Page:Anecdotes of painters, engravers, sculptors and architects, and curiosities of art (IA anecdotesofpaint01spoo).pdf/326



While he was modelling the bust of Dr. Johnson, the latter came one day accompanied by Miss Williams, a blind lady; and being very impatient of the protracted sittings, he came quite late, which so displeased the sculptor that he cried out, "Now, Doctor, you did say you would give my bust half an hour before dinner, and the dinner has been waiting this long time." "Nolly, be patient, Nolly," said the sage, making his way to the bust. "How is this, Nolly, you have loaded the head with hair." "All the better," returned the artist, "it will make you look more like one of the ancient sages or poets.—I'll warrant now, you wanted to have it in a wig." The Doctor remonstrated seriously, saying, "a man, sir, should be portrayed as he appears in company"—but the sculptor persisted. The bust is an admirable work of art, besides being a faithful likeness.

NOLLEKENS' LIBERALITY TO CHANTREY.

When Chantrey sent his bust of Horne Tooke to the Exhibition, he was young and unfriended; but the great merit of the work did not escape the eye of Nollekens. He lifted it from the floor, set it before him, moved his head to and fro, and having satisfied himself of its excellence, turned to those who were arranging the works for the Exhibition, and said, "There's a very fine work: let the man who made it be known—remove one of my busts, and put this