Whether it was begun before or after writing the foregoing letter, I do not know, but Mr.Dunlap (whom I have already quoted) has this to say about it:-- "Encouraged by the flattering reception of his first works in painting and in sculpture, the young artist redoubled his energies in his studies and determined to contend for the highest premium in historical composition offered by the Royal Academy at the beginning of the year 1814.

The subject was 'The Judgment of Jupiter in the case of Apollo, Marpessa and Idas.' The premium offered was a gold medal and fifty guineas.

The decision was to take place in December of 1815.

The composition containing four figures required much study, but, by the exercise of great diligence, the picture was completed by the middle of July.
"Our young painter had now been in England four years, one year longer than the time allowed him by his parents, and he had to return immediately home; but he had finished his picture under the conviction, strengthened by the opinion of West, that it would be allowed to remain and compete with those of the other candidates.

To his regret the petition to the council of the Royal Academy for this favor, handed in to them by West and advocated strongly by him and Fuseli, was not granted.
He was told that it was necessary, according to the rules of the Academy, that the artist should be present to receive the premium; it could not be received by proxy.