A Forced Sale.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIX, Issue IX, 30 August 1902, Page 551

A Forced Sale.

There is a •'story” to accompany almost uny famous picture, whether ancient or modern, and many a painting has < history; but the history devised for a certain portrait of himseif, painted by W. P. Frith, has rare points of novelty. The famous English academician had entirely forgotten the picture, says “Chamber's Journal.” A friend discovered it in a small shop. “It's not a bit like what you are now,” observed the friend, “but it may have resembled you some years ago. Go and look at it.” Mr Fritti went, and found his own image after an estrangement of forty-five years. He determined to buy it, although he had not the faintest recollection of having painted it. "Ah, a portrait!" said Frith to the woman in charge of the shop, after he had pretended io examine several other works. "Whose likeness is that?” “That,” “Said the lady, “is a portrait of the celebrated artist, Frith, painted by himself.” “Why, he must be an elderly man,” put in the artist. “Well, he was young once,” was th? conclusive answer. “It's not much of a picture,” quoth Frith. To this the woman demurred. She thought the canvas was worth twenty pounds. Then Frith was really surprised. “It cost us nearly as much as that,” the shopkeeper explained, without moving a muscle. “We shall make a very small profit. You see, it is very valuable because the artist is deeeased.” “Deceased!” exclaimed the astonished painter. “Dead, do you mean?” “Yes, sir; died of drink. My husband attended the funeral.” Mr Frith bought the picture, but he did not recover for some time.