But success came at last—and through an old fellow student, Caterson Smith, who eventually became President of the Royal Academy of Dublin. Mr. Cooper had painted a small canvas, 10in, by 8in., of a cow and two sheep—he had done it when it was too wet to go to Regent's Park. Caterson Smith found him out and called on him. He caught sight of this little group of cattle.
FARM IN EAST KENT.
From the Painting by T.S. Cooper, R.A.
"Look here, Cooper," he said, "I should give up architectural stuff and stick to this. I'll buy this picture. How much?"
"Oh, a few shillings," the young artist replied.
"Two pounds?"
"Done."
So Caterson Smith purchased the Royal Academician's first painting of cattle.
"Soon after this I began a larger one," said Mr. Cooper. "I had removed to Windmill Street to a first floor. The canvas was a 3ft. one. One morning I was surprised to have a visitor announced. He came up.