CHAPTER VIII.
Correspondence of Wright with Mr. Daulby and Mr. J. L. Philips.—The Shakespeare Gallery Pictures.—Dispute about Prices.
“Derby, December 31st 1779.
“To D. Daulby.
“The Empress of Russia has taken into Her capital collection my two pictures of ‘Vesuvius’ & the ‘Girandolo,’ and given me 500 gs for them which is a good reward accompanied with high honour—40 gs to a friend is as little as I can take for the picture you saw of the Fireworks, if you mean that, if not it will depend upon ye size & finishing of any other.”
“4th June 1780.
“To D. Daulby.
“Dear Sir,
“If nothing material happens to prevent me, I intend sending by Shawcross on Monday morning, directed for Mr. Tate as you desire, the picture of the ‘Girandolo’ which I hope will get safe to hand, and meet with your and your friend’s approbation. It is one of the highest finished pictures I have painted. Cost me upwards of six weeks study, and was put into ye exhibition at 100gs. As you are only to send me forty (which I must beg you to keep secret) you must look upon it partly as a compliment on Mr. Tate’s account, and in some degree a compliment to yourself as a well-wisher to and encourager of the arts. With respect to the payment, I would wish you to suit your convenience; any time in the course of the next year will be agreeable to me.
“I have made no alteration in the picture, as I could not with advantage, but most sincerely wish there had been such a Rocket as you wish for. To add it now would destroy too much ye unity of the picture.”
“Derby, Nov 14th 1785
“To D. Daulby.
“Dear Sir,
“The cavern with the figure of ‘Julia,’ which I exhibited in the spring, is still in my possession. It was esteemed by the artists the most sublime picture I ever painted, & so I think myself. A rising moon always conveys to me great majesty.
“I think myself much honoured by your society. Pray make my best compts to all the members, and believe me your much obliged friend,
“JOSH. WRIGHT.”
“I am going to have my picture of ‘Gibraltar’ raffled for by eighty subscribers at five guineas a ticket. The subscription is not yet opened publickly, though I have several names down.
“Danl. Daulby, Jun., Esq.,
“Liverpool.”
“My Dear Sir,
“Many thanks are due to you for the trouble you have had in negotiating the business between Mr. Hardman and myself, and of which I shall retain a grateful remembrance, as I have had repeated proofs of your attention to my best interest, & even in your last letter have anticipated my wish of making my intention of disposing of the picture of ‘Gibraltar’ by subscription as much known as possible in the circle of your acquaintance, for it is not lawful without an act of parliament to advertise a Raffle. I must, therefore, be obliged to my friends to declare my intention of having eighty subscribers at five guineas. I hope your friend Mr. Hardman will not mention the price he gives for the pair of caverns, as I have always had fifty guineas a piece for them of that size.
“You say you hope I will excuse the free thoughts you have intrusted me with respecting the large cavern with the figure of ‘Julia.’ ’Tis the privilege of friends to be open to each other, and if I knew what you really wished I would most certainly accommodate myself to your inclinations. Will you have the picture sent to you? If you approve of it keep it, and pay me for it as shall best suit your conveniency. If you do not like it return it, and we shall both be pleased, for as it was esteemed by the artists the most sublime picture I ever painted, I doubt not but I shall one day or other dispose of it; and believe me, dear sir, with much esteem,
“Yours sincerely,
“JOSH. WRIGHT.
“Derby, Jan. 14, 1786.
“Danl. Daulby, Jun., Esq.,
“Liverpool.”