XVII.

PORTRAIT BY WATSON GORDON. 1830. (No. 65.)

THIS unfinished study was retained by the artist, and no doubt served as a model for other Portraits painted by Sir John Watson Gordon during the later period of Sir Walter's life. We cannot say with any certainty how many such Portraits he actually painted. From his later note-books, we have been favoured by his brother, Henry G. Watson, Esq., with the following list :

EXCERPTS from the Books of the late SIR J. WATSON GORDON, relative to the PORTRAITS of the late SIR WALTER SCOTT painted by him.

1. Sir Walter Scott, Kit Cat. 1830.

2. Sir Walter Scott for Mr. Cadell, half-length. 1830.

3. Head-size of Sir Walter Scott, purchased by Mr. Cadell. 1830.

4. Head-size of Sir Walter Scott for Mr. Shortreed.

1831.

5. Copy of Sir Walter Scott for the Speculative Society. 1835.

6. Head of Sir Walter Scott. 1851.

Of these later Portraits, the one exhibited as No. 67, painted for Mr. Cadell in 1830, was considered the most important. It was engraved on a small scale by Horsburgh for some of the Editions of Scott's Works. It is by no means a pleasing likeness. A copy of this painting, the full size, was made by Sir John in 1835 for the Speculative Society, and was exhibited (No. 73).

Of head-size Portraits, there are repetitions in the possession of

SIR WILLIAM STIRLING MAXWELL, BART. (No. 70.)

ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL SWINTON, ESQ.

FRANCIS RICHARDSON, ESQ.

And

JOHN WATSON, eldest son of Captain James Watson, R N., was born

at Edinburgh in 1788. His father designed him for the Engineers, but

NO. XVII.]

having the advantage of attending the Trustees' Academy of Drawing under John Graham, he was allowed to complete his studies, and devoted himself to the profession of an Artist. In the first Edinburgh Exhibition, June 1808, he sent an "Historical picture," with this quotation :— "He ceased, and loud the boy did cry, And stretch'd his little arms on high; Implored for aid each well-known face, And strove to seek the Dame's embrace."

Lay of the Last Minstrel, Canto iv.

For some years he painted historical or poetical compositions, but his reputation as a portrait-painter increasing, he finally confined himself to that branch of Art. In 1826, partly for distinction sake from other artists of the same name, he assumed that of Watson-Gordon. He was one of the earliest Members of the Scottish Academy, founded in 1823. He was elected a Royal Academician in 1851, having for ten years previously been an Associate.

On the death of Sir William Allan in 1850, he was unanimously chosen PRESIDENT of the Royal Scottish Academy, also Limner to Her Majesty, on which occasion he obtained the honour of knighthood. Sir John Watson Gordon died unmarried, June 1, 1864.

XVIII.

PORTRAIT BY GRANT. 1831. (No. 68.)

"A CABINET PICTURE done at Abbotsford in 1831 by Francis Grant, R.A., who had the advantage of a familiar knowledge of the subject, being an attached friend of the family. This interesting piece, which has armour and stag-hounds, was done for Lady Ruthven."-LOCKHART.

The Artist afterwards repeated this Painting with some alterations for the Engraving by Thomas Hodgetts, in 1835 (No. 196). The following letter from Sir Francis Grant, P.R.A., addressed to Sir William Stirling Maxwell, respecting the variations between the original painting and the engraving, cannot fail to interest the reader :—

"THE LODGE, MELTON MOWBRAY, June 5, 1872.

"MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,-The print was made from a copy painted by me of the original picture of Sir Walter Scott belonging to Lady Ruthven. The alterations in the dress, chair, etc., were unwisely made at the suggestion of the engraver (Mr. Hodgetts). It has always been a source of regret to me that the original picture had not been engraved. The copy became the property of the sixth Earl of Chesterfield, and is at Bretby Park, Derbyshire.

"The circumstances of the painting of the original picture (the property of Lady Ruthven) are as follows:-

"Sir Walter had consented to the wish expressed by Lady Ruthven that he should sit to me for a cabinet picture to be painted for herself. I accordingly went to Abbotsford, accompanied by Mrs. Grant, for that purpose. I suggested to Sir Walter that instead of his giving me special sittings, if he would allow me to place my easel in his study I could paint his portrait whilst he was occupied in dictating his novel. He said, 'Can you indeed? that will be a great accommodation to me.' I accordingly, the following morning, placed my easel between Sir Walter and his amanuensis, William Laidlaw, who had formerly occupied land adjoining to Sir Walter's hill-farm. Sir Walter had frequently consulted him on farming matters, and had become very friendly with him. After a time poor Mr. Laidlaw failed, and all his stock and property were sold by auction. Laidlaw was at his wits' end, not knowing what to do, when Scott said to him, 'Willie, do you think you could write my books for me, from dictation for I am getting old, and have some gout and rheumatism in my hands, which makes it difficult for me to write much.' His answer was, 'I am very willing to try,' and soon after he was regularly established as amanuensis. I had these particulars from Sir Walter himself.

"Whilst I remained at Abbotsford, William Laidlaw arrived every morning at ten NO. XVIII.]