Page:Anecdotes of painters, engravers, sculptors and architects, and curiosities of art (IA anecdotesofpaint01spoo).pdf/57

 a very beautiful lady, the wife of a lawyer of Lancaster. The picture was regarded as a wonderful performance, and gained him so much reputation, says Galt, "that the citizens came in such crowds to sit to the boy for portraits, that he had some trouble in meeting the demand." At the same time, a gunsmith, named Henry, who had a classic turn, commissioned him to paint a picture of the Death of Socrates. West forthwith made a sketch which his employer thought excellent, but he now began to see his difficulties, and feel his deficiencies. "I have hitherto painted faces," said he, "and people clothed. What am I to do with the slave who presents the poison? He ought, I think, to be painted naked." Henry went to his shop, and returned with one of his workmen, a handsome young negro man half naked, saying, "There is your model." He accordingly introduced him into his picture, which excited great attention.

WEST'S EDUCATION.

West was now fifteen years old. Dr. Smith, Provost of the College at Philadelphia, happened to see him at Lancaster, and perceiving his wonderful talents, and that his education was being neglected, generously proposed to his father to take him with him to Philadelphia, where he proposed to direct his studies, and to instruct him in all the learning most important for a painter to know.