Viewing page 55 of 85

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[37]

others ready to criticize a work that might not accomplish something of its purpose, at a period where time had almost consecrated in the public mind, not only the merits, but the portraits of Washington. 

[[stamp]] ARCHIVES OF AMERICAN ART [[/stamp]] 

Mr Stuart's well-established reputation as a portrait painter, induced a persuasive influence that "if Washington himself were to rise from the grave, and not be found to resemble his portrait, he would be denounced as an Imposter" ... This logical deduction could not abate the hope, nor retrench the hope I possessed, at least to please myself, without a desire to interfere with the opinions or prepossessions of others — and — after three months of extraordinary excitement I undivided application, in my seventeenth effort a portrait was elaborated which surprised and even satisfied my Father, who had anxiously remonstrated against such a sacrifice of time & mental effort, in what he considered a hopeless purpose, my father insisted upon bringing Judge Tilghman and Judge Peter to confirm his opinion; and from their report my studio was crowded with uninvited visitors, that Portrait is now in the Senate Chamber