Sitting with Smith

February 22 [1828].—Went to Court, and remained there until one o'clock. Then to Mr. Colvin Smith's and sat to be stared at till three o'clock. This is a great bore even when you have a companion, sad when you are alone and can only disturb the painter by your chatter…

The text above comes from Scott's journal.  Colvin Smith’s portrait of Walter Scott proved immensely popular, and Scott sat with him on more than one occasion.  Smith’s work can be viewed here:

http://www.gac.culture.gov.uk/work.aspx?obj=27633