Martin Hardie

“ Some critics—by no means all, for he had his meed of praise—have abused Pettie's work in his lifetime and since; the storied idea always their stumbling-block. But painters—and I have spoken with many whose own art is at the opposite pole to Pettie's in aim and method—are always enthusiastic in their homage to his colour and workmanship. I venture to think that no painter, however modern, and no critic, however biassed, could stand in front of that little portrait head in the Tate Gallery and honestly refrain from admiration and respect. Pettie need not fear to receive his due. ”

“ The boy was born with art in his blood, and Nature never intended him for the dull and respectable vocation to which his father was anxious that he should succeed. More than once, when despatched on an errand to storeroom or cellar, he was discovered making drawings on the lid of a wooden box or the top of a cask, totally oblivious of his journey and its object. ”

“ In conclusion, let me assure you that while I am by no means inclined to be self-confident in my own powers, yet I have judgment to see that being consciously true to my art I need not fear in the long run to receive my due from my profession and from the public as well. ”

“ I have said little of the man himself. By his death in 1893 the world lost not only a fine painter, but one of the most honest, loyal, and generous of mankind. When writing Pettie's biography a year or two ago, I asked a well-known artist, who had been his life-long friend, for any recollection that would lend "atmosphere" to my memoir. He gave me several reminiscences, telling tale after tale of Pettie's cheeriness, loyalty, and unselfishness, and he ended: "Have you ever seen John Pettie's portrait of himself in the Aberdeen Gallery? ”

“ I have never desired the favour of critics and newspaper men, thinking, with Byron, that 'a man must serve his time to every trade save censure. Critics all are ready-made.' I have to look to members of my own profession for position and honour in it. ”

“ A portrait of the village carrier and his donkey, done when he was a boy of fifteen, struck neighbouring critics as being almost "uncanny," and overcame even his father's objections to art as a possible career.
Greatly daring, his mother carried off her son to Edinburgh, a bundle of drawings beneath his arm, to visit Mr. James Drummond, one of the leading members of the Royal Scottish Academy. "Much better make him stick to business," was his verdict, after listening to the mother's story. ”

“ It is therefore with me a matter of the highest importance that my pictures should be as good as I can make them, and thoroughly well studied. I should be unworthy indeed if money influenced me in the smallest degree as regards the quality of my work.... ”

“ Behind every seat stood a gigantic Highlander, holding in his right hand his drawn sword, and in the left a blazing torch.... 'Lost, lost,' said Musgrave gaily—'my own silver candlesticks are all melted and riding on horseback by this time, and I wish the fellows that enlisted were half as trusty as these.'"
Another Scott scene, chosen from "Waverley," was painted in 1892, and shows "Bonnie Prince Charlie" at the moment when the young chevalier is entering the ballroom at Holyrood, with flowers strewn at his feet. ”