upon the mountains, the very air is inspiration, and the awful rocks, the precipices, trees fallen with the masses that upheld them-the ruins of nature -thickets and forests, and roaring waters, and over all the changing yet ever sublime sky, impress his imagination, and he realises "the dreams of Dante and Milton." And when these Alpine and chaotic terrors" soften their aspect, chestnut trees, the rich scenery of Piedmont, and luxuriant vales of Italy burst on the view." 66 At Florence, however, his spirit, generally "below temperate, sunk to the freezing point." On the third day after his arrival, he wrote announcing to his brother his intention to return home. The fatigue and difficulties had already far outbalanced the pleasures of his journey-health was failing-his knee was still suffering from the effects of a sprain-the roads were infested with banditti-the vermin in his bed were intolerable; in fact, there was no lack of excuses to plead. He wonders not "at that sacred writer who gratefully thanked his God, because he had dwelt among his own people.' If you think I have sacrificed duty to my feelings, you must forgive me, this time, my dear Walter. If you have formed high hopes of me, they shall not be disappointed; but I must 'dwell among mine own people." He began to draw, but could not proceed; and soon put in execution the resolve expressed. In October he was again in Paris, where he conceived the idea of entering a French studio for a short time; but his resolution failed him when it came to the point. He studied a week at the Academy, then tried the atelier of Regnault-a perfect bear-garden," therefore speedily abandoned; and before the end of November, he was once more safely ensconced in the "dear" familiar city of London. In the little old room of former days, Etty at once recovered his self-possession. "The star of the unconquered will" again arose upon him, and diligently and with high purpose he resumed his usual habits. In 1817, his Cupid and Euphrosyne, exhibited at the Academy, obtained some little praise, but-what was more- -indicated his approach to that range of subject and style of treat ment destined to illustrate his ripening powers. The next year, a copy of Titian's Ganymede, sent in to the School 66 of Painting, in hope of winning the medal, distanced all competition; but, through some informality in his procedure, he lost the special object of his grasp, and was obliged to content himself with the compliments of the Council, who desired the President to express to him, on the distribution of the premiums, their "high approbation." In the note-book before alluded to, now occur "Lists of Subjects to Paint"-subjects of Grandeur, of Terror, of Poetry, of Feeling, of Sunshine-a few of which were afterwards realised on his canvas, while all attest his ambition to excel in what he calls "La Grande Historique." Nor are there wanting maxims to guide his conduct, nor watchwords to invigorate his zeal. "Seest thou a man diligent in his calling, he shall stand before kings."-" EARLY RISING! EARLY RISING!" Memoranda of books to be read also remain, the list including a wide range of works, and among them many of an exclusively moral import. From writers of this class, with characteristic gusto, he copies out encomiums on fortitude, temperance, and selfdenial;" or on the benefits of possessing a quiet conscience-one's time one's own-with freedom from inordinate passions;" or philosophical reflections on "trifles from which spring the purest pleasures of life-a prospect, a flower, a song." Among objects of artistic regard, he continually impresses on himself, with all the emphasis of large writing and capital letters, the necessity of remembering-FORM, for which the Antique and Fine Nature must be consulted - EXECUTION, DRAWING; DRAPERY, PROPORTION. Raffaello, the skeleton, &c., to be studied; "Power and Splendour" to be, if possible, compassed in forthcoming pictures. Happy the union thus consummated, but so rarely witnessed, of genius and perseverance, energy and patience, power and labour. At a date, later by several years, occurs among his papers a confession of contrition for some temporary moral backsliding, that throws additional light upon his character, and illustrates so forcibly the simplicity of heart and loyalty of conscience at the root of that purity which all who knew him declare to have been unquestionably the habit of his life, as to be worthy of quotation in full : "Having now," he soliloquises, "fully ascertained and proved the inadequacy of immoral pursuits to the giving happiness or pleasure; and felt keenly their destructive effect to all peaceable, pure, good, and true enjoyment of God's works; it is my firm determination to resume my self-denying principles. And I desire ardently to make myself acceptable to Him who made me. Which determination I pray God assist me to keep; knowing that without His assistance I am truly weak, and unable to fight the good fight.' Let me therefore say in my heart-'I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy Son: make me as one of Thy hired servants.' And may God please to incline His ear to my prayer, and strengthen my weakness! So that I fail not in running this important race which He has set before me. Teach me, I pray Thee, O God! ever to conquer and command those passions which war against our peace, and corrupt the purity and innocence of the soul. And teach me ever to look up to Thee as my Father and strength. For Thy ways are surely ways of pleasantness, and all Thy paths are peace.' 