The artists repository and drawing magazine: exhibiting the principles of the polite arts in their various branches (2.1788)

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traits, &c. 'till he acquired fuch reputation and facility,
as to receive feveral guineas per day for his works,

Mr. D. was once introduced to me, and this is his
ftory. He was by birth a Hollander, and brought up
to maritime bufinefs: inftead of loitering away his
leifure hours in idlenefs, or abufing them, as is too
common among fea-faring men, he applied himfelf to
defign ; as well in his progreffive rifes in his profeffion,
as when in his -cabin. He had made feveral vovages

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with fuch fuccefs, as to acquire about 6,cool. which
property he had on board his own veffel, when in his
laft voyage he was taken by the Aigerines—in this reverfe
of fortune, his former amufement became his fupport;
his talents were induftrioufly applied to engraving ; and
by this art he procured a fubfiftence in London. I
fpeak this on good authority.

Another inftance, and I have done. I knew fome
years ago a family whofe maintenance depended princi-
pally, if not entirely, cm the induftrious exertions of its.
maternal head; the knowledge fhe had acquired of
water-colours and colouring, proved very acceptable to a
gentleman who was publishing a collection of fubjecls
from natural hiftory, and who engaged her talents, till
at length Providence rewarded her affection in a more
ample manner.

My defign in thefe hints has been to obviate an ob-
jection which charges the arts with inutility. No,
when properly directed, they are truly ufeful, and here
lays the whole fecret.

I will