6040. RB to Editor of The Pall Mall Gazette
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 306–307.
19, Warwick-crescent,
Upper Westbourne-terrace, W.
April 12, 1868
Sir,—May I beg your help to correct an error in the catalogue of the National Portrait Exhibition? Elizabeth Barrett Moulton Barrett was not “the daughter of a London merchant,” but of a private gentleman. [1] —
I am, Sir, your obedient, humble servant,
Robert Browning.
Text: The Pall Mall Gazette, 13 April 1868, p. 4.
1. A similar item ran in The Times of 14 April 1868: “National Portrait Gallery.—We are requested to correct an error in the catalogue of this exhibition. Elizabeth Barrett Moulton Barrett was not, as described, ‘the daughter of a London merchant,’ but of a private gentleman” (p. 5).
The error was corrected in further printings of the catalogue. The revised entry reads: “600 Eliz. Barrett Moulton Barrett, Mrs. Browning … Poetess; dau. of Edw. Moulton Barrett, Esq.; b. 1809 [sic, for 1806]; receiv. an excellent educ. embracing the ancient languages; pub. at 17 [sic, for 20], ‘Essay on the Mind and other Poems;’ a translation of Æschylus’ ‘Prometheus,’ 1833; ‘Romaunt of Margaret,’ 1836; ‘The Seraphim and other Poems,’ 1838; marr. Robert Browning, and settled in Italy, 1846; took a lively interest in the national Italian movement; pub. ‘Casa Guidi Windows,’ 1851; ‘Aurora Leigh,’ 1857; ‘Poems before Congress,’ 1860; d. at Florence, 29 June, 1861. / Bust, showing portion of hands; signed, ‘Field Talfourd, Rome, March, 1859.’ Crayon, paper, 29 x 21 in.” (Catalogue of the Third and Concluding Exhibition of National Portraits, 1868, p. 123).
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