SD2403. Ellen Heaton to Joseph Milsand
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 28, 359 (in part).
30. Rue D’Angoulème.
Faubourg St. Honoré.
October 5– [1860]
Dear Mr Milsand
I wish to thank you for the pleasure I have had in reading your Article on Mr Ruskin’s works,—from the great interest of the Article itself,—& from its being the only discriminating notice of them that I have ever seen. Every thing about them in English journals has been either prejudiced & abusive to a degree you would not believe, without reading,—or, utterly weak.– I have been told by an intimate friend of Mr Ruskin that he thought your Review the best & most appreciative ever written on his writings,—when I reach England I hope to learn a little more.– I want to ask you to read a little paper,—very beautiful—in, I think the March No of the Cornhill Magazine,—by Mr Ruskin,—on “Sir Joshua (Reynolds) and Holbein,”—which has given exquisite enjoyment to those who know the Dresden & Berlin Galleries;—and also,—some Papers on Political Economy, by him,—which are now appearing, month by month, in the Cornhill Mag.– Miss Browning tells me that you like to read every thing by an Author on whose works you write,—I mention these contributions partly for that reason,—& partly because they will show you another, & very noble phase of Mr Ruskin’s mind. His views on Political Economy are so generous & self-forgetful that they have, naturally, excited most violent opposition. I am told they are attacked vehemently by various leading newspapers.–
May I ask you to remember when you write the next Article, that he is perpetually misunderstood, and unfairly attacked;—& so those who do sympathise with the noble spirit of his efforts, may perhaps do most good by emphasizing their belief in their value,—it being perfectly certain that the work of the Press usually is to depreciate, and misrepresent him.– I do not know how it is that Mr Ruskin’s estimate of what is ideal & imaginative in Painting, does not seem to you sufficiently high,—if I had been fortunate enough to see you in Paris, I should probably have understood.–
I am told that Mr Ruskin is just now making a Study from Titian’s Bacchus in our National Gallery.– I believe a great deal of his time has lately been spent in his Mother’s sick room,—she met with an accident about a month since, which makes her a prisoner,—& he is an exceedingly good son.– If I can ever be of the least aid in obtaining information,—or in any way,—I hope you will allow me that pleasure.– Believe me
Yours very truly,
Ellen Heaton.
I propose to send a Phot. from my Portrait of dear Mrs Browning, which I trust you will accept.–
Address: À Monsieur Milsand / By kindness of Miss Browning.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library, Joseph Milsand Archive.
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