William Morris Hunt: Helen Mary Knowlton's Book

"Girl Reading" by Wiliam Morris Hunt

"When Helen Mary Knowlton took over the responsibility of William Morris Hunt's class, the well-known series of Hunt's 'Talks on Art' was begun. She felt that her instructions would carry more weight if quoted from the words of the master himself, so pencil and notebook were always at hand, and in his short, inspiring visits to the class, she would step behind a screen, and rapidly write down all that could be obtained of his words. Done solely for her own use in teaching, she had no intention of making the notes public until Hunt's visit to Mexico, when she found that the class seriously missed the magnetism of his presence, and so brought forward the manuscript notes of his instructions.

Their publication was brought about in this way: Mr. Lowes Dickinson, a portrait painter of London, was visiting the Boston publisher, Mr. James T. Fields. While at breakfast, he noticed, upon the wall of the room, a photograph copy of Hunt's portrait of Chief Justice Shaw. 'Who did that?' was his instant inquiry. 'Oh! that is by our artist, William Hunt. You do not know him?,' Fields replied. 'I must take you at once to see him!' Arriving at the studio, Mr. Fields tapped upon the classroom door, asking the teacher to speak to Mr. Hunt when he should arrive, and to present the distinguished stranger.

Casting about for some way of entertaining the visitor, the teacher showed him her manuscript notes of the Hunt 'Talks,' with which he was thoroughly delighted. 'Have it published at once, just as it is,' he said, 'and send me a dozen copies.' To Mr. Dickinson, more than to anyone else, is due the publication of the 'Talks.' 

Hunt disliked the idea of their being printed. He felt that they might not be understood by the public, but his objections were finally overcome by the London artist and several other American friends. After a course of vigorous pruning, the manuscript was finally approved by Hunt. And now these books are all that is left, in words, of his trenchant and salient teaching. They are a mine of wealth to the art student.

You may also read "W.M. Hunt's Talks on Art" by Helen Mary Knowlton by clicking here.

To be continued

(Excerpts from Helen Mary Knowlton's book "The Art-Life of William Morris Hunt.")