If you don't want to know the circumstances surrounding Saturday's entry in this slideshow, then don't read any further...
[spoiler]Saturday's quote:
Ep #222 (1967) - Barnabas - 'Well, MUST you do the portrait here?'
From "#0222/0223: Robservations 10/26/01: Maggie Is Followed; David, Disappointed"
Sam and Barnabas make a deal that Sam will paint Barnabas' portrait for a thousand dollars, a kingly sum in 1967.The offer leaves Maggie's and Sam's faces wreathed in smiles; that's probably rent and utilities for six months for them! However, adds Barnabas, Sam must work only during the nights, only at the Old House--and he'd like him to start immediately.
[/spoiler]
This is another in the period where there's little detail in the Robservations. As such, the quote isn't even referenced. So, what actually happens surrounding the quote's circumstances is that after the subject of Barnabas wanting to look at Sam's paintings comes up and Sam tells Barnabas to go right ahead, Barnabas says that he thinks he's already seen enough to know that the quality of Sam's painting is exactly what he's looking for. After Sam asks if he's seen anything that he liked in particular, Barnabas explains that rather than purchase a painting, he'd like to commission one. Once Sam questions that, Barnabas asks if he would be interested is accepting a commission to do a portrait of Barnabas. This prospect excites Maggie, as a huge smile crosses her face, and Sam accepts. After Barnabas says he knows it's not proper to talk about money to an artist, Sam interrupts, saying Barnabas is wondering what he will charge. Barnabas says if he doesn't mind. And Sam explains that depends on how many sittings there are, the amount of time that's involved, framing, which Sam does himself. Barnabas asks if he would consider a thousand dollars to be a fair price? Sam agrees that's a satisfactory fee. So Barnabas asks if he accepts, and Sam says with pleasure. Barnabas then asks when Sam can start? Sam offers almost immediately and suggest Barnabas come in the morning and Sam will begin the drawings. Barnabas turns that idea down (what a surprise
) and explains they'll have to work in another way. After Sam questions that is when Barnabas asks the quote. To that Sam responds not necessarily. Barnabas wonders if it would be possible to do the painting at his house? Of course, says Sam, tomorrow morning at his house. But Barnabas asks if he'd be pressing Sam if he asked for him to begin tonight? This surprises Sam, but Barnabas explains that he'd like to get it started. Sam says he supposes he could. Barnabas then explains that his days are so busy that he wonders if it would be possible to work only at night? Sam says it's possible but he's used to the North lights because it's essential to lay out his colors. Barnabas flatters that he's sure that an artist as skilled as Sam is can paint in artificial light. He wagers that Sam has painted through thousands of nights. Sam admits that there have been several times when he's painted around the clock. Then Sam is definitely the man for Barnabas, who then asks if Sam will start tonight? Sam replies, why not, sure. Barnabas says that's wonderful and he'll see Sam shortly. After Sam explains he'll have to get his spare easel and paint box together and stretch a canvas, Barnabas says he's looking forward and adds that he's very fortunate to find a man as talented as Sam is in such a small town. (That's our Barn - he loves to pile it on to get his own way and to keep getting his own way!
) Sam thanks him. And after Barnabas and Maggie exchange good nights, Barnabas says he'll see Sam later and leaves.
And one thing that I've often wondered is if that painting in the background (which we'll frequently see in the cottage) -
- is supposed to be a self-portrait of Sam. It certainly resembles him. But, of course, that doesn't mean it is supposed to be him. And if they ever make reference to the painting somewhere along the way, I don't remember it...