SAMUEL PROUT, ARTIST. 
285 
I have made a small collection of Plaisters, and hope in a short 
time to pack them up for Plymouth.* 
Mr. Britton cannot conveniently spare me a Turner to copy for 
the present, as he is arranging his collection, so that patience must 
help you out a little longer. 
I have made many enquiries after Morland — have seen two or 
three, but not equal to those we saw in Princes Street. For the 
same size, and not equal in colouring or subject, twenty to thirty 
guineas. Mr. Arnold has promised to look out for you as well as 
myself, and, it may be, a subject to your wishes can be purchased 
for twelve or fifteen guineas. I cannot say for less ; connoisseurs 
are Morland-m ad A 
You have not said if the impressions from Mr. Saunders's plate 
arrived safe. I should thank you, when an opportunity offers, to 
send me an impression, as I wish to realize the features of him whose 
conversation I so frequently enjoyed. 
I have been with Mr. Arnold, who is lately very much improved, 
especially in colouring. The principal picture he has painted for 
the exhibition is one of the best landscapes I ever saw ; the sub- 
ject is Celadon and Amelia, from Thompson. The figures are 
small, but the composition is equal, if not superior, to Wilson. I 
have enquired his prices, and mentioned a few particulars about 
his painting a picture for you. I told him that your principal 
object in view was improvement. He is very desirous to paint you 
* These were figures from the antique, which Prout bought in London at 
Johns's request. In a subsequent letter he gives an account of his outlay on 
them, says he has " indulged" himself "with a coach, as it would not be in 
my power, from ill health, to attend to your wishes " otherwise ; and he adds 
that he has borrowed the money to pay for the Plaisters till the " return of 
post." 
f ' i Died Monday morning, in the fortieth year of his age, the celebrated 
George Morland, whose uncommon genius as an artist did honour to his 
country, and will for ever place him in the first class of painters. As a faith- 
ful copier of nature it is allowed none could exceed him. The eccentricity of 
his character led him into constant difficulties ; he was immoderately given 
to drinking, which ruined his constitution, and accelerated his death. His 
garret served him for all the purposes of life, and of this he has left a most 
admirable picture, which he painted a short time since for Mr. Graham, as a 
companion to Sir Joshua Reynolds's Kitchen, in Leicester Square, the house 
that once belonged to his father. His genuine pictures are in few hands, and 
his drawings are still more scarce. He is said to have been the next heir of 
Sir H. Morland, Bart, but never claimed the title." — The Star, Nov. 1st, 1804. 
