CHAPTER XII.

THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

Female Artists in the Scandinavian Countries.--In Sweden.--Ulrica Pasch.--Danish Women Artists.--A richer Harvest in the Netherlands.--The Belgian Sculptress.--Maria Verelst.--Her Paintings and Attainments in the Languages.--Residence in London.--Curious Anecdote.--Walpole’s Remark.--Women Artists in Holland.--Poetry.--Henrietta Wolters.--Her Portraits.--Invitation from Peter the Great.--Dutch Paintresses.--The young Engraver.--Caroline Scheffer.--Landscape and Flower Painters.--A Follower of Rachel Ruysch.--An Engraver.--In England.--Painting suited to Women.--Literary Ladies.--Effect of the Introduction of a new Manner in Art.--Numerous Dilettanti.--Female Sculptors.--Mrs. Samon.--Mrs. Siddons and others.--Mrs. Damer.--Aristocratic Birth.--Early love of Study and Art.--Horace Walpole her Adviser.--Conversation with Hume.--First Attempt at Modeling.--The Marble Bust and Hume’s Criticism.--Surprise of the gay World.--Miss Conway’s Lessons and Works.--Unfortunate Marriage.--Widowhood.--Politics.--Walpole’s Opinion of Mrs. Damer’s Sculptures.--Darwin’s Lines.--Sculptures.--Envy and Detraction.--Going abroad.--Escape from Danger.--Noble Ambition.--Return to England.--Politics and Kissing.--Private Theatricals.--The three Heroes.--Friendship with the Empress.--Walpole’s Bequest.--Parlor Theatricals, etc.--Removal.--Project for improving India.--Mrs. Damer’s Works.--Opinions of her. 164