SD2695. William Wetmore Story to George Goodin Moulton-Barrett
Published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 31, 302–303 (in part).
Rome Palazzo Barberini
April 18, 1864.
Dear Mr Barrett
I send this note after you in the hope that it may find you somewhere, for you are probably there– You left me no address & where that somewhere is—chi sa?
I wrote to tell you that I have finished the bust, & that I have succeeded far beyond my expectations, & indeed far beyond any hopes which I could reasonably have entertained. All her friends who are here have seen it, & with one consent they find it not only a strong likeness but an agreeable bust– It has been uncovered in my studio & no one who ever knew yr sister has failed to recognize it instantly, while they who never saw her have declared themselves most agreeably impressed. I have endeavoured to give the character & spirit of her face, while adhering as far as I could to the actual forms, to melt them away as it were in the expression. I will enclose to you a few words from Miss Blagden, who was so intimate with yr sister, & they will serve to give you her impression–
I regret very much that I cannot show you the bust, & I know not how to give you any adequate idea of it– I threw down the clay you saw, & recommenced my work the day after you left– By dint of gradually feeling along in the dark I revived little by little the impression in my memory, & I honestly think that my likeness is not only by far the most agreeable one that ever has been done of her, but also that it has more of her true character, & expression– But then again it may not seem so to you– Each person looks upon the face of a friend from a different point of view, & a likeness which is striking to one is the reverse to another– I feel very anxious to hear what Mr Browning will say to my effort– I am afraid that he will feel vexed with me—& that he would far rather it should not have been done. In fact I do not dare to write to him about it lest it might give him pain– So you must make my peace with him if he is not pleased. I know that he will understand that I have done it with unwillingness because it was opposed to his wishes but also with the hope that after all it might be a source of gratification to him, & that all my feelings have been only of affectionate intend for all– I had a photograph made from the clay, but it did not succeed—& I also worked out the likeness better after it was taken so I shall not send it– Indeed, you would only get a very false notion from any photograph of it–
Is there any body in whose judgment you have confidence here who could see it for you & decide whether you wish it to be executed in marble or not. You know that you are perfectly free to act in this matter as you shall prefer. And I earnestly beg of you to do just as your feelings prompt. Do not allow any consideration with regard to me to interfere with your decision– Whatever you decide to do will be satisfactory to me.
If I make it for you in marble my price is 100 guineas—which is the price I have always asked for a bust– I am sorry that I cannot afford to make it for nothing & to ask your acceptance of it, but the fact is that the position of affairs in America constrains me to do otherwise– But again I beg of you to consider yourself perfectly free in the matter– Whenever you have decided please let me know, that I may make my arrangements accordingly.
Mr Hyett has seen it & he will give you his impression—but he tells me that his recollection is very imperfect as he had not seen yr sister for very many years. …
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Berg Collection.
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