4403. RB to William Michael Rossetti
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 146–147.
Rome, Bocca di Leone 43.
10 May 1859.
My dear Rossetti,
Our last notes crossed, did they not? I am very glad to get the revise and see for myself. [1] Things prove not so bad as I feared—far from it: certainly I accept this gladly as the best obtainable under the difficult circumstances. Of course photographs in general, and those “ambrotypes” especially, must be hard to reproduce: and then the subject of the print is away. I daresay we expected too much: pray thank the engraver very truly from me, and explain that I am quite aware of his ability when there is a proper field for the exercise of it—having seen his admirable engraving of Millais’ picture. [2] So the end is, I write by this post to Chapman bidding him publish as soon as he likes. [3] Now, truest thanks to you and to your brother who have been so entirely good to us [4] —thank also, and warmly, Woolner and the other friends who have interested themselves in the matter. We shall not see you all this summer, I fear: but don’t doubt we mean to return some day, if only for that. Is not this a perfectly [admirable?] [5] performance, this our revolution in Tuscany? The order, moderation, ingenuity of the people is without example. I write in utmost haste to save the safe direct conveyance, but am ever yours, dear Rossetti, gratefully,
Robert Browning.
The extreme angle of the nose might be blunted with advantage. They might also open the eyes a little more; so small in proportion even in the photograph, and here pig-like. The mistake seems there. Something might be obtained by giving a lash and shade to the under-lid.
Address: William M. Rossetti Esq. / 45 Upper Albany St / London, N.W. [6]
Text: William Michael Rossetti, Ruskin: Rossetti: Preraphaelitism; Papers 1854 to 1862 (London, 1899), pp. 228–229.
1. RB refers to the engraving by Thomas Oldham Barlow of the Macaire brothers’ photograph of EBB (see letter 4243, note 3) for the fourth edition of Aurora Leigh (1859).
2. “A Huguenot” (1852) by John Everett Millais, which Barlow engraved in 1856.
3. This letter has not surfaced.
4. Rossetti’s brother, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, made extensive notes on one of Barlow’s proofs, detailing exactly what needed to be done, particularly to the face. In a memorandum on the back of this proof, William Michael wrote that his brother’s suggestions were “I think all carried out” (see Reconstruction, L229). This unsatisfactory proof of the engraving is reproduced facing p. 113.
5. Square brackets and question mark are Rossetti’s.
6. Envelope at the Armstrong Browning Library.
___________________
