He said, I am proud of having the honour of contributing to the purpose of this meeting, but I feel that after the speeches we have heard, and with the sentiments existing which appear to animate those around me, it will be quite unnecessary for me to say more than a very few words. I believe there is not one who knew the late Sir David Wilkie but who is ready and eager to testify to his worth as a man (cheers). Among his near relations he inspired the strongest affection; among his friends he was universally received with the warmest regard and the most profound esteem (cheers). To brother artists of all descriptions he was a friend, a protector, and an assistant. There was nothing in his nature of ill-will, envy, or bitterness to any, be they whom they might (cheers). With regard to the merits of Sir David Wilkie as an artist, it is still less necessary for me to speak. His works testify that he must take his place among men of original genius, among those who have added lustre to their countries. The productions of his pencil are celebrated now, and will be still more so when the mellowing hand of time adds to their beauties (loud cheers). But we have lost him; and all we can do in testifying our admiration and our gratitude is to raise some monument to his memory; and in so doing, we are benefiting ourselves and our country; for by showing our regard for the genius of Wilkie as an artist, and for his worth as a man, we shall be doing our best to inspire others with a desire to attain similar honours; and I trust that those in whom nature has implanted genius sufficient to produce works worthy of following Wilkie's will make it their study to imitate his gentleness and kindness of disposition, which have so endeared him to all who knew him. With these few words I beg leave to read the resolution: — "That this record should be a permanent and characteristic testimonial of his worth as a man, and his great excellence as a British artist." (Cheers.) Mr. PHILLIPS, R.A., seconded the resolution, which was unanimously carried. Viscount MAHON said: In moving the next resolution I may say that my feelings towards the late Sir David Wilkie were not merely those of respect for his character, or admiration for his genius. I had also the privilege of enjoying his private friendship. It was my good fortune some years ago to be his fellow traveller through Spain (hear, hear), in company also with another gifted man, who I may remark also entertained the most sincere regard for Wilkie, and who I am sure will deeply lament his untimely fate-I allude to Mr. Washington Irving (loud cheers); and never, I trust, will the recollection of the days I passed with them fade from my memory-of those days when I saw two men of such great, yet such different genius, employed in the observance and delineation of that most beautiful and most interesting country; the one with a keen eye to discern, and a powerful pen to describe, all the traits of national manners; the other ever and anon stopping amid some lonely landscape to consider how he might best transfer its beauties and its tints to his own as glowing but more permanent canvas (loud cheers). I well remember at Toledo a little passing scene—a muleteer lighting his cigar from that of a monk, which gave rise first to a hasty sketch, and afterwards to that magnificent painting many of you must have seen at Somerset House (cheers). Sir David Wilkie was not one of those who visited Spain as I and many others have done, principally upon the impulse of curiosity, bearing nothing away with us, and leaving nothing to mark our course behind us. No his genius imprinted its footsteps wherever it went. It was that genius which impelled him to visit that ancient seminary of art. To him might perfectly be applied the lines of Sir Walter Scott: "Go seek those regions where the flinty crest (loud cheers). It was not only as an artist I remember Wilkie; is-"That a statue which preserves the manly and well-remembered exterior, and expresses with skill and taste the looks and sentiment of Sir David Wilkie, would be the most appropriate testimonial." BENJAMIN BOND CABBELL, Esq. seconded the resolution. They had met with one heart to raise this testimonial to merit. It was particularly gratifying to notice the unanimous testimony that had been paid to Sir David Wilkie's universal kindness of heart; a quality, which, among those who had many rivals in their career towards fame, was not more rare than it was commendable (hear, hear). He had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. Mr. GEORGE RENNIE, M.P., begged to propose a suggestionnot an amendment upon-the last resolution. He had been himself an artist-he had been so for twenty years, and he was now speaking the opinions of many brother artists in the hint he was about to give (hear, hear). He had always considered that the true monuments to artists were their works (hear, hear). If they looked back to antiquity, and took the most illustrious names in art, where would they find monuments to their memory? And if those artists had monuments, he would ask if such structures would increase their fame? He only remembered in ancient and in modern history two painters to whom monuments had been erected, one at Florence, to Michael Angelo; the other to our own Sir Joshua Reynolds. Hogarth had no monument—he found an imperishable one in his works. He hoped the meeting would not altogether throw overboard these hints. He should suggest that the money received be partly expended on a bust instead of a statue, and partly lodged in the hands of trustees to form a Wilkie premium for the encouragement of that branch of the art in which he most excelled. The Rev. Dr. DIBDIN thought that the money would be most advantageously applied in establishing a fund for the encouragement of historical painting. Mr. COCKERELL, R.A., supported the last speaker. Sir PETER LAURIE said the subject had been already discussed in committee, and that nothing was considered so suitable as a permanent monument. The committee alone had contributed 900%. to the erection of a monument. Mr. GEORGE FOGGO, at some length, and with much energy, supported Mr. Rennie's view of the case; and, the resolution being put, only five dissentients were observed: upon which it was declared duly carried. Lord CHARLES TOWNSEND proposed the next resolution, "That this statue, the more effectually to excite the young to emulation, and to fulfil our object of honouring genius, should be erected in the National Gallery, and that application be made to the trustees of the National Gallery for the necessary permission. Sir AUGUSTUS CALLCOTT seconded the resolution, which was unanimously carried. Lord BURGHERSH proposed the next resolution, "That a committee be appointed to carry these resolutions into effect. That Sir Peter Laurie and Peter Laurie, Esq., be requested to act as joint treasurers; and that Allan Cunningham, Esq., be requested to act as secretary; and Peter Cunningham, Esq., as assistant secretary." P. M. STEWART, Esq., M.P., seconded the resolution in a very eloquent speech, which we regret we cannot find room for. He did not lament that the elements of discussion had been introduced into the meeting. But although the original resolution had been carried, another opportunity might arrive for taking into consideration, and perhaps for acting upon the suggestions they had heard. (Cheers.) Sir PETER LAURIE proposed the last resolution, "That the cordial thanks of this meeting be presented to the Right Honourable Sir Robert Peel, for the ability and courtesy with which he has presided over the interesting proceedings of this day." The Hon. Mr. LESLIE MELVILLE seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation. Sir ROBERT PEEL said he was very happy his conduct had met the approbation of the meeting, but he had that admiration for the genius of Wilkie, and that attachment to him as a friend, that he had been amply rewarded by having been enabled thus publicly to testify his respect for his memory. (Cheers.) The meeting then broke up. The subscriptions already received by the committee amount to above 10007. The sum subscribed has been about 20007. At a subsequent meeting Mr. S. Joseph, not without opposition, was selected to execute the statue, the trustees of the National Gallery having consented to its erection in the inner hall of that gallery. 1803. Ceres in Search of Proserpine Douglas and the Hermit 1805. Pitlessie Fair The Village Recruit 1806. The Village Politicians Sunday Morning The Blind Fiddler Portrait of William Stodart, Esq. Portrait of Dr. Carnaby Portrait of Matthew Stodart, Esq. 1807. Alfred in the Neatherd's Cottage Portraits of the Rev. David Wilkie and Mrs. The Clubbists The New Coat For whom painted. On what Sold for 31. 10s. at the Wilkie Sale. Sold at the Wilkie Sale, for 101. Canvas Canvas Earl of Mansfield Canvas 2 6 Earl of Mulgrave Canvas 1 10 gs. Sir George Beaumont Canvas 501. William Stodart, Esq. Canvas John Stodart, Esq. Canvas 3 0 2 5 Dr. Carnaby Canvas 3 0 2 3 M. Stodart, Esq. Canvas |