66 Each succeeding year now widened the basis of his reputation, though admirers were still comparatively few. As with many a man whose life is a psalm of progress," the chorus of praise did not come till the close. In 1819 he had exhibited his Manlius hurled from the Rock; this was followed in 1820 by Pandora, formed by Vulcan, and crowned by the Seasons, a little venture which made a considerable noise; and also the same year by the Coral Finders, a small picture of graceful poetic fancy, sold by him at the modest price of £30, and which after wards commanded 370 guineas. But 1821 was the most memorable of these early years early as the spring-time of his fame, but not of his life, for he was now thirty-four. It was then he completed his celebrated Cleopatra, the most important and elaborate work yet attempted, and tasking his powers both of conception and execution. The description in Plutarch of the Queen's arrival in Cecilia formed the subject. The morning after the opening of the Academy Exhibition, Etty awoke a famous painter, for this splendid composition had revealed to the world the true scope of his genius. Crowds flock to The the spot where it hangs. Sir Thomas Lawrence jocularly whispers to him that they leave Mark Antony-meaning himself-whistling in the market-place, and go to gaze on Cleopatra ! 'old Times' even," writes the artist, recalling in his Autobiography the auspicious day, "deigned to notice me; though as much in the shape of castigation as any other. But still, the Times noticed me! I felt my chariotwheels were on the right road to fame and honour. And I now drove on, like another Jehu." Encouragements were coming-as they say troubles comenot in single file. This same year Fuseli in his Report, as Keeper, to the Council of the Academy, after justifying the practice of painting from life at sight, took occasion to commend Etty's example in this respect, as also his "unwearied perseverance of application and steady method." Another journey to the land of Art intervened at this crisis; the wish to redeem the errors of his former trip, and the promise of companionship combining to prompt the movement. The efflorescence of his fancy, rich and fair in promise, did not suffer from this sudden transference to the genial clime of Italy, but matured in golden fruits. Paris and the Louvre were first visited, and then the travellers hurried across the Alps, through Lombardy and Tuscany, to Rome, catching glimpses only of the celebrated objects along their route. "The beautiful and tremendous aspects of light and shade" in nature, continued to delight the painter; and, despite the minor annoyances of the way, he strove to keep before him the objects of his pursuit-he must not fail this time for want of will. On the fly-leaves of his diary occur as usual, such suggestive entries as-" Lose no opportunity of drawing, painting, or improvement." "Sir Joshua says, Always have your Porte-crayon in your hand." At length the imperial city came in view, its towers peopling the barren plain, and the mountains beyond rising in a hot purple and rosy hue. The malaria was raging; but,"cost him his life," Etty was resolved to penetrate within the walls, and fulfil his long-cherished vow of reaching Rome. Arrived within the Porta del Popolo, he could not do less than take off his cap, and salute the genius of the place. A fortnight was passed in wanderings among its glorious ruins, and in due homage to Michael Angelo and art. Then taking flight to Naples, he accomplished the ascent of Mount Vesuvius, on foot, and with guides alone-a feat of which, in the general lack of adventure, he never ceased to be proud. am not yet broken. I bear a consciousness of something yet, bidding me not despair of doing that which After-Ages shall not let die.” His resolution did not fail him; and the city of Titian gradually rekindled and absorbed all his enthusiasm; the past, so false to his hopes and wishes, was left to bury its dead; and he again moved and studied like a free man. He learnt even to write laughingly of his troubles. "J have been so often and so unprofitably in love, I have serious thoughts of paying my addresses to my Tea-kettle. I have found her a very warm friend. She sings too. And you know how fond I am of music: I have heard a thousand times more unpleasant songs than hers. On a winter's night, after a wellspent day, with a volume of old poetry After a month's absence, he returned to Rome, and set vigorously to work. But he was ill at ease, and his mind distracted; and the non-arrival of anticipated letters now threw him into feverish anxiety. Unfortunately, again on the eve of his departure from England, his heart had been smitten by the charms of a fair cousin. That the journey cost him no small effort of his will, is evident from ejaculations interspersed in his diary among pencilsketches of mountain, town, and costume, such as, "Cannot be laughed at!"