After Scott

Sir Walter Scott, writing in his little study, – committing to each manuscript page of Napoleon a huge number of words – 'wrapped in a quilted morning-gown of light purple silk', his forehead contracted (possibly) above heavy white eyebrows and his silvery locks flowing loose, the moment J.J. Audubon is introduced.
Is Scott aware he is observed; that this picture of himself is being imprinted upon another's mind, and will, after their meeting has occurred, be preserved? Is it possible Scott knew the effect he would strike on morning callers...? The writer at work, attired as was his custom but which would appear unusual to those new to his acquaintance.
If I were observed now I would appear not too dissimilar to Scott: writing in a light imperfect hand in a notebook – the poorly formed words sprawling over the lined surface of each page – wrapped in a morning-gown of heavy brown polyester cloth, my hair unbrushed and loosely tied, pausing every now and again to rest my head on my right hand and muse, whilst the biro in the left remains poised over its last mark.

Picture credit: Sir Walter Scott and his Deerhound, 1830, by Sir John Watson Gordon (source: Wikipedia).

See Audubon's Elephant by Duff Hart-Davis. 

From journal, January 2022.