Page:Women in the Fine Arts From the Seventh Century B.C. to the Twentiet.djvu/166

Rh the Royal Collection. As the ancients have left us but five animals of equal merit with their human figures—viz., the Barberini Goat, the Tuscan Boar, the Mattei Eagle, the Eagle at Strawberry Hill, and Mr. Jennings' Dog—the talent of Mrs. Damer must appear in the most distinguished light."

Cerrachi made a full length figure of Mrs. Damer, which he called the Muse of Sculpture, and Darwin, the poet, wrote:

Quite in opposition to this praise, other authors and critics have severely denied the value of her talent, her originality, and her ability to finish her work properly. She has also been accused of employing an undue amount of aid in her art. As a woman she was unusual in her day, and as resolute in her opinions as those now known as strong-minded. Englishwoman as she was, she sent a friendly message to Napoleon at the crisis, just before the battle of Waterloo. She was a power in some political elections, and she stoutly stood by Queen Caroline during her trial.

Mrs. Damer was much esteemed by men of note. She ardently admired Charles Fox, and, with the beautiful Duchess of Devonshire and Mrs. Crewe, she took an active part in his election; "rustling their silks in the lowest sinks of sin and misery, and in return for the electors' 'most sweet voices' submitting, it is said, their own sweet cheeks to the salutes of butchers and bargemen."