1843-44 OWEN’S PORTRAIT FOR DRAYTON 247 
the collection which I have formed of the portraits 
of the eminent men of my own time. I should 
very much like to have, as a pendant to that of 
Cuvier, the portrait of Professor Owen. 
‘ My demand, of course, is only upon the time 
of those whom I can prevail upon to sit for me, 
but it is a heavy demand upon one so fully occu- 
pied as Professor Owen. 
‘ I am unwilling to write to him directly, for 
his kindness might lead him to acquiesce in a 
request on my part which may be inconvenient 
to him. 
‘ Do you think he could spare the time to sit ? 
He can without hesitation answer you if you will 
tvrite to him. 
‘ I should ask Pickersgill, who painted Cuvier, 
to paint the pendant.’ 
This suggestion was acted upon by Buckland, 
^od the picture was ultimately added to Sir 
Robert Peel’s gallery at Drayton. Sir Robert 
'''as anxious that Owen should be painted in a 
Sitting posture, ‘ whereat poor Pick, was troubled,’ 
Cwen writes, ‘ as sitting will not suit the subject 
well as standing, on account of the robe.’ 
