REBUKING A CONNOISSEUR

Dunstan Times, Issue 2482, 24 May 1909, Page 3

REBUKING A CONNOISSEUR

Hudson, the portrait painter, master of Sir Joshua, was so fortunate as to obtain a fine impressioi of the very rare etching by Rembrandt, called " The Coach Landscape.” On occasion of this acquisition he gave a supper to his amateur friends, at which to display his purchase. Benjamin Wilson, his brother painter, who had a good judgment in litis branch of art, and knew Hudson had very little, though affecting great enthusiasm for it. amused himself at his expense. He etched a plate in the style of Kembiandt, and sent an impression to Paris, circulating a report at home that there had been discovered in France a print by Rembrandt, hitherto unknown, and apparently a companion to " The Coach Landscape;” that money had been offered for it for the king’s collection, but that the proprietor meant to bring it to England for sale. Hudson, therefore, to anticipate his friends, hastened over to Paris, and bought the print. On his return, he collected all amateur friends in London to a second supper, given especially for the purpose of receiving their congratulations, which he -eceived accordingly. Very shortly after this, the whole of the same party, and Hudson with them, were invited to a supper at Wilson's. When all were introduced to< the supper j table, every plate was found turned down, and on the guests lifting them, behold, under every one an impression of the unhappy companion of “The Coach Landscape,” and under Hudson’s plate lay die money that he had paid to Wilson's confederate in Paris for the purchase.