“In perfect confidence I trouble you with rather a more weighty concern in the way of art than I expected, but hope it may turn out well.
“A short extract from Westmacott’s letter will explain it best:—
“‘On my return yesterday from Wilton, I found your very flattering letter and acceptance of my labours. Artists are perhaps not the best judges of their own efforts, but I confess I shall feel a little disappointed if my ‘Nymph and Zephyr’ is not as favourably received as even the ‘Psyche.’
“‘I have, I think, caught your ideas in the
management I have adopted, which is well calculated to display the graces
and prominent beauties of the female form, whilst the playfulness of the
child heightens the interest of the group. I enter fully into your feelings
in being desirous to withhold the work from general view for the present,
but I see no objection to your wish that Mr.
Jerdan should see it and notice it. Mr.
Parker has reported me
| 140 | AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY. |
“May I hope, therefore, you will have the goodness to take an opportunity of seeing it, and mentioning it as you think fit, as one of the novelties for my gallery next year; and what I am still more anxious for, is to have your private opinion of it. Pray also remember the fishing season is advancing, and shall be quite disappointed if you let it pass unheeded or unmindful of your friends at Tabley.
