The Diorama of Life, Or, the Macrocosm and Microcosm Displayed: Characteristic Sketches and Anecdotes of Men and Things.

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. 1824. Excerpt: ... your's to the lowest pit of hell;" upon which Barrow, turning upon his heel, with a sarcastic smile, archly replied, "There, my lord, I leave you." "I first discovered Opie," said Dr. Wolcot, "in a little hovel in the parish of St. Agnes, in Cornwall. He was the son of. a poor sawyer. I was first led to notice him by accidentally seeing some little rude drawings which he had made, and finding that he had a genius that way, I used to give him little paints, brushes, money, and at length, finding that he was a, youth of promise, I boarded and lodged him in my house gratuitously, during which time 1 instructed him in drawing (for I used to draw tolerably myself, before my sight became so bad.) Opie soon excelled his master, and began to paint portraits in Devonshire, at seven shillings and sixpence a head, when he was not a little proud of his success.' He further observed, 'his powers in landscape painting were s0 great, that, had he devoted his mind alone to that study, he would have been second only to Wilson. In a short time Opie sprung up into notice, and being invited to dine at the mansion of a rich country 'squire, I thought it right to give him the following advice how to deport himself under this distinguished honour; for Opie was as rough a cub as ever was turned out from the wilderness. I told him, "Be sure now not to blow your beer before you drink; do not pick your teeth with your fork; and take care not to turn round and drink the servant's good health." His celebrity having attracted the notice of the Royal Family, he was commanded to repair to Buckingham house with some of his pictures; accordingly he went, and the subject of that which pleased the King most was a man struck blind by § H H lightning. This picture the King purchased for ...