-Shakspeare, Milton, Spenser-a vo"MUST reach Rome "-" When I have reached Rome, all is done;" and the secret cause betrays itself also "Beauteous, gentle, good, and kind: or here, "I would not wish her to have me if she does not like me." Poor Etty; after all, he had to solace himself with some such unpleasant reflection. Friends took counsel together, and the suit was not approved-prospects were uncertain, marriage responsibilities were serious-and neither genius with its birthright of fame, nor love with its guerdon of bliss, could be accepted as bait for the forthcoming of fortune. "For six months past," wrote the disconsolate painter from Rome, "I have scarcely known happiness but by name; even now would almost exchange life with a dog, or resign it altogether, did not hope whisper brighter days may yet dawn.' I have only found existence tolerable by applying vigorously to my Art; the strongest remedy my thoughts could suggest. Even that was insufficient. Advice is easily given in such cases; 'tis hard to put in practice." Thoroughly despondent and dejected, he quitted Rome for Venice. "The purple light of love" seemed fading into shadowy gloom. But his spirit was roused by the disappointment, and in the struggles and pangs of those moments fresh power was born within him. "The exchange' is so much against me, often. My pride is hurt to think I am thought so worthless. Well, no matter! . . . Though bruised, I lume of Dr. Johnson, or a new Scottish novel; when the wind is blowing and pattering the rain against one's window; then, sweet is the song of the kettle; sweeter to a studious man than a crying child or scolding wife. However, I must consider seriously before I offer her my hand, lest she should burn it.” Etty's energy had now full sway. The morning found him copying pietures in the "cold marble Halls" of Venice; the evening at his favourite studies in the Life-Academy. The severity of the winter never checked his ardour, and the difficulties that sometimes impeded his designs, were only discovered to be overcome. His achievements soon won him "golden opinions from all sorts of men;" professors pronounced him un bravo Pittore, and others declared that he painted “with the fury of a devil, and the sweetness of an angel." In proof of their admiration, the Venetians elected him an Honorary Academician-a similar honour had previously been accorded him from Charleston, in America. Etty had entered Venice with the intention of making a ten days' stay; but the attractions of the place were too great to be thus set at nought; and spring had passed into summer before he was satisfied with the work accomplished. At last, one morning in June he celebrates his Io Trionfo over Caffè au latte, toast and butter, and an interesting English book, "having around me the trophies of my victory: viz.-small and large together-thirty studies in oil after the Venetian school, and twenty in oil of academic figures." There was yet one thing more to be done before he left Italy; and for the fulfilment of this purpose he hastened to Florence, desirous of copying the celebrated Venus of Titian. Padua, Verona, Mantua, and Modena, lay on the route, and were made to contribute, as far as a few hours' well-spent sojourn would permit, to his improvement. The goal was, however, speedily reached, and the coveted opportunity secured. The copy was completed as only kindred genius, working in full sympathy, could have done it, and sent carefully home, to be ever afterwards a prized feature in his painting-room, that nothing could bribe him to remove. From Florence he returned to Venice, where he prolonged his studies for two more months; and then he set out homewards. At Paris, the sight of the Louvre induced him to halt awhile, and resume the use of his brush. The weeks, well employed, passed rapidly by him, and it was not till the January of the following year (1824) that he re entered his modest lodgings in Stangate-walk. The night after his arrival saw him at his post on the Academy bench. 66 dora crowned by the Seasons was made the subject of another picture, which was completed in six weeks, and duly sent in. It was highly commended, and was purchased by no less an authority than Sir Thomas Lawrence; but it is described as a masterly scholastic exercise, rather than an original poem." This year the painter was elected an Associate of the Academy-an honour highly valued, though tardily conferred. The first of his great colossal pictures, the Combat, next produced, more than vindicated the justice of their choice; for dramatic power, and the triumph achieved over the difficulties of Art, it has always been ranked among his noblest achievements. Again he found a purchaser in a brother artist-Martin, who paid him down, at the season's close, £300 for it, a price confessedly below its merits, but more than any one else then had courage so to expend, although £2000 have since been refused for it by the Scottish Academy, in whose possession it is at the present day. The dilettante Lord Darnley now gave him a commission to paint the Judgment of Paris for £300; the picture, some years after its completion, commanded a thousand. Another great venture in the Historic succeeded it. Taking the story Etty liked to watch the ebb and flow of Judith, he portrayed her as repreof a river; its ceaseless motion, so sig-sented in the verses, "Then came she to nificant of life, had an unwonted charm for him. He had for some years lived on the banks of the Thames