SD1731. Frederic Leighton to Augusta Leighton

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 20, 366 (in part).

Rome

April 29, 1854.

I have of late, since the underpainting of my large picture (at which I worked like a horse) given myself rest and recreation in the way of several picnics in the Campagna under the auspices of Mesdames Sartoris and Kemble. We are a most jovial crew; the following are the dramatis personæ: first, the two above-mentioned ladies; then Mr. Lyons, the English diplomatist here (whom your friend probably meant); he is not ambassador, nor is he in any way supposed to represent the English people here, he is only a sort of negotiator; however, a most charming man he assuredly is, funny, dry, jolly, imperturbably good-tempered; then Mr. Ampère, a French savant, a genial, witty, amusing old gentleman as ever was; then Browning, the poet, a never-failing fountain of quaint stories and funny sayings; next Harriet Hosmer, a little American sculptress of great talent, the queerest, best-natured little chap possible; another girl, nothing particular, and your humble servant …

Text: Emilie I. Barrington, The Life, Letters and Work of Frederic Leighton (London, 1906), I, 145–147.

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