1784-1859
[Sidenote: Son’s preface to _Autobiography of Leigh Hunt_.]
“It was at this period of his life” (_as a young man_) “that his
appearance was most characteristic, and none of the portraits of him
adequately conveyed the idea of it. One of the best, a half-length
chalk drawing, by an artist named Wildman, perished. The miniature
by Severn was only a sketch on a small scale, but it suggested the
kindness and animation of his countenance. In other cases, the artists
knew too little of their sitter to catch the most familiar traits of
his aspect. He was rather tall, as straight as an arrow, and looked
slenderer than he really was. His hair was black and shining, and
slightly inclined to wave; his head was high, his forehead straight and
white, his eyes black and sparkling, his general complexion dark....
Few men were so attractive ‘in society,’ whether in a large company
or over the fireside. His manners were peculiarly animated; his
conversation varied, ranging over a great field of subjects, was moved
and called forth by the response of his companion, be that companion
philosopher or student, sage or boy, man or woman; and he was equally
ready for the most lively topics or for the gravest reflections--his
expression easily adapting itself to the tone of his companion’s mind.
With much freedom of manners, he combined a spontaneous courtesy that
never failed, and a considerateness derived from a ceaseless kindness
of heart that invariably fascinated even strangers.”
[Sidenote: Bryan Procter’s _Recollections of Men of Letters_.]
“Hunt was a little above the middle size, thin and lithe. His
countenance was very genial and pleasant. His hair was black; his eyes
were very dark, but he was short-sighted, and therefore, perhaps, it
was that they had nothing of that fierce glance which black eyes so
frequently possess. His mouth was expressive, but protruding, as is
sometimes seen in half-caste Americans.”--1817.
[Sidenote: Haydon’s _Autobiography_.]
“I afterwards met Hunt, and reminded him of Wilkie’s intention, and
Hunt, with a frankness I liked much, became quite at home, and as I
was just as easily acquainted in five minutes as himself, we began to
talk, and he to hold forth, and I thought him, with his black bushy
hair, black eyes, pale face, and ‘nose of taste,’ as fine a specimen of
a London editor as could be imagined; assuming yet moderate, sarcastic
yet genial, with a smattering of everything and a mastery of nothing,
affecting the dictator, the poet, the politician, the critic, and the
sceptic, whichever would, at the moment, give him the air, to inferior
minds, of being a very superior man. I listened with something of
curiosity to his republican independence, though hating his effeminacy
and cockney peculiarities. The fearless honesty of his opinions, the
unscrupulous sacrifice of his own interests, the unselfish perseverance
of his attacks on all abuses, whether royal or religious, noble or
democratic, ancient or modern, so gratified my mind, that I suffered
this singular young man to gain such an ascendancy in my heart, as
justified the perpetual caution of Wilkie against my great tendency to
become acquainted too soon with strangers, and like Canning’s German,
to swear eternal friendship with any spirited talented fellow after a
couple of hours of witty talk or able repartee.”