.—Mr. R. S. was employed to paint a portrait for a 
man, who when it was done, declared himself delighted with every part 
of the picture, save and except one shoulder of the coat, which did not 
fit smoothly—I beg his pardon, wasn’t a “ good fit.—*« Excuse me, Sir,” 
said he—“ I never shall forget the mortification I felt on going to the 
Somerset House exhibition some years ago. The first picture that I saw 
was a picture of His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, by Sir 
* It may be encouraging for the youthful to know that Leslie’s pictures were rejected 
three years running at Somerset House, and that Newton’s were rejected two years 
running. So I hear—A.B.C. 
Mr. N. was born a British subject (in British America).—X. Y. Z. 
