3739. EBB to Elizabeth Eastlake
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 22, 133–134.
3. Rue du Colysée. Paris
Feb. 28. [1856] [1]
Dear Lady Eastlake
It seemed to me this morning, when I thought of it, quite simple that I should write to you—but, now the name is there written, I am suddenly struck by the natural apprehension that you may have quite forgotten how we sate together one evening on Mr Kenyon’s sofa & talked of spirits in & out of the flesh .. of one especially who was very dear to you– Will you try to remember? I ought not to say that I [2] was unlikely to forget, .. now, when I come to ask a favour of you. Another time I should say it.
Let me go to the point at once then; & state my case to you.
When we were in Rome two years ago, an American artist of considerable eminence in his own country, Mr Page, desired to paint my husband’s picture– He produced a head, of life-size, after long conscientious study, which has been much admired by good judges,—and when he had done, he forced me to accept it as a gift from him. I was very unwilling, particularly as I had heard of two persons in Rome who were desirous of purchasing it for his usual price of a hundred guineas. But he forced me to accept it by saying & repeating that if I refused I should render his work & intentions absolutely vain, as he had painted the picture for me. Sir Charles Eastlake’s art has always had its princes—and what are we to do but bow the head to them? I yielded therefore—and all I can do in return for such a noble piece of generosity, is to have the picture seen in England.
Oh—it will be sent in of course with the other pictures [3] according to law—but it is peculiarly low-toned, &, besides, as finely painted as a miniature, requiring a good light, and inviting a close view, .. and so I want, besides the law, a little gospel for my picture. You are the saint of these high places—and .. ora pro nobis, [4] dear Lady Eastlake,—try to get me a little gospel. Among the crowds & crowds of pictures, breathe me a little space for this picture, where it may have the light, and be in sight, through one gracious word of your mouth. It is the work of an American, and a fine work, you will see in a moment—and the artist is one of the most noble Christian men I know, apart from genius & obligation—William Page.
And if this is very impertinent .. & immoral besides .. (who knows what you may turn on me & say?) why you must just forgive it, & forget me back again supposing you succeeded in remembering me.
I was sorry to be in London last summer & not see you once.
My husband bids me offer his best compliments & remembrances to yourself & Sir Charles Eastlake, while I remain
most truly yours
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Address: Lady Eastlake / [continued in Arabella’s hand] 7– Fitzroy Square.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Year provided by postmark.
2. Underscored twice.
3. To the Royal Academy exhibition.
4. “Pray for us.”
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