Chapter 6

WORKERS IN ART. Sir Joshua Reynolds on the power of industry in 154–201 art—Humble origin of eminent artists—Acquisition of wealth not the ruling motive with artists—Michael Angelo on riches—Patient labours of Michael Angelo and Titian—West’s early success a disadvantage—Richard Wilson and Zuccarelli—Sir Joshua Reynolds, Blake, Bird, Gainsborough, and Hogarth, as boy artists—Hogarth a keen observer—Banks and Mulready—Claude Lorraine and Turner: their indefatigable industry—Perrier and Jacques Callot and their visits to Rome—Callot and the gipsies—Benvenuto Cellini, goldsmith and musician: his ambition to excel—Casting of his statue of Perseus—Nicolas Poussin, a sedulous student and worker—Duquesnoi—Poussin’s fame—Ary Scheffer: his hindrances and success—John Flaxman: his genius and perseverance—His brave wife—Their visit to Rome—Francis Chantrey: his industry and energy—David Wilkie and William Etty, unflagging workers—Privations endured by artists—Martin—Pugin—George Kemp, architect of the Scott monument—John Gibson, Robert Thorburn, Noel Paton—James Sharples the blacksmith artist: his autobiography—Industry of musicians—Handel, Haydn, Beethoven, Bach, Meyerbeer—Dr. Arne—William Jackson the self-taught composer