The Origin, Progress, and Present Condition of the Fine Arts in Great Britain and Ireland (Volume 1)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 Excerpt: ...after the unexpected neglect of his last work, he had lost his accustomed energy, and seemed to have abandoned himself to a state of inactivity; he had neither a shed nor materials to carry on his beloved profession. Still more, they found that he had taken up his lodging, at sixpence a night, in a garret by Clare market, and that his only food for some time past, had been coarse sea biscuits, diluted with water from the cistern. The president of the Royal Academy was so deeply affected by these discoveries, that he decided at once as to what should be done. In a few days after, at a meeting of the council, he stated the case to them, and upon that grounded a motion, that Proctor should be sent to Italy with the Academy pension, and that fifty pounds should be allowed him to make the usual preparations for his journey. This motion passed without a dissentient voice; and the next day Proctor was invited to dine with the president, who, after dinner, informed him of what the Academy had done. He heard it with great emotion, and when sufficiently composed, he agreed to the arrangements proposed, which fixed the day of his departure, in company with the president's son. All seemed now to wear the livery of hope and promise, and full of grateful feelings the young student took his leave. The wretch now hopes his woes will end; When death, whom he had deemed his friend, Appears to his astonished eyes, And seems to rob him of his prize. To-morrow would have given him all, Repair'd his loss, retriev'd his fall; To-morrow would have been the first Of days no more deplor'd or curst: But bright, and long, and beck'ning years, Seen dazzling through the mist of tears, Guerdon of many a painful hour; To-morrow would have given him pow'r, To soar, adorn, to smile, t...