SD1361. Journal Entry of Christopher Pearse Cranch

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 15, 363.

[Florence]

[January 1849]

Browning came again to my studio. He looked over my sketches with a great deal of interest and talked on art and literature and a variety of subjects: a most genial man to whom I feel drawn exceedingly. Afterwards I went with him to Story’s studio, where we sat talking for some time. He has a most rounded and complete culture; shows great knowledge and appreciation of works of art, of which he talked a good deal. Ruskin’s book on the old landscape painters, we discussed freely. We talked of the works of various old masters. Turner he criticised severely; liked Gainsborough and Wilson. I find also that he is a musician, plays on the piano and shows a great appreciation of the best composers.

Text: Leonora Cranch Scott, The Life and Letters of Christopher Pearse Cranch (Boston, 1917), p. 157.

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