1565. Benjamin Robert Haydon to EBB

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 8, 251.

[London]

[Postmark: 8 March 1844]

There is nothing in our Art mechanical—even What is called so—when perfectly done in its mere imitation. It is evidence in perception of the “ponere totum” [1] which is evidence of grasp & power of comprehension the reverse of mechanical–

There is some truth in all you say of Macbeth—& it will have its effect—but did you ever know the Res angusta domi, [2] if so, you will feel Why I paint Napoleons at so much a head—I have painted 13 Napoleons musing at St Helena 6 other musings—& 3 Dukes & Copenhagens—the best is Napoleon,—Sunrise musing on the Pyramids.

I am Lazy, fidgetty, discontented, & dull tonight. So God bless you & good Night or I may have an Effect[.]

I am going to Liverpool to lecture & Manchester & then home for the Royal Institution[.] I go 20th

If our Mitford will go let her—she’ll soon complain & long for 3 mile Cross[.]

B R Haydon

Address: Miss B. Barrett / 50. Wimpole St.

Publication: EBB-BRH, pp. 173–174.

Manuscript: University of Vermont.

1. “To present the whole” (Horace, Ars Poetica, 34).

2. “Poverty at home; straitened circumstances” (Juvenal, Satires, III, 165).

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