William Rimmer: The Death of Abel

"Civil War Scene" by William Rimmer

An old acquaintance of William Rimmer told of an important art enterprise in which he was a partner with young Rimmer:

'I think it was in 1838 or '39,' he said, 'that I was passing with Rimmer along Tremont Row, where a picture called 'Cain and Abel' was on exhibition. It attracted much attention, and was bringing in considerable money to those exhibiting it. Rimmer said to me, 'If I had a chance, I could paint a picture as good as that one.' I asked him why he did not do it, and make some money; for at that time he was out of both funds and employment. I told him I would furnish the means of carrying out the scheme, if he would undertake the work, with the understanding that we were to share alike in the profits. He accepted. 

A large room was hired, the necessary material procured, and he set to work. The canvas must have been eight feet square. Rimmer worked like a tiger. It was a pleasure to see him. He called his picture 'After the Death of Abel,' and it represented Adam and Eve mourning over the dead body of their son. No one could have worked harder than he did for six or eight weeks. He purposed at first painting Eve perfectly nude, but feared that this would offend public prejudice, and therefore gave her certain draperies which one of his friends said looked like a door mat. 'It ought to,' Rimmer responded, 'it was painted from one!'

The picture was completed, and placed upon exhibition in the room where it was painted, an entrance fee of twenty-five cents being charged to visitors. The color was not pleasing, it was not a success so far as money was concerned. Rimmer lost his time, and I was out sixty dollars. The disappointment was a severe one to him and he felt it deeply. My loss troubled him although he was in no way to blame. From the time this transaction ended, I did not speak with him for nearly thirty years. When I saw him on the street, he was sure to cross to the other side before we could meet.

Twenty-odd years later I heard that he had a school in Bromfield Street. Passing this place one day, I thought I would go up and see if were the same Bill Rimmer of the old times. I mounted the stairs, found the door and knocked. A voice called out, 'Come in!' I opened the door, walked in, and saw Rimmer painting a large landscape with figures. 'Bill,' I said before he could turn, 'your color hasn't improved much in thirty years.' He wheeled about with a look that could have pitched me down stairs, but recognizing my face, he grasped my hand, expressed his pleasure at seeing me, and we soon were talking over the old days in a most delightful manner."

To be continued

(Excerpts from "The Art Life of William Rimmer: Sculptor, Painter, and Physician" by Truman Howe Bartlett.)