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2 E.D. Smith 417

Francois v. Ocks

New York Court of Common Pleas

Decided February 15, 1854

New York Court of Common Pleas · decided 1854-02-15

Actiost in the Sixth District Court for work and labor in painting a portrait of the defendant’s wife. The defendant employed the plaintiff to execute the work, and when it was delivered, declared it “ a first rate portrait,” promised to pay the contract price, directed it to be sent to a frame-maker’s, where it was accordingly sent, framed and returned to him.

Decided 1854-02-15

By the Court. Woodruff, J.

¶1Had the defendant in this case refused to accept the portrait in question, upon the ground that he contracted for the talents and skill of the plaintiff himself, and could not be required, under such a contract, to accept a painting done by any other artist, I am of opinion that the action could not be sustained. One who desires a work of art, and selects his artist, and agrees with him for his skill, is entitled to that, and nothing less- will satisfy the agreement to employ.

¶2But here the evidence warranted the justice in finding that the defendant was satisfied and accepted the work, and that upon the faith of that acceptance, the picture was taken to the framer, framed, and delivered.

¶3Upon the question, whether the portrait was well painted or was a good likeness or not, the evidence was .conflicting, and, (although we are clear that the defendant was not bound to accept any other than a good likeness, and that an artist who undertakes to paint a portrait is bound to make one that shall be a good likeness of the person,) yet, upon the contradictory evidence exhibited on the trial below, we should not interfere with the finding of the justice on this point.

¶4The judgment must, I think, be affirmed.

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