TO THE MOST NOBLE
WILLIAM SPENCER CAVENDISH,
DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE,
MARQUIS OF HARTINGTON, LORD LIEUTENANT
AND CUSTOS ROTULORUM OF DERBYSHIRE, HIGH
STEWARD OF DERBY, AND D.C.L.
MY LORD,
The kind attention which I have received from your Lordship on several occasions, will never be forgotten; and as a small token of gratitude, I beg leave to dedicate this further proof of my humble endeavours, to your Lordship.
Considering the great improvements which have been made in the Fine Arts, within the last fifty years, it is greatly to be regretted that many deserving artists have gone unrewarded, at least their endeavours have not been properly and liberally encouraged. It is true, my Lord, there are many public exhibitions for the sale of works of art; but the privileges of them have been so much abused, that many artists of considerable eminence, decline sending their performances to them. If the Nobility of this kingdom were to employ artists to make drawings of the antiquities and picturesque scenery of the several counties, from which their titles are derived, it would not only be a considerable benefit to them, but their works would become more generally known and admired.[[1]]
Although his Majesty’s Government has lately voted the expenditure of a considerable sum, for the erection of a National Gallery, and the purchase of Mr. Angerstein’s Pictures, which is highly to be commended; yet still there is much want of an institution, whereby the artists of this country could find a certain sale for their performances, at such prices as would enable them to live in some degree of respectability: at present many of them are obliged to have recourse to the picture dealers, who, in most instances, take every advantage of their necessities: but in expressing this opinion, I hope, my Lord, I may not be deemed invidious, and trust those persons who are acquainted with the Arts, will coincide with me.
The liberal encouragement which your Lordship has shewn, in promoting not only the Fine Arts, but every other science, merits the highest commendation; and I sincerely hope your Lordship’s example will be followed by many other Noblemen, who possess the means of promoting them.