Letters, ca. 1859-1903.

ArchivalResource

Watts, George Frederick, 1817-1904. Letters, ca. 1859-1903.

Letters, ca. 1859-1903.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/82976979

Collection includes nineteen letters to Henry Holliday and his wife, concerning his painting, sculpture and other matters, with mention of specific works and occasional comments on his philosophy of art. Several of the letters are signed "Signor". In a letter dated 1859 Watts discusses portrait painting and states that one of his chief goals is to to be well-considered by posterity for painting accurate portraits of the great men of the age, as he views such works to be "the only true historical pictures." Other letters are to the Bishop of Winchester (1875), Lady Martin (1885) and others regarding commissions. Writing in 1891 to an unknown correspondent Watts recommends the Fine Arts Insurance Co; a letter dated 1903 March 5 concerns his painting "Peace & Good Will;" to Lord Ronald (1903 July 24) Watts writes of his appreciation for the works of Michelangelo. A group of letters to Celia Levetus, the book illustrator (1901), contain comments on her work. Also included are a sheet of rough pencil sketches, signed and dated 1879, and one dated 1898, three letters by his wife Mary (ca. 1887-1911) the first of which gives details of the Watts' stay in Malta, and a signed portrait photograph of Watts. Arranged chronologically.

67 items.

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