3977. RB to Edward Chapman
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 24, 34–35.
Florence,
Sat. March 21. ’57.
Dear Chapman.
You are late, as you acknowledge! But all the rest is very well. Quite right about the 3d edit. [1] The Cheque is a less safe way, I should think, than a Draft on you for the same amount– I will use this, and, some fine day, draw on you for the remainder, if you please: if you don’t please, say so, of course. The books are arrived at Leghorn, but I have not got them yet. [2] Will you do me the favor to get me “Instructions in the Art of Figure-Drawing by C.H. Weigall”—(A Shilling pamphlet sold by Winsor & Newton, 38 Rathbone Place–) [3] and to post the same, open, to me—at your very earliest convenience? Another thing: will you be good enough to send all books, packets & letters, &c. that may arrive, to Miss Barrett, 50 Wimpole St—as she will report on them. Kind remembrances from my wife. Do let us hear the news.
Yours faithfully
Robert Browning
Publication: NL, p. 101.
Manuscript: Pierpont Morgan Library.
2. The books RB ordered from Chapman at the end of letter 3953.
3. The Art of Figure Drawing: Containing Practical Instructions for a Course of Study in this Branch of Art, by Charles H. Weigall (1794–1877), was a fifty-five page booklet first published in 1852. By 1890 it reached a 32nd edition and was still being reprinted into the twentieth century. Winsor & Newton, manufacturer and distributor of art supplies, was founded in 1832 by William Winsor (1804–65), a chemist, and Henry Newton (1805–82), an artist.
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