AN UNFINISHED PORTRAIT.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14055, 29 May 1911, Page 7

AN UNFINISHED PORTRAIT.

Sir Luke Fildcs, who has been comBiaded to paint the State portrait of the King, is not new to the delicate fla _ difficult class of work, writes Sir twv Lucy in tho "Sydney Morning Herald " Hi 3 most remarkable work in cortraiture is tho unfinished, and, « far as tho public aro concerned, unseen portrait.of Cecil Rhadw. This _nrk was commissioned by Lord Northrlifie the arrangement being somewhat nmriiKngly acquiesced in by tho sublet who hated being made a fuss about. : In tins temper ho approached - tho ordeal, and made himself distinctly iiwrr-eablo to the distinguished It.A. -Ho would not sit exactly in accordance «ith the painter's point of view, and : crumbled incessantly. Sir Luke Fildes' waver reached tho point of exhaustion and ono day, when Mr Rhodes wa-'lcaving tho studio it was politely bnt firmly, intimated to him that ho was not expected to return. In spite of representations from Lord Northcl'ffo and half promises of milder manners from the South African autocrat, Sir Lnke maintained his position, and the pintaro, aa far as it had proceeded, remains in his private possession.