Pictorial skill being so rare in the colonies , the painter became an object of general curiosity . If few or none could appreciate the technical merit of his productions , yet there were points in regard to which the opinion of the crowd was as valuable as the refined judgment of the amateur . He watched the effect that each picture produced on such untutored beholders , and derived profit from their remarks , while they would as soon have thought of instructing Nature herself as him who seemed to rival her . Their admiration , it must be owned , was tinctured with the prejudices of the age and country . Some deemed it an offence against the Mosaic law , and even a presumptuous mockery of the Creator , to bring into existence such lively images of his creatures . Others , frightened at the art which could raise phantoms at will and keep the form of the dead among the living , were inclined to consider the painter as a magician , or perhaps the famous Black Man of old witch-times plotting mischief in a new guise . These foolish fancies were more , than half believed among the mob . Even in superior circles his character was invested with a vague awe , partly rising like smoke-wreaths from the popular superstitions , but chiefly caused by the varied knowledge and talents which he made subservient to his profession . Being on the eve of marriage , Walter Ludlow and Elinor were eager to obtain their portraits as the first of what , they doubtless hoped , would be a long series of family pictures . The day after the conversation above recorded they visited the painter 's rooms . A servant ushered them into an apartment where , though the artist himself was not visible , there were personages whom they could hardly forbear greeting with reverence . They knew , indeed , that the whole assembly were but pictures , yet felt it impossible to separate the idea of life and intellect from such striking counterfeits . Several of the portraits were known to them either as distinguished characters of the day or their private acquaintances . There was Governor Burnett , looking as if he had just received an undutiful communication from the House of Representatives and were inditing a most sharp response . Mr. Cooke hung beside the ruler whom he opposed , sturdy and somewhat puritanical , as befitted a popular leader . The ancient lady of Sir William Phipps eyed them from the wall in ruff and farthingale , an imperious old dame not unsuspected of witchcraft . John Winslow , then a very young man , wore the expression of warlike enterprise which long afterward made him a distinguished general . Their personal friends were recognized at a glance . In most of the pictures the whole mind and character were brought out on the countenance and concentrated into a single look ; so that , to speak paradoxically , the originals hardly resembled themselves so strikingly as the portraits did . Among these modern worthies there were two old bearded saints who had almost vanished into the darkening canvas .
There was also a pale but unfaded Madonna who had perhaps been worshipped in Rome , and now regarded the lovers with such a mild and holy look that they longed XXXXX worship too .
Among If after against at on that to while with