On this page
-
Text (1)
-
HARRIET 'HOSMER. 305
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
-* E* Ik The Via Fontanella At Rome,—A S...
possible way , a surrender of her career in Rome , and an immediate _> return hoine . The news came upon her like a thunderbolt . Stunned
and bewildered , she knew not at the moment what to do . An only child , and hitherto indulged in every whim and caprice , the
position was indeed startling and perplexing . The surrender of her art career was the only thing which she felt to be impossible ;
whatever else might come , that could not , should not be . And now came into play that true independence of character which
hitherto had shewn itself mostly in wild freaks and tricks . Instead of falling back upon those friends whose means she knew would be
at her disposal in this emergency , she dispatched a messenger for the young sculptor who had shewn the daguerreotypes to Mr . Gibson ,
and who , himself dependent upon his professional exertions , was she decided , the fittest person to consult with as to her own future
career . He obeyed the hasty summons , and found the joyous , laughing countenance he had always known , pale and changed , as it
were , suddenly , from that of a young girl to a woman full of cares and anxieties . He could scarcely credit the intelligence , but the
letter was explicit , the summons home peremptory . " Go I will not" was the only coherent resolution he found ; so the two laid
their , heads together . Miss Hosmer was the owner of a handsome horseand an expensive English saddle ; these were doomed at once .
The summer , in Home itself , during which season living there costs next to nothing , was determined upon ; and during those summer
months Miss Hosmer should model something so attractive that it should ensure a speedy order , and exercising strict economy ,
start thenceforth on an independent artist career , such as many of those around her with less talent and training , managed to
carry on with success . No sooner said than done ; the trunks were unpacked , the friends she had been about to accompany departed
without her , her father ' s reverses were simply and straightforwardly announced , and she entered at once on the line of industry and
economy she and her friend had struck out . It is said that friendship between a young man and a young * woman
is scarcely possible , and perhaps under ordinary circumstances , where the woman has no engrossing interests of her own , no definite aim
and pursuit in life , it may be so . Here , however , was a case of genuine and helpful friendship , honorable alike to the heads and hearts
of both . Under the experienced direction of her friend , Miss Hosmer conducted her affairs with prudence and economy , and at the same
time with due regard to health . The summer passed away , and neither fever nor any other form of mischief attacked our young
friend . She worked hard and modelled a statue of Puck , so full of spiritoriginality and funthat it was no sooner finished and
exhibited , than orders to put , it into marble came in . It has since been repeated again and again , and , during the past winter only , three
copies have been ordered for England alone ; one for the Duke of Hamilton . Thus , fairly started on hot own ground , Miss Hosmer
voi _» i . y
Harriet 'Hosmer. 305
HARRIET 'HOSMER . 305
-
-
Citation
-
English Woman’s Journal (1858-1864), July 1, 1858, page 305, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ewj/issues/ewj_01071858/page/17/
-