The Plates for Mic. Angelo here alluded to evidently refer to the reproduction on copper of some of Wright’s sketches from the “Sistine Chapel,” for we find Wright sending the sketches to Philips on Sep. 24th, 1792. There is in existence an impression from copper of one of them, partly in aquatint, but whether from the hand of Wright or Philips it is now impossible to say.
“Derby, 31st Dec., /92.
“My Dear Sir,
“Enclosed I send you Messrs. Crompton’s Draught on Messrs. Ayton, Brassey, Lees, & Co., their Bankers, Lombard Street, for £460, payable in fourteen days, which you will be kind enough to acknowledge the receipt of as soon as you can make it convenient. What you said in your last respecting money matters makes an apology on this account unnecessary. Nevertheless, I must say I feel the obligation very sensibly; and now let me thank you for a Barrel of excellent oisters. Your Brother H. spent part of a day with us. I was in a working humour, so I did not let his visit stop the progress of my pencil. He sat by me, and seemed pleased with the rapid advance of my picture, for it was one of my playthings, or sketches that I was engaged with, which, with six others, I intend to send you next week for yours and my friends’ inspection. ‘A Morning Effect of the Lake of Albano’ is a companion to Wilson’s ‘Evening Effect,’ for my dear friend Tate. I wish it may be found a meet one. I have just prepared a canvas the size of Tate’s ‘Moonlight,’ for an evening effect on another view on the River Tay at Dunkeld, which, if care and study will accomplish it, I intend it to be the best picture I ever painted. I know not how it is, tho’ I am engaged in portraits and made a complete dead colour of a half length yesterday, I find myself continually stealing off and getting to Landscapes.
“JOSH WRIGHT.”
“Derby, 17th January, 1793.
“My Dear Friend,
“I am glad to find, by my friend Tate, the box of Sketches are got safe to hand, and that you approve of them. They ought, as my friend may see by the direction, to have been delivered almost a week ago. I can’t help doing too much to them as sketches, and if any other person than yourself was to have the culling of them, I should certainly charge something more for those that were selected. You are then indebted to me for three 30gs, and if Tate cannot get more for the remaining four, they must go at that price. I am sorry your Brother Hy. did not fix the price for ‘Antigonus,’ as he knew all the circumstances. He was certainly the proper person to have done it, but since it is left to me, I must observe, I have no claim upon him for more than 100gs, as I offered him the other picture for that sum; but in justice to myself I must say it deserves more, considering the pains I took with it, and the charges of the frame, &c., amounting to near £13; but whether he chooses to give me the advanced price, £12Ogs., must be at his option.
“Very Sincerely,
“JOSH WRIGHT.
“I am sorry I cannot fulfil my engagement with Mr. Moreland. Mr. Gisborne does not think himself at liberty to divulge Smith’s mode of washing with water-colours.
“To Mr. J. L. Philips.”
“Feby. 26, 1793.
“My Dear Sir,
“Mr. Wm. Hardman called last night. I showed him the pictures by candle-light, but I don’t think he could see them well. They did not seem to reach his feelings, except a small one of an effect of fire, seen through a dark group of trees, with a large piece of water reflecting the objects about it. Had he not in his possession the cottage, I believe he would have purchased it. ’Tis a new subject, and rather a favourite with me. If there should be an exhibition this year, independent of ye Royal Academy, I perhaps may show it to the public, as also the companion to the ‘Moonlight,’ in my friend Tate’s hands, which, now being near finished, and if I flatter not myself, will be a tolerable picture. ’Tis full of air, and has depth, two necessary requisites for a Landscape.
“I have a great inclination to send you this fire piece to look at. I think it would give you pleasure. If Manchester was nearer I certainly would.
“How goes Mic. Angelo on? Can you give me proof of your abilities yet?
“I often wish I lived with you, that my productions might receive the benefit of your strictures ere they go out into the world, & myself enjoy your friendly conversation; but my lot is cast otherwise. Adieu, my dear friend, and whether near or distant, believe me ever yours,
“JOSH WRIGHT.
“J. L. Philips.”
“King Street, Feby. 19, 1794.
“My Dear Sir,
“The day after you left us I set to work upon the picture of ‘Vesuvius,’ to remove the stiffness of the line of Lava made across it (and which always dissatisfied me), by bringing the trees more over it; but it would not do, for what proved beneficial to the one was injurious to the other, by bringing the groupe of trees & rock much in a line. I have therefore illuminated the ground, over which the Lava is about to pass, very strongly, set fire to the plants & raised a fresh smoke, which here & there passes across the lava, & effectually does the business. I have also increased the quantity & brilliancy of the smoke which arises from the upper surface of the lava, so that the centre of the picture is more lighted up, & the general effect much improved. I have added the forked lightning, which ever attends the dark smoke, & which increases the horror of the subject without disturbing the effect; and on Tuesday I intended putting in ye figures & the finishing touches to your picture, when, alas! I was suddenly seized with the sore throat & fever, a common complaint here. My lungs (a weak part) have suffered much. I have a very bad cough; my frame is much debilitated; the fever is abated. Thank you for your attention (which is ever awake to serve your friends) to ye exhibition business. As they have long ago thrown me on their shelf, I do not feel inclined to sue for protection, but perhaps when my nerves are more settled I may see it in another light.
“Yours most sincerely,
“J. W.”