Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 14452-h.htm or 14452-h.zip: (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/4/5/14452/14452-h/14452-h.htm) or (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/4/4/5/14452/14452-h.zip) PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI VOL. 102 APRIL 16, 1892 WRESTLING WITH WHISTLERS. (A REMINISCENCE OF A RECENT EXHIBITION.) SCENE--_The Goupil Gallery. Groups of more or less puzzled Britons discovered, conscientiously endeavouring to do justice to the Collection, having realised that Mr. WHISTLER's work is now considered entitled to serious consideration, but feeling themselves unable to get beyond a timid tolerance. In addition to these, there are Frank Philistines who are here with a fixed intention of being funny, Matrons with a strongly domesticated taste in Art, Serious Elderly Ladies, Literal Persons, &c., &c._ _A Lady_ (_after looking at a representation of Old Battersea Bridge--in the tone of a person who feels she is making a liberal concession_). Well, do you know, I must say that _isn't_ so bad. I shouldn't so much mind having _that_ in the room, should you? [Illustration: A Brother Brush.] _Her Companion_ (_dubiously_). Well, I don't know. He's put a steamer in. Should you think there _were_ steamers in--a--(_vaguely_)--those days? _First Lady_ (_evidently considering Mr. WHISTLER capable of any eccentricity_). Oh, I don't suppose he would mind _that_ much. _First Literal Person_ (_coming to the portrait of Miss ALEXANDER_). Well--(_plaintively_)--he _might_ have put a nicer expression on the child! _Second Do. Do._ Yes--very unpleasing. (_Refers to Catalogue._) Oh, I see it says--"It is simply a disagreeable presentment of a disagreeable young lady." _First Do. Do._ (_rejoicing that the painter has vindicated himself this time_). Ah--that _explains_ it, then. Of course if he _meant_ it--! _A Serious Elderly Lady._ There's one thing I must say I _do_ like, my dear, and that's the way he puts down all the unfavourable criticisms on his pictures. So straightforward and honest of him, _I_ call it. _Her Companion._ Yes, but I expect he can't help seeing how right and sensible the critics are, you know. Still--(_charitably_)--it shows he would do better if he _could_! _An Advanced Nephew_ (_who is endeavouring to convert a Philistine Uncle to the superiority of the Modern School_). Now here, Uncle, look at this. Look at the way the figure looms out of the canvas, look at the learning in the simple sweep of the drapery, the _drawing_ of it, and the masterly grace of the pose--you don't mean to tell me you don't call _that_ a magnificent portrait? _His Uncle._ Who's it of? That's what _I_ want to know first. _Nephew_ (_coldly_). You will find it in the Catalogue, no doubt--No. 41.