H. Franklin Waltman |
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1871-1951 | ||
Below are excerpts from the diary of 23 year old Harry Franklin Waltman.... who produced a portrait of Swami Vivekananda... Nov 18, 1894 Waltman's first day in NY... He was living at the home of the Swami's friend, Miss Mary Philips, at 19 W. 38th Street, NY. "Arrived home at half past ten just as some people were leaving among others Swami Vivekananda the Indian Prince the representative of the religion of the Hindus." Nov. 19... Sallied forth after breakfast went first to get some material for the study of Swmai Vivekananda... Nov 20th Took my first start on the portrait or study of Swami Vivekananda today from ten until half past eleven. Quite a wonderful model in fact never saw a finer one. Like him very much. Took a rather bold pose head back and one ha nd in belt with right hand in robe near the right shoulder. Nov 21 Up this morning a little after eight found it raining quite hard. After breakfast waited around the house for Swami Vivekananda until 11 oclock buyt he did not come. evidently forgot the appointment or he thought the weather too bad. ... mailed some letters for Miss Philips and called on Swami Vivekananda at 528 5th Avenue did not find him in. ...
Nov 23 Walked up 5th avenue to see Swami Vivekananda in the morning after breakfast said he could not come until about 12 oclock.... went home where I found Swami Vivekananda waiting for me worked for about two hours...
Nov 25 Yesterday was somewhat warmer then i found it today when I went out after waiting on Swami Vivekananda for an hour or two for he said he would come in the morning. went to 328 5th avenue about half past eleven but did not find Mr. Hughes. he came to dinner at one oclock and looked at my study of the Swami.... Miss Haydock came in with her mother/brother ? and Mr. Schnill of Cincinatti and Mr. Williams and another young man came in from the League to look at my study of Swami. They thought the thing lacked paint or texture.... In the evening listened to a lecture by Swami Vivekananda in the parlor at which I met quite a lot of nice people. Emma Thursby and others. Had a little talk with Miss Haydock after it was over ...
Nov 27 ... had a pose on the picture of Swami Vivekananda. He stayed about an hour and three quarters. Had Miss Haydock up to look at it and she seemed to like it very much....
Nov 30 ... waited for Swami Vivekananda but he did not come. it was tommorrow instead that he was to come.... December 1 Damp today exceedingly as I should say for it rained all day nearly after breakfast I waited around the house for Swami Vivekananda but he did not come today either Dec 2 Swami Vivekananda gave a lecture in the parlor. Met Dr.(Mrs., Miss?) Guernsey and several others... Dec 28 ... went upstairs to show Mr Aldrich the portrait of Miss Philips and the one of the Swami. he liked them very well and complimented me on the color...
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- www.vivekananda.net edited by Frank Parlato Jr.