EMMA STEBBINS.--Favorable Circumstances of her early Life to the Study of Art.--Specimens of her Skill shown in private Circles.--Receives Instruction from Henry Inman.--Correctness of her Portraits.--“A Book of Prayer.”--Revives Taste for Illuminations.--Her crayon Portraits.--Copies of Paintings.--Cultivates many Branches of Art.--Becomes a Sculptor.--Abode in Rome.--Instruction received from Gibson and Akers.--Late Work from her Chisel.--“The Miner.”--HARRIET HOSMER.--Dwelling of the Sculptor Gibson in Rome.--His Studio and Work-room.--“La Signorina.”--The American Sculptress.--Her Childhood.--Physical Training.--School-life.--Anecdotes.--Studies at Home.--At St. Louis.--Her Independence.--Trip on the Mississippi.--“Hesper.”--Departure for Rome.--Mr. Gibson’s Decision.--Extract from Miss Hosmer’s Letter.--Original Designs.--Reverse of Fortune.--Alarm.--Resolution.--Industry, Economy, and Success.--Late Works.--Visit of the Prince of Wales. EMMA STEBBINS. Few lady artists of this or any country have been surrounded with circumstances more favorable to the development of genius. Her childhood was passed among those who possessed culture and refined taste, and she was familiar with the elegant adornments of life. She learned early to embody the delicate creations of her fancy in song or pictures, as well as to imitate what pleased her. Her family and nearest circle of friends were ready--as is not always the case--to appreciate and encourage her efforts. But, though she had no early difficulties to struggle with, the steep and rugged path to eminent success could not be smoothed by the hand of affection, and she has gone through all the lessoning and exercise of powers demanded for the achievement of greatness, as well from those favored of fortune as those to whom the capricious goddess has proved a step-dame. Miss Stebbins is a native of the city of New York, where, till within a few years, she employed the rare skill she had acquired in different branches of art for the gratification of her friends or for charitable purposes. Several artists noticed in the beautiful specimens which were shown in various circles as her work the evidence of more than ordinary talent. Among these was Henry Inman, the distinguished painter. He invited the young girl to visit his studio, and offered to give her instruction in oil-painting. She had never before taken lessons, and was pleased with the prospect of study. She improved under the directions of her teacher, and to this aid some of her friends attributed the masterly correctness and grace displayed in her portraits, and for which afterward her crayon sketches were so much admired.