at Lambeth, and on his return, finding it expedient to change his residence, resolved, nevertheless, not to abandon his old companion. The house selected immediately overlooked the water, and was at the bottom of Buckingham-street, Strand. Commencing with the lower floor, he burdened himself with a lease of twenty-one years and a rent of 1207.; but the top floor was the lodge for which he sighed, and on its falling vacant two years later, he ascended to it. His mother came up from York to set him a-going, and brought with her as her assistant a grand-daughter, who was to have stayed some weeks or months, but gradually assumed the important position of housekeeper, and finally became the constant and indispensable associate of the painter, the mainstay of his comfort and domestic happiness. No time was lost in preparing for the next exhibition of the Academy. Pan 66 In the pillar of the bed, which was at guineas more. The investment brought an ample return in honour to the enterprising purchasers; full four times the amount has since been proffered them in vain. In 1828, in his forty-first year, Etty was made a Royal Academician; thus reaching one of the highest pinnacles of his ambition. He announces the fact to his friends, far and near, with characteristic simplicity and glee. To Mr. Bodley he writes: "Last night the deed was done that made me happy......I am overwhelmed with joy. Oh! that my poor mother was here. She was as anxious about the event as myself......I desire to thank the Giver of all good, that he has given me strength to attain this eminence in my country, and to bless those friends whose support have strengthened me in the battles I have fought against the difficulties of Art." To be "one of the forty good oil painters in the land," was of all encouragements the greatest he had yet received; and overvalued as were the initials now rightfully appended to his name for their intrinsic worth, they were not to be valued enough in the fresh impetus they gave to his persevering labours. But, notwithstanding his childish elation in the new honours thus acquired, there were things dearer to him than they all. Up to the time of his election as associate, he had signalised himself as the most regular student and of longest standing in the Life-Academy; and to the present time he had continued, without deviation, to follow in his old and favourite path of study; but, now that he was R.A., some thought he ought to give up his attendance. Etty thought differently; he could not understand how study in the life was "beneath the dignity of any rank to which his brethren might raise him;" and finally, when the question was more directly pressed, replied, "If my continuing to paint in the life is considered derogatory to an academician, let them not make me one; for I shall not give it up." Nor did he; and to the very last, even when subject to rheumatism, cough, and asthma, and the exchange of an overheated atmosphere for a dense fog sometimes so affected him that he could scarcely crawl home, and was mistaken for a drunken man-nothing could induce him to forego his evening's study in the Life School. His companions there remember him as he used slowly to ascend "He arrived punctually at six o'clock, with his mill-board under his arm, and a little flat wooden case, of about a foot long, six inches wide, and two in depth, containing his palette-already set-a few brushes, a bit or two of chalk, white and black, and a little brass receptacle for his vehicle, something like an ink bottle with a screw lid. He would wait till all the Students took their choice of the view of a Figure, and then would take the best vacant seat, generally on the extreme right or left of the lower circle of seats that surround the model; all the others being generally occupied. In a calm way, even to slowness-compared with the eager rush to work of the students-he would place his brown paper mill-board on a drawing board, and begin slowly, but with great power, to delineate from the Model-in charcoal. He would spend generally the first evening, and even the second, in making an Outline. This I always expected was an example to the students; who too often commence their studies in Colour before they have made a good Outline. Then, perhaps, he would, with the common pen and ink in the room (for the students to sign their names in the book of attendance), go over the charcoal Outline. He would then rub over his tablet some of his vehicle, and a little asphaltum-touch in the masses of shadow, transparently, and begin to paint in the lights; draping the edges of the lights with a free hand into the shadow. Next night he would repeat the process to still further progress; and so on to completion. ... It was delightful to see how beautifully he generalised and idealised the forms of his Studies. There was the flavour of nature in them. But the contours were for ever varied by his own admirable perception of the beautiful. And taking into consideration that both were studying from the same original, it was very curious to see his glowing study sometimes contrasted with the wretched, meagre truth of the person who happened to sit next him, and who drew with dull literality." Among the pictures exhibited by the Academician while his honours were yet fresh upon him, were Venus and the |