"The picture of 'Sigismunda' was painted at the earnest request of Sir Richard Grosvenor (now Lord Grosvenor) in the year 1759, at a time when Mr. Hogarth had fully determined to leave off painting, partly on account of ease and retirement, but more particularly because he had found by thirty years' experience that his pictures—except in an instance or two, mentioned in the note[76]—had not produced him one quarter of the profit that arose from his engravings. However, the flattering compliments, as well as generous offers, made him by the above gentleman (who was immensely rich), prevailed upon the unwary artist to undertake this difficult subject, which being seen and fully approved of by his Lordship whilst in hand, was, after much time, and the utmost efforts, finished. But how! the painter's death (as usual) can only positively determine. The price required for it was therefore not on account of its value as a picture, but proportioned to the value of the time it took in painting.
"This nobleman in the interim fell into the clutches of the dealers in old pictures; the treatment a man who painted new ones was to expect where these gentry once get a footing[77] so much alarmed the artist, that he thought it best to set his Lordship at full liberty to take or reject the picture by writing the following letter, and putting him in mind of the agreement which was made when the work was undertaken:—
Mr. Hogarth's Letter to Sir Richard Grosvenor.
"Sir,—I have done all I can to the picture of 'Sigismunda.' You may remember you was pleased to say you would give me what price I should think fit to set upon any subject I would paint for you; and at the time that you made this generous offer, I in return made it my request that you would use no ceremony in refusing the picture when done, if you should not be thoroughly satisfied with it. This you promised should be as I pleased, which I now entreat you will comply with, without the least hesitation, if you think four hundred too much money for it.[78] One more favour I have to beg, which is, that you will determine on this matter as soon as you can conveniently, that I may resolve whether I shall go about another picture for Mr. Hoare the banker, on the same conditions, or stop here.—I am, etc.
"June 13, 1757.
Sir Richard Grosvenor to Mr. Hogarth.
"Sir,—I should sooner have answered yours of the 13th instant, but have been mostly out of town. I understand by it that you have a commission from Mr. Hoare for a picture. If he should have taken a fancy to the 'Sigismunda,' I have no sort of objection to your letting him have it; for I really think the performance so striking and inimitable, that the constantly having it before one's eyes would be too often occasioning melancholy ideas to arise in one's mind, which a curtain's being drawn before it would not diminish in the least.—I am, Sir, your most obedient servant,
Richard Grosvenor.
"Grosvenor Square,
Sunday morning, June 17.