5215. RB to John Brett

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 238.

19. Warwick Crescent,

Upper Westbourne Terrace, W.

May 7. ’63.

My dear Mr Brett,

When I had the chance to see, a few days ago, the Academy Catalogue, [1] and did not see your name in it,—really & simply I could scarce believe my eyes. It seems certain, however, that they have rejected your Picture: [2] well, its Painter must feel above such stupidity or such injustice, though the lovers of art, as well as likers of common honesty, suffer as usual. Revenge yourself and us, do your best and put all meanness behind you: it lasts a quarter of an hour.

I was vexed to find only your card, Sunday week.

Yours in all sympathy & admiration,

Robert Browning.

Publication: The Review of the Pre-Raphaelite Society, 3 (Spring 1995), 12.

Manuscript: Mr. and Mrs. Michael Oliver.

1. Entitled Exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts (1863), the catalogue was printed by William Clowe and Sons, 14 Charing Cross—price, one shilling.

2. “Florence from Bellosguardo” was not accepted for the Royal Academy exhibition, which opened in the first week of May and closed in August.

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