119
be as much struck as every other person, with -the
extraordinary circumstance of an American com-
ing to study the line arts; and begged that Mr.
VVest would show him a specimen of his profi-
ciency in drawing. In returning home, our Artist
mentioned to Mr. Robinson that as he had never
learnt to draw, he could not produce any sketch
like those made by the other students; but that he
could paint a little, and if Mr. Robinson would take
the trouble to sit, he would execute his portrait to
shew Mengs. The proposal was readily acceded
to, and itwas also agreed, that except to two of
their most intimate acquaintances, the undertak-
ing should be kept a profound secret. When
the picture was finished, it was so advantageous
to the Artist, that it tended to confirm the opi-
nion which was entertained of his powers, founded
only on the strength of the curiosity which had
brought him from America. But, before shew-
ing it to Mengs, it was resolved that the taste
and judgment of the public with respect to its
merits should be ascertained.
Crespign6,
one of
the
two
friends
in
the secret, lived as a Roman gentleman, and twice