SD2593. Arthur Hughes to Ellen Heaton

Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 349 (in part).

Staines

Saturday. [5 July 1862]

Dear Miss Heaton

Many thinks for your kind note. I have been away this week or would have written sooner.

I don’t know if I shall be able to satisfy you with my reason for painting the Court Lady as I have done, but it is simply this that I dont like “fervid impassioned exclamation,” and have an especial horror of all such in pictures– I prefer the quieter moment that must have followed it and which I feel I can be more successful in—for the very good reason I am less likely to failure—and my work more likely to be intelligible without the look. I had thoughts of making the Lady looking more our way—from the soldier but still in same position holding the hands her mind wandering from the poor dear peice [sic] of ransom beside her to wider speculation that I hope followed her visit to Death’s court—but at the time there seemed plenty of reason for making it as I did—but am sorry now, as I fear you are rather disappointed in the absence of eyes—and which cannot be otherwise as she looks down at his face.

For the cheque, I think that the time you mention will suit me, and on a London banker, and meanwhile believe me

sincerely yours

Arthur Hughes

Address: Miss Heaton / 125 Marylebone Road / London N.W.

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Victoria & Albert Museum.

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