5654. RB to Frederic Chapman
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 17–18.
19 Warwick Crescent,
Upper Westbourne Terrace W.
Monday. Oct. 30. [1865] [1]
My dear Frederick,
I was talking with Mr Forster yesterday about the Selection, which he thinks very well of, as a scheme. But he said he thought that the addition of a Vignette would greatly add to the attractiveness of the Volume,—and suggested “Have you no little sketch of Casa Guidi, which would be exactly the thing.[”] [2]
I have a charming little picture of a room in Casa Guidi, of which I enclose the photograph: being taken from the oil-painting it is dark and indistinct—being also very much reduced: but it might be of great use to the artist, who could make out the details and particular effects from the picture which I would lend him. What do you say? Would there be time enough? I think a clear, light vignette of this would look very well, and interest many people. Pray take care of the photograph, as it is the only one I have. I send this by post to lose no time. I have returned to the Printer sheets up to 112—and have sent him some more copy, with directions, for placing it,—so as to come up to our projected 320 pages.
Ever yours truly
Robert Browning
Also, if the Engraver pleases, he may see the life-size picture for which the drawing, on which he is engaged, was a study. [3]
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Johns Hopkins University.
1. Year provided by RB’s references to A Selection from the Poetry of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1866), published on 9 December 1865.
2. The engraved vignette of George Mignaty’s painting of the drawing room at Casa Guidi appears on a second title-page in Selection (1866).
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