21Jul1870, The Story of Painter George Mason

LONDON, July 21st, 1870.
—I saw Mr. Mason the landscape painter at Mr. Richmond's ; poor man, he looks dying of consumption. Mr. R. told me his terrible strange story. He was brought up as heir to a good fortune, liberally educated, and sent on the "grand tour." At Rome he heard of his father's death, and that he was left penniless. He took up painting for a livelihood, and lived for a year in a cave outside Rome, on dried chestnuts. At last, Leighton saw and admired his pictures, and brought him into notice. Now, in spite of his state of health (induced by starvation), he makes £1,000 a year.