"The history of the Nerli portrait is peculiar.After being exhibited for some time in New Zealand it was bought, in the course of this year, by a lady who was travelling there, for a hundred guineas.She then offered it for that sum to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery; but the Trustees of the Board of Manufactures -
that oddly named body to which is entrusted the fostering care of Art in Scotland, and, in consequence, the superintendence of the National Portrait Gallery - did not see their way to accept the offer.Some surprise has been expressed at the action of the Trustees in thus declining to avail themselves of the opportunity of obtaining the portrait of one of the most distinguished Scotsmen of recent times.It can hardly have been for want of money, for though the funds at their disposal for the purchase of ordinary works of art are but limited, no longer ago than last year they were the recipients of a very handsome legacy from the late Mr J.
M.Gray, the accomplished and much lamented Curator of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery - a legacy left them for the express purpose of acquiring portraits of distinguished Scotsmen, and the income of which was amply sufficient to have enabled them to purchase this portrait.One is therefore almost shut up to the conclusion that the Trustees were influenced in their decision by one of the two following reasons:
"1.That they did not consider Stevenson worthy of a place in the gallery.This is a position so incomprehensible and so utterly opposed to public sentiment that one can hardly credit it having been the cause of this refusal.Whatever may be the place which Stevenson may ultimately take as an author, and however opinions may differ as to the merits of his work, no one can deny that he was one of the most popular writers of his day, and that as a mere master of style, if for nothing else, his works will be read so long as there are students of English Literature.Surely the portrait of one for whom such a claim may legitimately be made cannot be considered altogether unworthy of a place in the National Collection, as one of Scotland's most distinguished sons.
"2.The only other reason which can be suggested as having weighed with the Trustees in their decision is one which in some cases might be held to be worthy of consideration.It is conceivable that in the case of some men the Trustees might be of opinion that there was plenty of time to consider the matter, and that in the meantime there was always the chance of some generous donor presenting them with a portrait.But, as has been shown above, the portraits of Stevenson are practically confined to two: one of these is in America, and there is not the least chance of its ever coming here; and the other they have refused.And, as it is understood that the Trustees have a rule that they do not accept any portrait which has not been painted from the life, they preclude themselves from acquiring a copy of any existing picture or even a portrait done from memory.
"It is rumoured that the Nerli portrait may ultimately find a resting-place in the National Collection of Portraits in London.
If this should prove to be the case, what a commentary on the old saying: 'A prophet is not without honour save in his own country.'"
