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While the term “limner” often describes illuminators of manuscripts, it is also a general term for an ornamental painter; it is the latter kind who paints the Primroses’ portrait. Limners in the 18th century were often painters of limited means and formal training who traveled and completed works like the portrait on commission for private clients.
Limner Quotes in The Vicar of Wakefield
The The Vicar of Wakefield quotes below are all either spoken by Limner or refer to Limner. For each quote, you can also see the other terms and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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Chapter 16
Quotes
We desired to have something in a brighter style, and, after many debates, at length came to an unanimous resolution of being drawn together, in one large historical family piece. This would be cheaper, since one frame would serve for all, and it would be infinitely more genteel; for all families of any taste were now drawn in the same manner. As we did not immediately recollect an historical subject to hit us, we were contented each with being drawn as independent historical figures. My wife desired to be represented as Venus, and the painter was desired not to be too frugal of his diamonds in her stomacher and hair. Her two little ones were to be as Cupids by her side, while I, in my gown and band, was to present her with my books on the Whistonian controversy. Olivia would be drawn as an Amazon, sitting upon a bank of flowers, drest in green joseph, richly laced with gold, and a whip in her hand. Sophia was to be a shepherdess, with as many sheep as the painter could put in for nothing; and Moses was to be drest out with an hat and white feather.
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Limner Term Timeline in The Vicar of Wakefield
The timeline below shows where the term Limner appears in The Vicar of Wakefield. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 16
Visiting Flamborough, Mrs. Primrose and her daughters find the Flamboroughs have had a limner paint their portrait, and they insist on having one done of their family, too. The...
(full context)
