Publisher's Synopsis
Before I begin, by the aid of my wife's patient attention and ready pen, to relate any of the storieswhich I have heard at various times from persons whose likenesses I have been employed to take, itwill not be amiss if I try to secure the reader's interest in the following pages, by briefly explaininghow I became possessed of the narrative matter which they contain.Of myself I have nothing to say, but that I have followed the profession of a traveling portraitpainter for the last fifteen years. The pursuit of my calling has not only led me all through England, but has taken me twice to Scotland, and once to Ireland. In moving from district to district, I amnever guided beforehand by any settled plan. Sometimes the letters of recommendation which I getfrom persons who are satisfied with the work I have done for them determine the direction in whichI travel. Sometimes I hear of a new neighborhood in which there is no resident artist of ability, andremove thither on speculation. Sometimes my friends among the picture-dealers say a good word onmy behalf to their rich customers, and so pave the way for me in the large towns. Sometimes myprosperous and famous brother-artists, hearing of small commissions which it is not worth theirwhile to accept, mention my name, and procure me introductions to pleasant country houses. Thus Iget on, now in one way and now in another, not winning a reputation or making a fortune, buthappier, perhaps, on the whole, than many men who have got both the one and the other. So, atleast, I try to think now, though I started in my youth with as high an ambition as the best of them.Thank God, it is not my business here to speak of past times and their disappointments. A twinge ofthe old hopeless heartache comes over me sometimes still, when I think of my student days.One peculiarity of my present way of life is, that it brings me into contact with all sorts ofcharacters. I almost feel, by this time, as if I had painted every civilized variety of the human race.Upon the whole, my experience of the world, rough as it has been, has not taught me to thinkunkindly of my fellow-creatures. I have certainly received such treatment at the hands of some of mysitters as I could not describe without saddening and shocking any kind-hearted reader; but, takingone year and one place with another, I have cause to remember with gratitude and respect-sometimes even with friendship and affection-a very large proportion of the numerous personswho have employed me