Details
SIR JAMES EDWARD SMITH (1759-1828)
Autograph letter signed ("James Smith") to Sigr. Humphries at Caffee Inglezi, Roma, 3 1/4 pages, 4°, [n.d.].
Extensively discussing the nature of colour: "Tis very strange that I should be so long so very long in finding out the most simple thing in the world, & that is that colour makes colour". Continuing further he states that "[u]ntil Coregio has clearly opened my eyes, I cannot tell, but this am clearly convinced of, that the thicker & smoother colour is the more pure & brilliant tis; provided there be a perfect union & truth between the light & shade of each particular colour". Commenting further on shadow he describes how "it always was and is still my opinion that the harmony & truth of shadows is the very soul of a fine coloured picture and tis that that gives truth charmes and delights the spectator". In a lighter vein he describes "the winter of Parma is the very devil" and comments on "a cursed old stupid custody" who is usually late in the mornings "so that it often happens that I am obliged to walk before the Door of the Accademy till the arrival of Mr. Son of a Bich". He concludes by requesting Humphries to "procure a place to copy the Madonna della Sedia that is that I may be in time upon the list".
Paper discolouration.
Autograph letter signed ("James Smith") to Sigr. Humphries at Caffee Inglezi, Roma, 3 1/4 pages, 4°, [n.d.].
Extensively discussing the nature of colour: "Tis very strange that I should be so long so very long in finding out the most simple thing in the world, & that is that colour makes colour". Continuing further he states that "[u]ntil Coregio has clearly opened my eyes, I cannot tell, but this am clearly convinced of, that the thicker & smoother colour is the more pure & brilliant tis; provided there be a perfect union & truth between the light & shade of each particular colour". Commenting further on shadow he describes how "it always was and is still my opinion that the harmony & truth of shadows is the very soul of a fine coloured picture and tis that that gives truth charmes and delights the spectator". In a lighter vein he describes "the winter of Parma is the very devil" and comments on "a cursed old stupid custody" who is usually late in the mornings "so that it often happens that I am obliged to walk before the Door of the Accademy till the arrival of Mr. Son of a Bich". He concludes by requesting Humphries to "procure a place to copy the Madonna della Sedia that is that I may be in time upon the list".
Paper discolouration.