| Description | Dear Signor
I did not get your Sat[urda]y's letter till yesterday evening after my visit to the R.A. I took it down with me this afternoon & showed it to Calderon, telling him of course, that it was a private communication to me. We both agreed that the place which 'Eve' now has is more advantageous than the end of the big room, for two reasons, in the first place the picture on the line in the centre of that wall (& your picture would have required the centre) would have pushed it up too high and in the next an upright narrow picture does not look to advantage in the middle of a broad wall. We ought not under our regulation to hint, even where a picture is placed but knowing that you will be absolutely silent & won't betray us (me & Calderon) I write to say where it is; it is hung where your Cain looked so well but, as agreed, a little higher - that is to say over a picture including the frame not over 4 feet high. It is thus seen right across the whole length of the room from the central hall and is much less high than it would be over the centre picture in the west wall. The place has the further advantage that occupying the whole width of the panel A it is much more isolated from the work of a different quality. We do trust my dear Signor that you will like the place when you see it. Don't expect too much of my perpetrations I am much disappointed with them in the R.A. - alas! When shall I not be?
Val's picture is vigorous & original in tone & colour, unfortunately there are some small figures right in the middle of the canvas (tho' distant) which are rather negliges & they militate against the pleasantness of the aspect. Looking to see you at the Varnishing I am dear Signor
Yours affec'ly
Fred Leighton
p.s. If you see the 'Times' you will find in today's issue a letter from me. |