a debt of gratitude on the part of the Institution,
to one who had essentially contributed to its
formation, than a testimony of respect deserv-_
edly merited by the conduct and genius of the
Artist who, when the compass, number, and
variety of his pictures are considered, was, at
that period, decidedly the greatest historical
painter then living, Whohad been born a British-
subject. This event, at once so honourable to
his associates and himself, was confirmed bythe
sanction of His Majesty on the 924.(tl1 of March,
1792; on which occasion, on taking the chair,
Mr. West addressed the Academicians to the
following effect
" GENTLEMEN,
" The free and unsolicited choice with which
you have calledme to {ill this chair, vacated by
the death of that great chalfacter, Sir JOSHUA
REYNOLDS, is so marked an instance of your
friendship and good opinion, that it demands
the immediate acknowledgment of my thanks,
which I beg you to accept.
H
I
feel
HIOYC
sensibly
the
dignity
to which